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⚫ {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox Bilateral relations|Kuwait–Russia|Kuwait|Russia|filetype=svg}} {{Infobox bilateral relations|Kuwait–Russia|Kuwait|Russia|filetype=svg}}
'''Kuwait–Russia relations''' is the ] between the two countries, ] and ]. '''Kuwait–Russia relations''' refer to the ] between ] and ].

⚫ Prior to the ], Kuwait was the only "pro-]" state in the ] region.<ref name=russ/><ref>{{cite book|title=The Persian Puzzle: Deciphering the Twenty-five-Year Conflict Between Iran and America|pages=225|isbn=9781588364340|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VtISTfUL-NAC&pg=PA225|last1=Pollack|first1=Kenneth|date=2 November 2004}}</ref> Kuwait acted as a conduit for the Soviets to the other Gulf states and Kuwait was used to demonstrate the benefits of a pro-Soviet stance.<ref name=russ/>


⚫ Prior to the ], Kuwait was the only "pro-]" state in the Gulf.<ref name=russ/><ref>{{cite book|title=The Persian Puzzle: Deciphering the Twenty-five-Year Conflict Between Iran and America|pages=225|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=VtISTfUL-NAC&pg=PA225&lpg=PA225&dq}}</ref> Kuwait acted as a conduit for the Soviets to the other Gulf states and Kuwait was used to demonstrate the benefits of a pro-Soviet stance.<ref name=russ/>
==Background== ==Background==

===Russian Empire relations=== ===Russian Empire relations===
In the beginning of the 20th century, the ] sought to expand its international presence by creating new ], and the Empire looked to the ].<ref name="kuwaitphoto"/> Russian interest in the region was twofold. Inroads were made by the Empire in ], and there was increasing rivalry between the ] and ] in the region. Britain had suffered major setbacks in the ], and its colonial rivals sought to capitalise upon the position of the British which was increasingly undermined in the region. The Russians were also further motivated to increase their presence in the region, as both the Russians and ] shared a common hostility towards the ]. At the same time, the ] was planning to build ], which was planned to terminate in Kuwait.<ref name=rezvan>{{cite news|url=http://www.darah.org.sa/bohos/Data/15/11.htm|title=Russian Reports as a Source on the History of Arabia and the Gulf Region (1898-1904)|last=Rezvan|first=Dr. Efim A.|publisher=King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives|accessdate=2009-07-03}}</ref> In the beginning of the 20th century, the ] sought to expand its international presence by creating new ], and the Empire looked to the ].<ref name="kuwaitphoto"/> Russian interest in the region was twofold. Inroads were made by the Empire in ], and there was increasing rivalry between the ] and ] in the region. Britain had suffered major setbacks in the ], and its colonial rivals sought to capitalise upon the position of the British which was increasingly undermined in the region. The Russians were also further motivated to increase their presence in the region, as both the Russians and ] shared a common hostility towards the ]. At the same time, the ] was planning to build ], which was planned to terminate in Kuwait.<ref name=rezvan>{{cite news|url=http://www.darah.org.sa/bohos/Data/15/11.htm|title=Russian Reports as a Source on the History of Arabia and the Gulf Region (1898-1904)|last=Rezvan|first=Dr. Efim A.|publisher=King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives|access-date=2009-07-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106024138/http://www.darah.org.sa/bohos/Data/15/11.htm|archive-date=6 January 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>


In 1899 the ] cruiser ''Arkona'' appeared in the Persian Gulf, which was mistaken by the British to be a Russian warship. Upon hearing of this, the ] to ] made a recommendation that the Empire should send a warship to the Persian Gulf. ] ] approved the decision to send the ]. ], the ], wrote to ], the ] explaining that the purpose of sending the ''Gilyak'' was to show the British and local authorities that by flying the ] in the ], the Empire regards the Persian Gulf as being open to vessels of all nations, and that there was no aggressive intent nor plans for terrorial acquisitions.<ref name=rezvan/> When the ''Gilyak'' arrived in Kuwait in February 1900, the British attempted to stop the ], ], from meeting the Russians, but he did travel from the desert to greet the Russians, whom he saw as an ally against Britain.<ref name=kuwaitphoto/><ref name=rezvan/> Extensive discussions with the Russians led to Mubarak in the spring of 1901 asking for Russian protection; only 2 years after he had agreed to become a British ],<ref name=rezvan/><ref name="page123">{{Cite book|last=Kreutz|first=Andrej|title=Russia in the Middle East: friend or foe?|publisher=]|year=2007|pages=123|isbn=0-275-99328-0|url=http://books.google.com.au/books?id=QI9atBdvM3MC|chapter=Russia and the Arabian Peninsula|accessdate=2009-07-03}}</ref> although Russian sources indicate that the request was turned down to avoid antagonising the British.<ref name="page123"/> In 1899 the ] cruiser ''Arkona'' appeared in the Persian Gulf, which was mistaken by the British to be a Russian warship. Upon hearing of this, the ] to ] made a recommendation that the Empire should send a warship to the Persian Gulf. ] ] approved the decision to send the gunboat ''Gilyak''. ], the ], wrote to Pyotr Tyrtov, the ] explaining that the purpose of sending the ''Gilyak'' was to show the British and local authorities that by flying the ] in the ], the Empire regards the Persian Gulf as being open to vessels of all nations, and that there was no aggressive intent nor plans for terrorial acquisitions.<ref name=rezvan/> When the ''Gilyak'' arrived in Kuwait in February 1900, the British attempted to stop the ], ], from meeting the Russians, but he did travel from the desert to greet the Russians, whom he saw as an ally against Britain.<ref name=kuwaitphoto/><ref name=rezvan/> Extensive discussions with the Russians led to Mubarak in the spring of 1901 asking for Russian protection; only 2 years after he had agreed to become a British ],<ref name=rezvan/><ref name="page123">{{Cite book|last=Kreutz|first=Andrej|title=Russia in the Middle East: friend or foe?|publisher=]|year=2007|pages=123|isbn=978-0-275-99328-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QI9atBdvM3MC|chapter=Russia and the Arabian Peninsula|access-date=2009-07-03}}</ref> although Russian sources indicate that the request was turned down to avoid antagonising the British.<ref name="page123"/>


