Pakistan, Kuwait set to forge new agreements to bolster trade ties

• Pakistan attracts thousands of tourists from Kuwait who not only enjoy the country’s natural beauty but also its unique culture, cuisine, hospitality, and archaeological sites.

Major General Khaled Ali Zayed, the Commander of the Land Force in the Ministry of Defense in Pakistan, confirmed that several agreements between Pakistan and Kuwait are slated for future work. He explained that the Pakistani army’s presence in Kuwait is limited, operating under legal agreements between the two countries.

He added in a statement to reporters on the sidelines of his attendance at the National Day celebration of Pakistan, “We were pleased with the participation of friends from the Pakistani embassy on the occasion of Pakistani National Day, as we have large, deep, and long-standing political, military, and economic relations. This indicates an intention to further develop these relations in the future.”

In turn, Malik Muhammad Farooq, the Pakistani ambassador to the country, affirmed that Pakistan and Kuwait celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of their distinguished diplomatic relations and excellent fraternal relations in 2023. This was marked by the launch of our common logo and colorful events such as cultural band exchanges, trade delegations, and joint sports competitions.

He added in his speech on the occasion of Pakistani National Day, which falls on March 23, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil, Dr. Imad Al-Ateeqi, that the year culminated in the visit of our Prime Minister to Kuwait, in addition to the signing of several memorandums of understanding related to investment.

He pointed out that Kuwait and Pakistan enjoy deep and fraternal relations extending for centuries. Our contacts between people and our commercial ties are ancient, and we have stood by each other in moments of victory as well as in times of need. He added that the two countries have a convergence of views on regional and international issues, and we cooperate with each other in various international forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

He pointed out that the Defense Cooperation Agreement and the Health Cooperation Agreement Protocol are excellent landmarks. Our bilateral trade is on the rise, and we look forward to further expanding trade ties. We are also keen to contribute to the food security requirements in Kuwait.

He mentioned strong Kuwaiti investments in Pakistan through the Kuwait Investment Authority and the Kuwait Oil Company. He highlighted that the investment potential in Pakistan is huge, and Kuwait is welcome to benefit from this tremendous growth boom. The Private Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was established to facilitate foreign investors, especially from the Gulf countries. “The council, chaired by our prime minister, is dedicated to resolving investor issues and complaints promptly and transparently,” he added.

He pointed out that Pakistan attracts thousands of tourists from Kuwait who not only enjoy the country’s natural beauty but also its unique culture, cuisine, hospitality, and archaeological sites.

Ambassador Farooq expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Sabah Al-Salem, as well as the government and people of Kuwait for being excellent hosts to the Pakistani diplomatic mission and the wonderful Pakistani community alike.

He stressed that we join Kuwait, the Gulf States, and the broader international community in calling for an urgent end to the continued suffering of defenseless civilians in Palestine.