Kuwait hosted the second Kuwaiti-Saudi coordination meeting on September 13, 2025, aimed at enhancing cooperation and coordination in naval operations between the two countries. Major General Saif Al-Hamlan, commander of the Kuwait Naval Forces, received Major General Mansour Al-Otaibi, assistant commander of the Eastern Fleet of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, and his accompanying delegation at the Mohammed Al-Ahmad Naval Base. The meeting provided a platform for both sides to discuss key issues in maritime security. According to a press statement from the Chief of Staff, the event was part of the annual work program between the Kuwaiti and Saudi naval forces.
The primary focus of the gathering was on exchanging expertise in the field of joint naval operations. Participants reviewed current cooperation levels and identified areas for further development in maritime coordination. This second meeting follows an initial session and demonstrates the commitment of both nations to maintaining strong naval partnerships. Officials emphasized the importance of such regular interactions in addressing regional security challenges.
This latest coordination effort is part of a series of initiatives to bolster bilateral military relations. In May 2025, Rear Admiral Saif Al-Hamlan led a Kuwaiti delegation to Saudi Arabia where talks were held with Saudi military leaders on enhancing maritime security through better coordination and joint training exercises. Those discussions also explored future avenues for naval cooperation in the region.
The two forces later conducted the joint naval exercise “Gulf Peace 1” in January 2026 at a Saudi naval base. That drill incorporated multiple scenarios including command and control procedures, search and rescue missions, and defense of offshore oil platforms. Live-fire exercises formed a key component, contributing to improved combat readiness and unified tactical approaches between the participating units.
Security cooperation between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia extends beyond naval matters into other domains. Acting Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Al-Adwani met with a Saudi counterpart in November 2025 to review shared interests and expand exchange of technical expertise. The meeting highlighted opportunities to improve service systems and boost operational efficiency in security services.
A virtual meeting of the military and security coordination committee occurred on September 21, 2026, chaired by Kuwaiti Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Lieutenant General Abdulwahab Al-Wahib. Participants from various government bodies including defense, foreign affairs, cybersecurity and anti-corruption agencies discussed joint projects and mechanisms to enhance information sharing. The session aligned with the strong fraternal relations between the two countries and their mutual interest in promoting stability.
The ongoing collaboration reflects the strategic importance both countries place on maritime security given their shared borders in the Arabian Gulf. Earlier in 2025, Kuwait approved a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia for intelligence cooperation and exchange of military information on potential threats. These agreements ensure that information is used solely for defensive purposes in accordance with national and international obligations.