In April 1900 the Russians had plans to open a regular ] line between ] and ports in the Persian Gulf, leading them to open ] in ] and ]. The ] '']'' sailed into Kuwait on 8 December 1901, and Jabir bin Mubarak, the son of the Emir, boarded the vessel to greet the visitors.<ref name="kuwaitphoto">{{Cite book|last=Facey|first=William|author2=Grant, Gillian |title=Kuwait by the First Photographers|publisher=I.B.Tauris|year=1998|pages=32–35|chapter=Russian ships at Kuwait, 1900-1903|isbn=1-86064-271-3|url=http://books.google.com.au/books?id=Gw4Jksk3uyYC|accessdate=2009-07-03}}</ref> The Emir was in ] preparing for an expected Wahabi attack, and the ship's officers were taken to Jahra, where they were warmly met by the Emir and were informed that he would turn to Russia for help if Kuwait were to be in danger, and that the Emir would like to see as many Russian ships in Kuwait as possible.<ref name=kuwaitphoto/><ref name=rezvan/> The visit of the ''Varyag'' was a success, and the Russians left the Persian Gulf leaving the impression of naval superiority over their British rivals.<ref name=kuwaitphoto/> In April 1900 the Russians had plans to open a regular ] line between ] and ports in the Persian Gulf, leading them to open ] in ] and ]. The ] '']'' sailed into Kuwait on 8 December 1901, and Jabir bin Mubarak, the son of the Emir, boarded the vessel to greet the visitors.<ref name="kuwaitphoto">{{Cite book|last=Facey|first=William|author2=Grant, Gillian |title=Kuwait by the First Photographers|publisher=I.B.Tauris|year=1998|pages=32–35|chapter=Russian ships at Kuwait, 1900-1903|isbn=1-86064-271-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gw4Jksk3uyYC|access-date=2009-07-03}}</ref> The Emir was in ] preparing for an expected Wahabi attack, and the ship's officers were taken to Jahra, where they were warmly met by the Emir and were informed that he would turn to Russia for help if Kuwait were to be in danger, and that the Emir would like to see as many Russian ships in Kuwait as possible.<ref name=kuwaitphoto/><ref name=rezvan/> The visit of the ''Varyag'' was a success, and the Russians left the Persian Gulf leaving the impression of naval superiority over their British rivals.<ref name=kuwaitphoto/>


