Kuwait's Foreign Policy
In essence, Kuwait's foreign policy is based
on the principles of clarity, straightforwardness
and quiet diplomacy. It aims at strengthening
constructive cooperation with other countries
on the basis of mutual respect, and non-intervention
in the internal affairs in accordance with the
principles of fairness and justice. Kuwait's foreign
policy is also concerned with the maintenance
of its own independence, sovereignty and freedom
of political decision.
The formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC) is an expression and extension of Kuwait's
primary foreign policy goals. Created on February
4, 1981, the GCC has based its work on these principles
to intensify efforts towards broadening cooperation
among its members. The Charter of the GCC was
signed by Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Oman
and Saudi Arabia in May 1981. The GCC groups together
countries that are similar in culture, political
structure and legal framework. The preferred approach
of the GCC States is political mediation, crisis
management and balance of power politics. The
Charter aims at establishing a free market aiming
a currency union and free movement of labour among
the member countries.
The Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) was set
up under the GCC Charter to investigate and fund
development projects within the GCC for the production
of import substitutes. The GIC has made impressive
strides in the various fields.
Kuwait is also a member of the Arab League, where
it realises its belief in a common Arab destiny
by enhancing its relations with the Arab States.
Kuwait actively supports, and works for the advancement
of the cardinal principles of the Arab League
and all its associated organisations.
At the level of the Islamic States, Kuwait has
achieved reasonable success in overcoming the
obstacles that weaken Islamic cooperation. The
fifth Islamic Conference hosted by Kuwait in January
1987 played a catalytic role towards attaining
greater success.
Kuwait joined the United Nations on May 14, 1963
thereby becoming the 111th member of the world
body. Kuwait has upheld the UN's principle of
constructive cooperation, based on peace, equality
and justice, among the nations of the world. The
UN, on its part, has reciprocated by lending international
support to Kuwait during the invasion by Iraq.
Kuwait has worked for strengthening the organisation
and has pledged more funds to the UN corpus than
its prescribed quota.
