At the 15th Kuwaiti-U.S. Joint Military Commission (JMC) meeting held in Kuwait in May 2024, the U.S. pledged to strengthen its bilateral strategic partnership to rise to the challenges facing the region and the world.
Chief of Staff of Kuwait Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Bander Salem Al Muzaien led the discussions in Kuwait City with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro.
Promoting the integration of air and missile defense and early warning systems across the region was among topics discussed during the two days of talks.
The meeting ended with the signing of numerous defense and security agreements between the two nations in ceremonies attended by senior military officers, Kuwaiti Ambassador to the U.S. Sheikha Al-Zain Nasser Al Sabah and U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait Karen Hideko Sasahara.
JMC, a Kuwaiti-U.S. defense forum for senior defense officials, serves to raise strategic issues and advance the defense partnership.
Kuwait enjoys a robust relationship with the U.S. at all levels aimed at enhancing security and stability not only in Kuwait but also throughout the Middle East. JMC is just one aspect of the relationship. The Arabian Gulf state also provides the main platforms for major U.S.-led counterterrorism operations and hosted the headquarters of Combined Task Joint Force-Operation Inherent Resolve.
Committed to Kuwait’s security and stability, the U.S. provides military and defense technical support to Kuwait through the Foreign Military Sales program. And U.S. personnel assist the Kuwaiti military with training, readiness and capacity building.
In April 2024, Kuwait celebrated the 20th anniversary of its designation by the U.S. as a major non-NATO ally. Under U.S. law, that status provides foreign partners with economic and security benefits.
Sources: Kuwait News Agency, alkhaleejonline.net, U.S. Defense Department