After the visit of the ''Varyag'', the next Russian to have an audience with the Emir was N.V. Bogoyavlensky, a ], who was engaging in research in the region for the Society of Lovers of Natural Science, Anthropology and Ethnography of ].<ref name=kuwaitphoto/> Upon meeting the Russian, the Emir was reported as telling the zoologist, "I believe the Russians are friends. I am happy to play host to them. I am always ready to do everything I can for them."<ref name=rezvan/> After the visit of the ''Varyag'', the next Russian to have an audience with the Emir was N.V. Bogoyavlensky, a ], who was engaging in research in the region for the Society of Lovers of Natural Science, Anthropology and Ethnography of ].<ref name=kuwaitphoto/> Upon meeting the Russian, the Emir was reported as telling the zoologist, "I believe the Russians are friends. I am happy to play host to them. I am always ready to do everything I can for them."<ref name=rezvan/>
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===Soviet-era relations=== ===Soviet-era relations===
Kuwait gained independence from the ] on 19 June 1961, and applied for membership of the ]. The ] vetoed the admission of the newly independent State on 7 July 1961. Kuwait again applied for membership in November 1961, and again the Soviets vetoed the admission of the country in the ], based on an argument that Kuwait was not yet fit to be seen as an independent State, and also due to their opinion that the 1961 treaty with the United Kingdom submitted the Persian Gulf state to foreign political influence.<ref>{{cite book|last=Albaharna|first=Husain M.|title=The Legal Status of the Arabian Gulf States: A Study of Their Treaty Relations and Their International Problems|publisher=Manchester University Press ND|year=1968|pages=251|chapter=Iraqi claim to sovereignty over Kuwait|isbn=0-7190-0332-6|url=http://books.google.com.au/books?id=BH27AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA251&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=5|accessdate=2009-07-03}}</ref> The Soviet attitude towards Kuwait was ultimately guided by ], which had long held territorial ambitions towards Kuwait. When the Iraqi leader ] was overthrown in a ], ] relations with ] deteroriated, leading to a warmer attitude towards Kuwait.<ref name="friendfoe">{{Cite book|last=Kreutz|first=Andrej|title=Russia in the Middle East: Friend or Foe?|publisher=]|year=2007|pages=135–137|isbn=0-275-99328-0|url=http://books.google.com.au/books?id=QI9atBdvM3MC|chapter=Russia and the Arabian Peninsula|accessdate=2009-07-03}}</ref> This led to the two countries establishing ] on 11 March 1963.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ginsburgs|first=George|author2=Slusser, Robert M.|title=A Calendar of Soviet Treaties, 1958–1973|publisher=BRILL|year=1981|pages=211|isbn=90-286-0609-2|url=http://books.google.com.au/books?id=3X4nnE7eKjEC&pg=PA211|accessdate=2009-07-03}}</ref> Kuwait saw the establishment of relations as an insurance policy, of sorts, against new Iraqi territorial ambitions, and Russia saw the relationship as a bridge between the ] and the ]. In the years that followed, relations between the Soviet Union and Kuwait were not always cordial, which was exemplified by ] ] making disparaging remarks towards the Kuwaiti leadership whilst on a ] to ] in March 1964.<ref name=friendfoe/> Kuwait gained independence from the ] on 19 June 1961, and applied for membership of the ]. The ] vetoed the admission of the newly independent State on 7 July 1961. Kuwait again applied for membership in November 1961, and again the Soviets vetoed the admission of the country in the ], based on an argument that Kuwait was not yet fit to be seen as an independent State, and also due to their opinion that the 1961 treaty with the United Kingdom submitted the Persian Gulf state to foreign political influence.<ref>{{cite book|last=Albaharna|first=Husain M.|title=The Legal Status of the Arabian Gulf States: A Study of Their Treaty Relations and Their International Problems|publisher=Manchester University Press ND|year=1968|pages=251|chapter=Iraqi claim to sovereignty over Kuwait|isbn=0-7190-0332-6|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BH27AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA251|access-date=2009-07-03}}</ref> The Soviet attitude towards Kuwait was ultimately guided by ], which had long held territorial ambitions towards Kuwait. When the Iraqi leader ] was overthrown in a ], ] relations with ] deteroriated, leading to a warmer attitude towards Kuwait.<ref name="friendfoe">{{Cite book|last=Kreutz|first=Andrej|title=Russia in the Middle East: Friend or Foe?|publisher=]|year=2007|pages=135–137|isbn=978-0-275-99328-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QI9atBdvM3MC|chapter=Russia and the Arabian Peninsula|access-date=2009-07-03}}</ref> This led to the two countries establishing ] on 11 March 1963.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ginsburgs|first=George|author2=Slusser, Robert M.|title=A Calendar of Soviet Treaties, 1958–1973|publisher=BRILL|year=1981|pages=211|isbn=90-286-0609-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3X4nnE7eKjEC&pg=PA211|access-date=2009-07-03}}</ref> Kuwait saw the establishment of relations as an insurance policy, of sorts, against new Iraqi territorial ambitions, and Russia saw the relationship as a bridge between the ] and the ]. In the years that followed, relations between the Soviet Union and Kuwait were not always cordial, which was exemplified by ] ] making disparaging remarks towards the Kuwaiti leadership whilst on a ] to ] in March 1964.<ref name=friendfoe/>


Relations began to improve when ] became the Soviet leader in October 1964; however, in the ], Russia favored Iraq over Kuwait.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.calameo.com/read/001231435f33aa8e21ee6|title=The Political History of Russia–GCC Relations|publisher=Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies|author=Elena Melkumyan|date=December 2015|accessdate=13 December 2015}}</ref> In the latter part of the 1970s, relations became more cordial. The Soviets supported the Kuwaiti's nationalisation of its ], and the two countries shared similar views on ] issues, in particular in relation to the ]. Kuwait appreciated Soviet support for the ], and after the outbreak of the ], the country began to support Soviet proposals in the Persian Gulf after recognising that the Soviet presence in the Persian Gulf was of a stabilising nature, and also as Moscow acted as a guarantor against ]i or ]ian aggression. This led to Kuwait actively lobbying members of the ] to ], ending the diplomatic isolation of the ] amongst the countries on the ]; for most of the ], Kuwait was one of only two countries which maintained such relations with the Soviet Union.<ref name=friendfoe/> Relations began to improve when ] became the Soviet leader in October 1964; however, in the ], Russia favored Iraq over Kuwait.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.calameo.com/read/001231435f33aa8e21ee6|title=The Political History of Russia–GCC Relations|publisher=Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies|author=Elena Melkumyan|date=December 2015|access-date=13 December 2015}}</ref> In the latter part of the 1970s, relations became more cordial. The Soviets supported the Kuwaiti's nationalisation of its ], and the two countries shared similar views on ] issues, in particular in relation to the ]. Kuwait appreciated Soviet support for the ], and after the outbreak of the ], the country began to support Soviet proposals in the Persian Gulf after recognising that the Soviet presence in the Persian Gulf was of a stabilising nature, and also as Moscow acted as a guarantor against ]i or ]ian aggression. This led to Kuwait actively lobbying members of the ] to ], ending the diplomatic isolation of the ] amongst the countries on the ]; for most of the ], Kuwait was one of only two countries which maintained such relations with the Soviet Union.<ref name=friendfoe/>


