Kuwait-Switzerland ties gain new momentum as H.H. the Crown Prince visits Bern
- The visit of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Switzerland represents a significant milestone in strengthening and expanding bilateral relations across several strategic fields — Swiss Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Dr. Tiziano Balmelli
The official visit of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Switzerland marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and the Swiss Confederation, highlighting the longstanding ties and expanding strategic partnership between the two countries.
The visit is focused on strengthening coordination on issues of mutual interest and expanding bilateral cooperation across various fields. Swiss President Guy Parmelin visited Kuwait on February 1, where he held talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on bilateral relations, cooperation and regional and international developments.
The visit was followed by the Swiss-Kuwaiti Business Days 2026 in Kuwait on February 3-4, bringing together Swiss companies and highlighting growing economic cooperation. Kuwait and Switzerland established diplomatic relations in 1966. Switzerland opened its embassy in Kuwait in 1975, while Kuwait opened its embassy in Bern in 2006. A new Swiss Embassy building in Kuwait was inaugurated in October 2025.
The two countries have signed agreements covering investment protection, avoidance of double taxation, visa exemptions for diplomatic and special passport holders, development cooperation, and political and security consultations. Economic relations have also expanded, with Kuwaiti sovereign investments in Switzerland exceeding $15 billion, reflecting the strength of investment ties.
Kuwait also remembers Switzerland’s support during the 1990 Iraqi invasion, including humanitarian assistance to Kuwaiti students and the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross in addressing cases involving Kuwaiti prisoners and missing persons. Private-sector trade ties date back to the early 1930s, while the Swiss-Kuwaiti Business Platform, launched in 2023, has provided another channel for strengthening economic cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Swiss Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Dr. Tiziano Balmelli said the official visit of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Switzerland represents a significant milestone in strengthening and expanding bilateral relations across several strategic fields.
— KUNA
