Britain is considering establishing a permanent military presence in Kuwait at the request of its government.

It was revealed by Michael Davenport, British Ambassador to Kuwait, during an exclusive interview with Forces Network.

He says the Kuwaiti government has expressed an interest in such a presence, but stressed it would not be a "major" deployment.

"We're looking at all the possibilities," said Mr Davenport.

"We're not talking about a major deployment I don't think, but we're looking at what might work for both the United Kingdom and for Kuwait."

"As I say, it's at a very early stage."

It would come under a framework between the two nations, known as the 'Joint Steering Group', which contains a working group focused on defence cooperation.

Ministers meet every six months, the last of which took place in December, when the action plan for this new consideration was signed off.

Kuwait has recovered since the first Gulf War ended nearly 30 years ago, with the country now in many respects a modern, Westernised part of the world.

Iraq's 1990 invasion, though, is still what many people in the UK tend to remember about the country.

The nation has retained a deep affection for Britain, which played an important part in freeing Kuwait - highlighted by the presence of Union Flags during liberation celebrations.

Today, the British military mission team remain in Kuwait, providing training to the country's armed forces.

It is formed of 38 members and funded by the nation's government.