Prior to the ], Kuwait was the only "pro-Soviet" Gulf state.<ref name=russ/> Kuwait acted as a conduit for the Soviets to the other Gulf states and Kuwait was used to demonstrate the benefits of a pro-Soviet stance.<ref name=russ>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=8MLYm3JB8dMC&pg=PA51&dq|title=America and the Persian Gulf: The Third Party Dimension in World Politics|page=51|author=Steve Yetiv}}</ref> Prior to the ], Kuwait was the only "pro-Soviet" ].<ref name=russ/> Kuwait acted as a conduit for the Soviets to the other Gulf states and Kuwait was used to demonstrate the benefits of a pro-Soviet stance.<ref name=russ>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8MLYm3JB8dMC&pg=PA51|title=America and the Persian Gulf: The Third Party Dimension in World Politics|page=51|author=Steve Yetiv|year=1995|isbn=9780275949730}}</ref> In 1987, after U.S.A refused to supply Stingers, Kuwait signed a 327 million dollar deal with Soviet Union for the purchase of surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, tanks and other military equipment. Reportedly, Soviet experts would assemble and operate military equipment and train Kuwaiti personnel.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ap|date=1984-07-13|title=Kuwait Initials a $327 Million Soviet Arms Deal|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/07/13/world/kuwait-initials-a-327-million-soviet-arms-deal.html|access-date=2020-09-19|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


After the August 1990 ] by ], due to Iraqi demands, the Soviet Union evacuated its ]. A spokesman for the Soviet Foreign Ministry noted that the embassy, under international law, was still open, albeit vacant, and that the evacuation of the 882 Soviets in Kuwait did not alter the Soviet stance on the illegality of the Iraqi invasion. The ] ] explained that the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait had created an "extraordinary and extremely dangerous" situation in ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8JgWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_BMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6155,3807015|title=Soviet Union withdraws from embassy in Iraq|date=25 August 1990|work=]|pages=5A|accessdate=2009-07-08}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Furthermore, Gorbachev warned ] ] that refusal to abide by ] resolutions would see the Council introducing further measures against Iraq.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/25/world/confrontation-gulf-gorbachev-warns-baghdad-back-off-un-will-act-iraqis-ring.html|title=Confrontation in the Gulf; Gorbachev warns Baghdad to back off or U.N. will act; Iraqis ring Kuwait missions|last=Apple, Jr|first=A.W.|date=25 August 1990|work=]|accessdate=2009-07-08}}</ref> After the August 1990 ] by ], due to Iraqi demands, the Soviet Union evacuated its ]. A spokesman for the Soviet Foreign Ministry noted that the embassy, under international law, was still open, albeit vacant, and that the evacuation of the 882 Soviets in Kuwait did not alter the Soviet stance on the illegality of the Iraqi invasion. The ] ] explained that the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait had created an "extraordinary and extremely dangerous" situation in ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8JgWAAAAIBAJ&pg=6155,3807015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715141815/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8JgWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_BMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6155,3807015|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 July 2012|title=Soviet Union withdraws from embassy in Iraq|date=25 August 1990|work=]|pages=5A|access-date=2009-07-08}}</ref> Furthermore, Gorbachev warned ] ] that refusal to abide by ] resolutions would see the Council introducing further measures against Iraq.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/25/world/confrontation-gulf-gorbachev-warns-baghdad-back-off-un-will-act-iraqis-ring.html|title=Confrontation in the Gulf; Gorbachev warns Baghdad to back off or U.N. will act; Iraqis ring Kuwait missions|last=Apple|first=A.W. Jr.|date=25 August 1990|work=]|access-date=2009-07-08}}</ref>


==Russian Federation relations== ==Russian Federation relations==
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===Diplomatic ties=== ===Diplomatic ties===
].]] ].]]
On 28 December 1991, Kuwait recognised the ] as the ] to the Soviet Union.<ref name="ruskuwaitmid">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mid.ru/ns-rasia.nsf/1083b7937ae580ae432569e7004199c2/d0ccb58c8a3beb7143256dd3002c1bca?OpenDocument|script-title=ru:Российско-кувейтские отношения|date=12 March 2009|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-07-03|language=ru}}</ref> ] in ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mid.ru/zu_r.nsf/e0f3cd1a55ff248dc32571e7003f460b/a494e70835b0f4e9c32565e8003604ad?OpenDocument|title=Посольство в Эль-Кувейте|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-07-05}}</ref> and Kuwait has an ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mofa.gov.kw/MOFA/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1003:2009-03-19-07-31-40&catid=31&Itemid=93|script-title=ar:سفارة دولة الكويت ( روسيا الاتحادية -موسكو )|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-07-05|language=ar}}</ref> The current ] is ], who was appointed by ] ] on 28 January 2008,<ref>{{cite web|title=УКАЗ Президента РФ от 28.01.2008 N 102|publisher= ]|url=http://document.kremlin.ru/doc.asp?ID=043918|accessdate=2008-10-17|language=ru}}</ref> and who presented his credentials to Emir ] on 28 April 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.da.gov.kw/eng/newsroom/searchArchive.php?page=2|title=H.H. Amir receives credentials of several ambassadors|date=28 April 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-06-16}}</ref> The current ] is ]<ref></ref> who presented his credentials to Vladimir Putin on 16 January 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/20070|title=Presentation by foreign ambassadors of their letters of credence|website=]|date=16 January 2014}}</ref> On 28 December 1991, Kuwait recognised the ] as the ] to the Soviet Union.<ref name="ruskuwaitmid">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mid.ru/ns-rasia.nsf/1083b7937ae580ae432569e7004199c2/d0ccb58c8a3beb7143256dd3002c1bca?OpenDocument|script-title=ru:Российско-кувейтские отношения|date=12 March 2009|publisher=]|access-date=2009-07-03|language=ru}}</ref> ] in ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mid.ru/zu_r.nsf/e0f3cd1a55ff248dc32571e7003f460b/a494e70835b0f4e9c32565e8003604ad?OpenDocument|title=Посольство в Эль-Кувейте|publisher=]|access-date=2009-07-05}}</ref> and Kuwait has an ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mofa.gov.kw/MOFA/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1003:2009-03-19-07-31-40&catid=31&Itemid=93 |script-title=ar:سفارة دولة الكويت ( روسيا الاتحادية -موسكو ) |publisher=] |access-date=2009-07-05 |language=ar |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722142852/http://www.mofa.gov.kw/MOFA/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1003%3A2009-03-19-07-31-40&catid=31&Itemid=93 |archive-date=22 July 2011 }}</ref> The current Ambassador of Russia to Kuwait is Mr Alexey Solomatin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy21625/|title=Embassy of Russia in Kuwait City, Kuwait|website=www.embassypages.com|access-date=2017-12-22}}</ref> The current Ambassador of Kuwait to Russia is Abdulaziz A. Aladwani<ref></ref> who presented his credentials to Vladimir Putin on 16 January 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/20070|title=Presentation by foreign ambassadors of their letters of credence|website=]|date=16 January 2014}}</ref>


