Kuwait, Saudi Arabia sign framework for economic planning cooperation
. . . MoU covers planning, policy and economic modeling
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have formalized a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in economic and planning affairs, including economic policy, long-term planning, economic studies and modeling, and emerging economic sectors.
The official gazette, Kuwait Alyawm has published Decree No. 131 of 2026, approving the memorandum signed by the two governments in Riyadh on November 10, 2025, thus making it effective from the date of its publication.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between Kuwait’s General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning, based on mutual benefit and in accordance with the laws and regulations of both countries.
Key areas of economic cooperation
The two sides will encourage cooperation in medium- and long-term economic planning, economic studies and modeling, economic policies, economic plans and their governance, economic knowledge and media, and the development of economic leaders, the green, circular and digital economy, achieving the 2030 sustainable development goals and any other areas agreed upon by both parties.
Information, expertise and economic programs
Cooperation will include the exchange of information, expertise and studies, as well as visits by experts and specialists and the organization of conferences, seminars and workshops.
The two governments may also establish separate programs under the memorandum, setting out agreed activities, each party’s participation, terms, duration, financial aspects and other necessary arrangements.
Financial and information provisions
Each side will appoint a coordinator in writing to serve as its main point of contact and oversee matters related to implementing the memorandum. Each party will bear the financial costs associated with fulfilling its obligations under the memorandum according to its available resources.
The agreement also requires both sides to protect intellectual property rights arising from activities carried out under the memorandum, in accordance with their respective laws and applicable international agreements.
Information and documents exchanged between the parties may be used only for the agreed purposes and may not be transferred to a third party without the written consent of the party that provided them. This requirement will remain in effect even after the memorandum ends.
Three-year term with automatic renewal
The memorandum does not create rights or obligations under international law and does not affect the rights, obligations or privileges arising from international treaties and agreements to which either party is a participant. Any disputes over its interpretation or implementation will be resolved amicably through consultation and diplomatic channels.
The memorandum will enter into force after the two sides exchange notifications confirming completion of their internal procedures. It will remain valid for three years and will automatically renew for additional similar periods unless either party gives written notice, through diplomatic channels, at least six months before its expiration or termination date.
The memorandum may be amended through written agreement between the two parties. If it expires or is terminated, its provisions will continue to apply to projects and programs established under it unless the parties agree otherwise.
The memorandum was signed in two original Arabic-language copies. It was signed for Kuwait by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for International Economic Affairs and for Saudi Arabia by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Planning for International Economic Affairs, Rakan bin Wadhah Trabzoni.
