The Times Kuwait Report
The Ambassador of Belgium to Kuwait, H.E. Christian Domes, has praised Kuwait’s steadfast commitment to peace, dialogue, and generous humanitarian support around the world, saying Kuwait “has a calm yet wise ability to engage with other countries and to champion peace and dialogue.”
Speaking at a reception hosted by the Belgian Embassy on the occasion of Belgium’s National Day which was attended by Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi and a large gathering of heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations Domes highlighted the strength of bilateral ties.
“Our countries have enjoyed close relations since Kuwait’s independence,” he said. “Belgium was part of the international coalition that liberated Kuwait from its invaders, and I am particularly proud of the Belgian Navy’s significant role in mine-clearing operations.
“The last Belgian vessel left the Gulf on July 14, 1991, after our mine-hunter fleet detected and destroyed 280 mines — a remarkable achievement,” he added.
He noted that Belgium is a global leader in advanced technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, higher education, research, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wind energy, hydrogen energy, and creative industries “from film to fashion.”
The ambassador added that bilateral trade currently stands at around €925 million, expressing confidence that “there is still room to grow that figure.”
While pledging to promote Belgian companies in Kuwait, Domes also pointed to Kuwait’s strong economic presence in Belgium, noting that more than 500 fuel stations operated by Kuwait Petroleum International (Q8) serve the Belgian market. He also highlighted the company’s substantial role in the petrochemical sector at the Port of Antwerp.
“I intend to strengthen people-to-people connections and expand trade flows between Belgium and Kuwait,” he said. “To succeed, we must overcome a major obstacle — the lack of direct flights between Brussels and Kuwait. I will continue to work tirelessly on this crucial issue.”
On the political front, Domes reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment to upholding the UN Charter, promoting its principles, and supporting the peaceful resolution of conflicts — values shaped by Belgium’s own historical experiences with invasion.
He added: “I am confident that Kuwait, with its calm and wise capacity for dialogue and peace-building, can play a significant role.
“We also commend the Kuwaiti government for its steady and generous humanitarian support to the Palestinian people, and to the people of Lebanon, Syria, and Sudan. Our thoughts and full concern go to all civilians suffering from the horrors of war.”