===Political ties=== ===Political ties===
In 1991 the Kuwait Foreign Trading Contracting & Investment Co. extended ] a loan of ]1 billion on a seven-year term. On 30 May 2006, the Russian and Kuwaiti governments agreed to settle the US$1.6 billion debt of the former Soviet Union, with the repayments to take the form of US$1 billion in cash, and US$600 million in goods.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rian.ru/incidents/20071205/91016097.html|title=Второе уголовное дело против Сторчака прекращено&nbsp;— Генпрокуратура|date=5 December 2007|location=]|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-07-05|language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kommersant.ru/doc.aspx?DocsID=677249|script-title=ru:Правительство вернет Кувейту долг СССР|trans-title=The Government will return to Kuwait USSR debt|last=Kiseleva|first=Yelena|date=29 May 2006|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-07-05|language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200605/30/eng20060530_269764.html|title=Russia to pay Soviet-era debt to Kuwait|date=30 May 2006|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-07-05}}</ref> In 1991 the Kuwait Foreign Trading Contracting & Investment Co. extended ] a loan of ]1 billion on a seven-year term. On 30 May 2006, the Russian and Kuwaiti governments agreed to settle the US$1.6 billion debt of the former Soviet Union, with the repayments to take the form of US$1 billion in cash, and US$600 million in goods.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rian.ru/incidents/20071205/91016097.html|title=Второе уголовное дело против Сторчака прекращено&nbsp;— Генпрокуратура|date=5 December 2007|location=]|publisher=]|access-date=2009-07-05|language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kommersant.ru/doc.aspx?DocsID=677249|script-title=ru:Правительство вернет Кувейту долг СССР|trans-title=The Government will return to Kuwait USSR debt|last=Kiseleva|first=Yelena|date=29 May 2006|publisher=]|access-date=2009-07-05|language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200605/30/eng20060530_269764.html|title=Russia to pay Soviet-era debt to Kuwait|date=30 May 2006|publisher=]|access-date=2009-07-05}}</ref>


===Military ties=== ===Military ties===
On 29 November 1993, Kuwait became the first Persian Gulf Arab state to sign a military agreement with Russia, which followed joint naval exercises at the end of 1992.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kommersant.ru/doc-rss.aspx?DocsID=69562|script-title=ru:Кувейт хочет увидеть БМП в действии|last=Zamyatin|first=Viktor|author2=Koretsky, Alexander|date=26 January 1994|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-07-05|language=ru}}</ref><ref name="komm010694">{{cite news|url=http://www.kommersant.ru/doc.aspx?DocsID=80012|script-title=ru:На рынке вооружений свято место пусто не бывает|last=Sukhova|first=Svetlana|date=1 June 1994|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-07-05|language=ru}}</ref> In May 1994, ], the ] announced that Kuwait had signed an agreement for the delivery of a number of ] ]s and ] ]s.<ref name="komm010694"/> On 29 November 1993, Kuwait became the first Persian Gulf Arab state to sign a military agreement with Russia, which followed joint naval exercises at the end of 1992.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kommersant.ru/doc-rss.aspx?DocsID=69562|script-title=ru:Кувейт хочет увидеть БМП в действии|last=Zamyatin|first=Viktor|author2=Koretsky, Alexander|date=26 January 1994|publisher=]|access-date=2009-07-05|language=ru}}</ref><ref name="komm010694">{{cite news|url=http://www.kommersant.ru/doc.aspx?DocsID=80012|script-title=ru:На рынке вооружений свято место пусто не бывает|last=Sukhova|first=Svetlana|date=1 June 1994|publisher=]|access-date=2009-07-05|language=ru}}</ref> In May 1994, ], the ] announced that Kuwait had signed an agreement for the delivery of a number of ] ]s and ] ]s.<ref name="komm010694"/>


Kuwait was the first Gulf state to sign a military agreement with Russia. In recent years, Russia has established extensive military cooperation with Kuwait.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gloria-center.org/2001/03/antonenko-2001-03-03/|title=Russia’s Military Involvement in the Middle East|date=3 March 2001}}</ref> Kuwait was the first ] to sign a military agreement with Russia. In recent years, Russia has established extensive military cooperation with Kuwait.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gloria-center.org/2001/03/antonenko-2001-03-03/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140927202853/http://www.gloria-center.org/2001/03/antonenko-2001-03-03/|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 September 2014|title=Russia's Military Involvement in the Middle East|date=3 March 2001}}</ref>


