The State of Kuwait and the United States renewed their joint commitment to promoting stability and security in the region and the reinforcement of common interests. This came in the joint statement issued by the fifth round of the strategic dialogue between the United States and the State of Kuwait, which was inaugurated by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah on January 26, 2022 in Washington, DC.   The statement expressed that the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the security and stability of the region and the promotion of common interests, including defense cooperation, cyber security, bilateral trade and investment, combating health challenges and climate change, facilitating travel, supporting educational and cultural partnerships, advancing human rights and empowering women. The statement also mentioned that the two ministers discussed the strong and stable relations that have continued for six decades between the United States and the State of Kuwait, recalling the 30th anniversary of the liberation of the State of Kuwait through Operation Desert Storm. In addition, the Statement added that the United States and the State of Kuwait discussed common global and regional priorities, especially in light of Kuwait's presidency of the Council of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level, in addition to development cooperation on global financing priorities through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. The Statement explained that to this end, the two parties praised the advanced technical discussions between the US Agency for International Development and the Kuwait Fund regarding a proposal for cooperation to support economic recovery in Yemen. In reference to Iraq, the statement said that the two countries stressed the importance of a stable Iraqi government free of foreign influence and expressed their support for making progress in resolving maritime border issues. The statement also praised the generous support provided by the State of Kuwait to connect Iraq to the electricity grid in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. In reference to the Syrian file, the statement said that the two countries stressed the need for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015) to end the Syrian conflict and achieve lasting stability there. In the statement, the United States and the State of Kuwait, as key partners in the global coalition to defeat the so-called ISIS, renewed their commitment to defeat it and stand together against Iran's destabilizing influence. In reference to the Yemeni file, the US and Kuwaiti governments stressed the need to bring peace to Yemen and to guarantee the free flow of humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people. In reference to the Afghan file, the United States praised the generous support of the State of Kuwait in transporting American citizens and others from Afghanistan.   Regarding bilateral relations, the two countries expressed their appreciation for the permanent bilateral defense partnership and the State of Kuwait's long support in hosting the American forces. The Statement added that the two governments seek a secure and stable future for the region through the continuous modernization of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and the strong partnership with the United States. The Statement pointed out that the two sides discussed threats in the region and ways to enhance the defense partnership, through continuous cooperation in modernization, sustainability, training, exercises and operations. The Statement explained that the two countries reaffirmed the importance of working together to combat the financing of terrorism. The Statement added that the United States expressed appreciation for the State of Kuwait's continued commitment to strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism practices through increased information exchange and consultation with the US Department of Justice and support for joint action against terrorist financiers through multilateral forums, including the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center. The Statement added that the United States and the State of Kuwait expressed their support for increased information sharing to improve passenger and cargo screening to counter global threats after signing a letter of intent on cybersecurity cooperation in 2018. The Statement pointed out that the two sides affirmed that they continue to work to enhance the cyber defense capacity in the State of Kuwait, especially with regard to financial institutions and vital infrastructure, and that both countries are looking forward to working on a cybersecurity action plan with the Kuwait National Center for Cyber Security in the State of Kuwait. The Statement noted that the two sides praised the exchange and capacity-building workshops led by the US Department of Justice to assist Kuwaiti investigators and prosecutors in preventing and prosecuting criminal activity in cyberspace. The State of Kuwait confirmed its intention to join international networks of experts to facilitate the preservation of electronic evidence related to the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity. The State of Kuwait also affirmed its commitment to support and strengthen the International Institute of Justice's program and activities by donating €200,000 to cover future responsibility and support the institution itself, in appreciation of the two countries' cooperation. The two sides acknowledged that the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons strengthens bilateral relations and enhances the national security of both countries. The two sides also stressed the importance of protecting basic freedoms and expanding workers' rights, while expressing their aspiration to continue the efforts of the State of Kuwait to advance women's rights, as well as the opening of the Kuwait shelter for domestic violence (Al-Fanar Center).    Moreover, the State of Kuwait welcomed the election of the United States to membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council, expressing its aspiration for the opportunity to work together in partnership with the United States, especially since the State of Kuwait is currently a candidate for membership in the Human Rights Council for the period 2024-2026. Both countries praised the bilateral trade and investment relations aimed at promoting mutual strategic investment in infrastructure, renewable energy and technology. The United States commended the State of Kuwait for its progress in protecting intellectual property, while the two sides expressed their commitment to work together on global health security and pandemic preparedness and response.   The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on the prevention, detection and reduction of biological threats.    With regard to the climate change file, the State of Kuwait and the United States affirmed their commitment to addressing climate change under the umbrella of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) and cooperating to enhance efforts to implement the Paris Agreement, which aims to put an end to the rise in temperature and keep it at 1.5 degrees Celsius, through Promote the acceleration of action as called for by the Glasgow Climate Charter, along with the ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions.                    The United States and the State of Kuwait also decided to enhance cooperation in the field of food security. The United States and the State of Kuwait further reaffirmed their commitment to the security, safety, welfare, and fair treatment under the law of their citizens in the State of Kuwait, the United States, and around the world. The statement welcomed the progress made by both countries in providing consular notification and access to detained citizens, noting cooperation to prevent and resolve international cases of child abduction by parents in accordance with each country's laws and regulations. The United States also welcomed the decision of the State of Kuwait to follow up on joining the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Prisoners.     Both countries highlighted the thousands of Kuwaiti citizens currently studying in the United States and bilateral efforts to improve the quality of English language teaching in the State of Kuwait, expand the scope of university counseling, and increase US universities' outreach to Kuwaiti students. The United States and the State of Kuwait commended the expansion in the number of visitors and cultural programs, including the recent collaboration between the New York Arab Orchestra and the LOYAC Academy of Dramatic Art. The United States and the State of Kuwait renewed their commitment to continue increasing cooperation in all areas of practical benefit to the two governments and peoples and look forward to making further progress in these areas during the next round of dialogue to be hosted by the State of Kuwait.