On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Saddam invasion of Kuwait, as part of its seasonal activities, the Sumer Institute for International Affairs hosted a dialogue session titled “Iraqi-Kuwaiti Relations: Moving Beyond the Past and Building for the Future.” The session featured Professor Dr. Bader Mousa Al-Saif, a faculty member at Kuwait University, fellow at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, and the Gulf States Institute in Washington.
During the session, Dr. Bader Al-Saif highlighted several key points regarding the positive transformations in the relations between Iraq and Kuwait. He emphasized the importance of direct meetings and discussions between the two countries without intermediaries to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. He also touched on the bright historical aspects of Iraqi-Kuwaiti relations, which span over a century, noting that the hardships endured by both peoples could contribute to correcting past negative events.
Dr. Al-Saif stressed the need to recall the forgotten history of relations between the two countries, highlighting their mutual influence, such as after Iraq’s independence from British occupation following the 1920 revolution, which enabled Kuwait to draft its first constitution in 1921. He underscored the importance of calm discussions that accommodate all viewpoints, focusing on educational and cultural aspects, especially in the southern provinces of Iraq, which share many commonalities with Kuwait.
Dr. Al-Saif discussed the evolution of Kuwaiti national identity post-invasion and the strong relationship that began to develop between the center and the peripheries within Kuwait. He explained that the Kuwaiti leadership is working to enhance development and cohesion with the northern regions of the country through strategic projects such as the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Bridge and the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, which can contribute to spatial development between Iraq and Kuwait.
Despite significant progress in official relations between the two countries, Dr. Al-Saif pointed out that social and psychological aspects still suffer from the invasion’s repercussions. He stressed the need for internal frankness and comprehensive recovery plans, praising the efforts of successive Iraqi governments post-2003 in searching for the remains of Kuwaitis, noting the discovery of 293 remains and the ongoing search for over 300 missing persons, calling for this issue to be given utmost humanitarian importance.
While highlighting the positive developments in relations between the two countries, Dr. Al-Saif mentioned that many issues still need to be resolved. He noted that Kuwait supported Iraq’s exit from Chapter VII despite the incomplete compensations at the time. He emphasized the need to develop new tools for relations that include societal, educational, and cultural dimensions, focusing on educational curriculum reforms and distinguishing the Iraqi people from the former political regime.
On the economic front, Dr. Al-Saif stated that the relations between the two countries have not yet reached the desired level. He pointed out the importance of the Al-Faw Port in serving Iraq and facilitating trade cooperation between the two countries, calling for enhanced communication between Iraqi and Kuwaiti students and the development of a comprehensive security concept, as well as addressing climate change and diversifying revenues.
In foreign policy, Dr. Al-Saif emphasized the presence of common principles that can help dissolve disputes if focused upon. He mentioned the necessity of a comprehensive recovery plan that includes cooperation in neighboring oil fields. He praised the Kuwait-hosted Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq in 2018, considering it an opportunity to build interlinked borders and areas.
In conclusion, Dr. Al-Saif stressed the importance of having a clear action plan that enhances Iraq’s role as a capable mediator in the region and institutionalizing the relations between the two countries. He called for moving beyond violence and fostering human communication, focusing on human development and collaboration in popular diplomatic projects such as the Gulf Cup 25. He also highlighted the need to build a sustainable future that strengthens the shared heritage between Iraq and Kuwait, asserting that Iraq should be strong, united, and open to Arab nations.
To watch the full interview click Here