===Economic ties=== ===Economic ties===
Speaking at the 2009 Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, Ahmed Rashid Al Harun, the Kuwaiti Minister of Trade and Industry, noted that relations between the two countries extended over 100 years, and called for the intensification of investment between both countries.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vz.ru/news/2009/6/4/293989.html|script-title=ru:Кувейт стремится укрепить экономические связи с РФ|trans-title=Kuwait aims to strengthen economic ties with RF|date=4 June 2009|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-07-04|language=ru}}</ref> Speaking at the 2009 ], Ahmed Rashid Al Harun, the Kuwaiti Minister of Trade and Industry, noted that relations between the two countries extended over 100 years, and called for the intensification of investment between both countries.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vz.ru/news/2009/6/4/293989.html|script-title=ru:Кувейт стремится укрепить экономические связи с РФ|trans-title=Kuwait aims to strengthen economic ties with RF|date=4 June 2009|publisher=]|access-date=2009-07-04|language=ru}}</ref>


====Trade statistics==== ====Trade statistics====
In 1998 ] between Russia and Kuwait amounted to ]400,000, and by the period January{{mdash}}October 2005 this figure had increased to US$22.2 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/20060117174358.shtml|script-title=ru:В.Христенко: Российско-кувейтские отношения останутся прочными и стабильными после смерти правителя страны.|trans-title=V.Khristenko: Russian-Kuwaiti relations will remain strong and stable after the death of the country's ruler.|date=17 January 2006|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-07-05|language=ru}}</ref> In 1998 ] between Russia and Kuwait amounted to ]400,000, and by the period January{{mdash}}October 2005 this figure had increased to US$22.2 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/20060117174358.shtml|script-title=ru:В.Христенко: Российско-кувейтские отношения останутся прочными и стабильными после смерти правителя страны.|trans-title=V.Khristenko: Russian-Kuwaiti relations will remain strong and stable after the death of the country's ruler.|date=17 January 2006|publisher=]|access-date=2009-07-05|language=ru}}</ref>


==See Also== ==See also==
{{Commons category|Relations of Kuwait and Russia}}
*]
*] *]


==References== ==References==
⚫ {{Reflist|30em}}
{{Commons category|Kuwait–Russia relations}}
⚫ {{Reflist}}


{{Foreign relations of Russia|Asia}} {{Foreign relations of Russia|Asia}}
{{Foreign relations of Kuwait}} {{Foreign relations of Kuwait}}

⚫ {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2010}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Kuwait-Russia Relations}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Kuwait-Russia Relations}}

Latest revision as of 09:05, 7 November 2024

Bilateral relations
Kuwait–Russia relations
Map indicating locations of Kuwait and Russia

Kuwait
Russia

Kuwait–Russia relations refer to the bilateral relationship between Kuwait and Russia.

Prior to the Gulf War, Kuwait was the only "pro-Soviet" state in the Persian Gulf region. Kuwait acted as a conduit for the Soviets to the other Gulf states and Kuwait was used to demonstrate the benefits of a pro-Soviet stance.

Background

Russian Empire relations

In the beginning of the 20th century, the Russian Empire sought to expand its international presence by creating new spheres of influence, and the Empire looked to the Arab world. Russian interest in the region was twofold. Inroads were made by the Empire in Persia, and there was increasing rivalry between the French and British in the region. Britain had suffered major setbacks in the Boer War, and its colonial rivals sought to capitalise upon the position of the British which was increasingly undermined in the region. The Russians were also further motivated to increase their presence in the region, as both the Russians and Arabs shared a common hostility towards the Ottoman Empire. At the same time, the German Empire was planning to build a railway which would ultimately link Baghdad with Berlin, which was planned to terminate in Kuwait.

In 1899 the German cruiser Arkona appeared in the Persian Gulf, which was mistaken by the British to be a Russian warship. Upon hearing of this, the Russian envoy to Tehran made a recommendation that the Empire should send a warship to the Persian Gulf. Tsar Nicholas II approved the decision to send the gunboat Gilyak. Vladimir Lambsdorff, the Russian Foreign Minister, wrote to Pyotr Tyrtov, the head of the Ministry of the Navy explaining that the purpose of sending the Gilyak was to show the British and local authorities that by flying the Russian flag in the Persian Gulf, the Empire regards the Persian Gulf as being open to vessels of all nations, and that there was no aggressive intent nor plans for terrorial acquisitions. When the Gilyak arrived in Kuwait in February 1900, the British attempted to stop the Emir of Kuwait, Mubarak Al-Sabah, from meeting the Russians, but he did travel from the desert to greet the Russians, whom he saw as an ally against Britain. Extensive discussions with the Russians led to Mubarak in the spring of 1901 asking for Russian protection; only 2 years after he had agreed to become a British protectorate, although Russian sources indicate that the request was turned down to avoid antagonising the British.

In April 1900 the Russians had plans to open a regular steamship line between Odessa and ports in the Persian Gulf, leading them to open consulates in Basra and Bushehr. The protected cruiser Varyag sailed into Kuwait on 8 December 1901, and Jabir bin Mubarak, the son of the Emir, boarded the vessel to greet the visitors. The Emir was in Jahra preparing for an expected Wahabi attack, and the ship's officers were taken to Jahra, where they were warmly met by the Emir and were informed that he would turn to Russia for help if Kuwait were to be in danger, and that the Emir would like to see as many Russian ships in Kuwait as possible. The visit of the Varyag was a success, and the Russians left the Persian Gulf leaving the impression of naval superiority over their British rivals.

