ISLAMABAD: In a significant step towards deepening bilateral strategic ties, Kuwait has formally approved a defence cooperation agreement with Pakistan, paving the way for expanded collaboration in military training, intelligence sharing, defence technology, logistics and broader armed forces cooperation.
The approval was granted through a decree-law published in the latest edition of Kuwait’s official gazette, Kuwait Alyawm, formally endorsing the defence cooperation agreement signed by the two countries in Kuwait on June 11, 2023.
The pact establishes a comprehensive framework to strengthen defence relations and promote cooperation in military training, education and other security-related fields in accordance with the domestic laws of both countries and their respective international obligations.
Under the agreement, Pakistan and Kuwait will expand cooperation across a wide range of areas, including military training and education, logistical support, the exchange of military personnel, technical experts and specialists, scientific and technological collaboration, military intelligence, and other mutually agreed fields of defence cooperation.
To facilitate implementation, both sides will prepare annual cooperation plans through executive protocols and programmes designed to translate the agreement into practical initiatives.
The agreement also provides for regular exchanges of senior military delegations and high-level official visits aimed at strengthening institutional links and enhancing strategic engagement between the armed forces of the two countries.
A joint military committee will be established to oversee and coordinate implementation of the agreement. Headed by representatives appointed by the defence ministers of Pakistan and Kuwait, the committee will meet annually to assess progress, review ongoing cooperation and identify new areas for collaboration.
A key feature of the agreement is its robust confidentiality framework. It stipulates that classified information, documents, materials and intelligence exchanged under the pact may not be disclosed to any third party without the prior written consent of the originating country. The obligation to safeguard confidential information will remain in force even after the agreement expires.
The pact also outlines financial arrangements based on the principle of reciprocity. Under these provisions, the host country will bear the cost of official domestic travel, accommodation and emergency medical treatment for visiting delegations during mutually agreed official visits.
The agreement further clarifies that its provisions will not affect the existing rights and obligations of either country under international treaties or other bilateral agreements.
It also specifies that any dispute arising from the interpretation or implementation of the agreement will be resolved amicably through bilateral consultations and negotiations, without recourse to domestic or international courts or third-party arbitration.
The formal approval of the agreement marks another milestone in the evolving strategic relationship between Pakistan and Kuwait and is expected to further enhance defence and security cooperation between the two longstanding partners.
