Islamabad/Riyadh: Kuwait is seeking to expand its defense cooperation with Pakistan as the two countries hold preliminary discussions on a broader defense agreement linked to energy cooperation and investment, according to Reuters.
The report, citing informed sources, said that Pakistan and Kuwait are engaged in initial negotiations to broaden their existing defense partnership.
Kuwait is reportedly interested in a level of military cooperation similar to Pakistan’s longstanding defense relationship with Saudi Arabia.
As part of the discussions, Kuwait has expressed interest in Pakistan’s military capabilities, including fighter aircraft, drones, air defense systems, and military expertise.
In return, Pakistan is seeking greater cooperation in the energy sector, along with increased Kuwaiti investment.
The report added that Kuwait is also interested in Pakistan’s bonded diesel fuel storage project. Meanwhile, Bahrain has reportedly shown interest in expanding defense cooperation with Pakistan, while Jordan is exploring agreements related to Pakistani defense equipment and military training.
Reuters noted that ongoing regional tensions between the United States and Iran could temporarily affect the pace of Pakistan-Kuwait defense negotiations. However, progress is expected to accelerate if tensions between Washington and Tehran ease.
Pakistan and Kuwait have maintained a limited defense cooperation agreement since 2023, focusing on military training and joint exercises. Kuwait is now looking to expand that framework into a broader strategic defense partnership similar to Pakistan’s defense cooperation model with Saudi Arabia.