After the visit of the Varyag, the next Russian to have an audience with the Emir was N.V. Bogoyavlensky, a zoologist, who was engaging in research in the region for the Society of Lovers of Natural Science, Anthropology and Ethnography of Moscow University. Upon meeting the Russian, the Emir was reported as telling the zoologist, "I believe the Russians are friends. I am happy to play host to them. I am always ready to do everything I can for them."

On 1 December 1902, the protected cruiser Askold sailed into Kuwait, and was met by Jabir bin Mubarak and his son Ahmad. The Russians noted that whilst the Ottoman flag flew in front of their palaces, the Sheikh did not recognise the Sultan's authority and paid him no tribute. The Boyarin arrived in Kuwait on 20–23 February 1903, along with the French cruiser Infernet. The purpose of the joint visit was to demonstrate to the British the unity and power of the French–Russian alliance, although the French feared a Russian presence in the Persian Gulf, which was evident by their refusal to allow the Russians to utilise their coal-bunkering station in Muscat. This led to the Russians wanting to establish such a facility in Kuwait, however, by the end of 1903, Russian attention turned away from the Persian Gulf towards events in the Far East which eventually led to the Russo-Japanese War.

Soviet-era relations

Kuwait gained independence from the United Kingdom on 19 June 1961, and applied for membership of the United Nations. The Soviet Union vetoed the admission of the newly independent State on 7 July 1961. Kuwait again applied for membership in November 1961, and again the Soviets vetoed the admission of the country in the United Nations Security Council, based on an argument that Kuwait was not yet fit to be seen as an independent State, and also due to their opinion that the 1961 treaty with the United Kingdom submitted the Persian Gulf state to foreign political influence. The Soviet attitude towards Kuwait was ultimately guided by its cordial relations with Iraq, which had long held territorial ambitions towards Kuwait. When the Iraqi leader Abd al-Karim Qasim was overthrown in a coup d'état on 8 February 1963, Moscow's relations with Baghdad deteroriated, leading to a warmer attitude towards Kuwait. This led to the two countries establishing diplomatic relations on 11 March 1963. Kuwait saw the establishment of relations as an insurance policy, of sorts, against new Iraqi territorial ambitions, and Russia saw the relationship as a bridge between the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. In the years that followed, relations between the Soviet Union and Kuwait were not always cordial, which was exemplified by Premier of the Soviet Union Nikita Khrushchev making disparaging remarks towards the Kuwaiti leadership whilst on a state visit to Egypt in March 1964.

Relations began to improve when Leonid Brezhnev became the Soviet leader in October 1964; however, in the 1973 Kuwait–Iraq Sanita border skirmish, Russia favored Iraq over Kuwait. In the latter part of the 1970s, relations became more cordial. The Soviets supported the Kuwaiti's nationalisation of its oil industry, and the two countries shared similar views on foreign policy issues, in particular in relation to the Arab–Israeli conflict. Kuwait appreciated Soviet support for the Palestinians, and after the outbreak of the Iran–Iraq War, the country began to support Soviet proposals in the Persian Gulf after recognising that the Soviet presence in the Persian Gulf was of a stabilising nature, and also as Moscow acted as a guarantor against Iraqi or Iranian aggression. This led to Kuwait actively lobbying members of the Gulf Cooperation Council to establish diplomatic relations with the Soviets, ending the diplomatic isolation of the superpower amongst the countries on the Arabian Peninsula; for most of the Cold War, Kuwait was one of only two countries which maintained such relations with the Soviet Union.

Prior to the Gulf War, Kuwait was the only "pro-Soviet" Persian Gulf state. Kuwait acted as a conduit for the Soviets to the other Gulf states and Kuwait was used to demonstrate the benefits of a pro-Soviet stance. In 1987, after U.S.A refused to supply Stingers, Kuwait signed a 327 million dollar deal with Soviet Union for the purchase of surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, tanks and other military equipment. Reportedly, Soviet experts would assemble and operate military equipment and train Kuwaiti personnel.

After the August 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi forces, due to Iraqi demands, the Soviet Union evacuated its embassy in Kuwait. A spokesman for the Soviet Foreign Ministry noted that the embassy, under international law, was still open, albeit vacant, and that the evacuation of the 882 Soviets in Kuwait did not alter the Soviet stance on the illegality of the Iraqi invasion. The President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev explained that the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait had created an "extraordinary and extremely dangerous" situation in Persian Gulf. Furthermore, Gorbachev warned Iraqi President Saddam Hussein that refusal to abide by United Nations Security Council resolutions would see the Council introducing further measures against Iraq.

Russian Federation relations

Diplomatic ties

Embassy of Kuwait in Moscow.

On 28 December 1991, Kuwait recognised the Russian Federation as the successor state to the Soviet Union. Russia has an embassy in Kuwait City, and Kuwait has an embassy in Moscow. The current Ambassador of Russia to Kuwait is Mr Alexey Solomatin. The current Ambassador of Kuwait to Russia is Abdulaziz A. Aladwani who presented his credentials to Vladimir Putin on 16 January 2014.

Political ties

In 1991 the Kuwait Foreign Trading Contracting & Investment Co. extended Vnesheconombank a loan of US$1 billion on a seven-year term. On 30 May 2006, the Russian and Kuwaiti governments agreed to settle the US$1.6 billion debt of the former Soviet Union, with the repayments to take the form of US$1 billion in cash, and US$600 million in goods.

