Kuwait signs investment, defence accords during Meloni’s visit

Kuwait and Italy signed two memorandums of understanding and a letter of intent covering investment promotion, defence capabilities and military cooperation during Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s official visit on Friday.

Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Meloni witnessed the signing.

The investment memorandum links the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority with the Italian Trade Agency. It was signed by KDIPA director general Sheikh Dr Meshal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and agency president Matteo Zoppas.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence also signed a letter of intent with Leonardo to develop defence capabilities and industrial cooperation.

The signatories were ministry undersecretary Sheikh Dr Abdullah Meshal Mubarak Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Leonardo chief executive and general manager Lorenzo Mariani.

A second memorandum covers military advisory services and training between the Kuwait National Guard and Italy’s Carabinieri, which falls under the Italian Ministry of Defence.

It was initialled by National Guard undersecretary Lt Gen Hamad Salem Al-Barjas and Italian ambassador Lorenzo Morini on behalf of the Carabinieri.

Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah also received Meloni and her delegation during the visit.

Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah attended the meeting.

The discussions reviewed the development of bilateral relations and opportunities to expand cooperation, particularly in economic and defence affairs.

The two sides also addressed issues of mutual concern and regional and international developments.