Military ties

On 29 November 1993, Kuwait became the first Persian Gulf Arab state to sign a military agreement with Russia, which followed joint naval exercises at the end of 1992. In May 1994, Pavel Grachev, the Russian Minister of Defence announced that Kuwait had signed an agreement for the delivery of a number of BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles and S-300V surface-to-air missiles.

Kuwait was the first Gulf Arab state to sign a military agreement with Russia. In recent years, Russia has established extensive military cooperation with Kuwait.

Economic ties

Speaking at the 2009 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Ahmed Rashid Al Harun, the Kuwaiti Minister of Trade and Industry, noted that relations between the two countries extended over 100 years, and called for the intensification of investment between both countries.

Trade statistics

In 1998 bilateral trade between Russia and Kuwait amounted to US$400,000, and by the period January—October 2005 this figure had increased to US$22.2 million.

See also

References

  1. ^ Steve Yetiv (1995). America and the Persian Gulf: The Third Party Dimension in World Politics. p. 51. ISBN 9780275949730.
  2. Pollack, Kenneth (2 November 2004). The Persian Puzzle: Deciphering the Twenty-five-Year Conflict Between Iran and America. p. 225. ISBN 9781588364340.
  3. ^ Facey, William; Grant, Gillian (1998). "Russian ships at Kuwait, 1900-1903". Kuwait by the First Photographers. I.B.Tauris. pp. 32–35. ISBN 1-86064-271-3. Retrieved 3 July 2009.
  4. ^ Rezvan, Dr. Efim A. "Russian Reports as a Source on the History of Arabia and the Gulf Region (1898-1904)". King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives. Archived from the original on 6 January 2009. Retrieved 3 July 2009.
  5. ^ Kreutz, Andrej (2007). "Russia and the Arabian Peninsula". Russia in the Middle East: friend or foe?. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-275-99328-3. Retrieved 3 July 2009.
  6. Albaharna, Husain M. (1968). "Iraqi claim to sovereignty over Kuwait". The Legal Status of the Arabian Gulf States: A Study of Their Treaty Relations and Their International Problems. Manchester University Press ND. p. 251. ISBN 0-7190-0332-6. Retrieved 3 July 2009.
  7. ^ Kreutz, Andrej (2007). "Russia and the Arabian Peninsula". Russia in the Middle East: Friend or Foe?. Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 135–137. ISBN 978-0-275-99328-3. Retrieved 3 July 2009.
  8. Ginsburgs, George; Slusser, Robert M. (1981). A Calendar of Soviet Treaties, 1958–1973. BRILL. p. 211. ISBN 90-286-0609-2. Retrieved 3 July 2009.
  9. Elena Melkumyan (December 2015). "The Political History of Russia–GCC Relations". Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. Retrieved 13 December 2015.
  10. Ap (13 July 1984). "Kuwait Initials a $327 Million Soviet Arms Deal". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  11. "Soviet Union withdraws from embassy in Iraq". Wilmington Morning Star. 25 August 1990. pp. 5A. Archived from the original on 15 July 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
  12. Apple, A.W. Jr. (25 August 1990). "Confrontation in the Gulf; Gorbachev warns Baghdad to back off or U.N. will act; Iraqis ring Kuwait missions". The New York Times. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
  13. Российско-кувейтские отношения (in Russian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia). 12 March 2009. Retrieved 3 July 2009.
  14. "Посольство в Эль-Кувейте". Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 5 July 2009.
  15. سفارة دولة الكويت ( روسيا الاتحادية -موسكو ) (in Arabic). Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kuwait). Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 5 July 2009.
  16. "Embassy of Russia in Kuwait City, Kuwait". www.embassypages.com. Retrieved 22 December 2017.
  17. Photos
  18. "Presentation by foreign ambassadors of their letters of credence". Kremlin.ru. 16 January 2014.
  19. "Второе уголовное дело против Сторчака прекращено — Генпрокуратура" (in Russian). Moscow: RIA Novosti. 5 December 2007. Retrieved 5 July 2009.
  20. Kiseleva, Yelena (29 May 2006). Правительство вернет Кувейту долг СССР [The Government will return to Kuwait USSR debt] (in Russian). Kommersant. Retrieved 5 July 2009.
  21. "Russia to pay Soviet-era debt to Kuwait". People's Daily. 30 May 2006. Retrieved 5 July 2009.
  22. Zamyatin, Viktor; Koretsky, Alexander (26 January 1994). Кувейт хочет увидеть БМП в действии (in Russian). Kommersant. Retrieved 5 July 2009.
  23. ^ Sukhova, Svetlana (1 June 1994). На рынке вооружений свято место пусто не бывает (in Russian). Kommersant. Retrieved 5 July 2009.
  24. "Russia's Military Involvement in the Middle East". 3 March 2001. Archived from the original on 27 September 2014.
  25. Кувейт стремится укрепить экономические связи с РФ [Kuwait aims to strengthen economic ties with RF] (in Russian). Vzglyad. 4 June 2009. Retrieved 4 July 2009.
  26. В.Христенко: Российско-кувейтские отношения останутся прочными и стабильными после смерти правителя страны. [V.Khristenko: Russian-Kuwaiti relations will remain strong and stable after the death of the country's ruler.] (in Russian). RosBusinessConsulting. 17 January 2006. Retrieved 5 July 2009.
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