Kuwait, Netherlands establish joint committee to deepen strategic cooperation
- . . . it will also cover education, higher education, scientific research, culture and the arts, in addition to consular affairs, customs and land, sea and air transport.
- . . . promote cooperation in healthcare, social services and social security, as well as agriculture, livestock and food security
Kuwait and The Netherlands have agreed to establish a joint committee aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across a broad range of strategic and economic areas.
Decree Law No. 141 of 2026 approves a memorandum of understanding between the governments of Kuwait and The Netherlands establishing the committee, in a move designed to support the continued development of the strong partnership between the two countries.
The committee will serve as a platform for political dialogue and the exchange of information on issues of mutual interest. Its areas of focus will include defense, security, cybersecurity and counterterrorism, as well as economic, trade, investment and energy-transition cooperation.
It will also address cooperation in education, higher education, scientific research, culture and the arts, in addition to consular affairs, customs and land, sea and air transport. The committee will further promote cooperation in healthcare, social services and social security, as well as agriculture, livestock and food security. Other areas may be added by mutual agreement between the two countries.
A key responsibility of the committee will be to follow up on agreements and arrangements concluded between Kuwait and The Netherlands and support their full implementation. It will also facilitate the exchange of expertise, information and consultations across the agreed areas of cooperation.
The committee will be jointly chaired by representatives of the foreign ministries of Kuwait and the Netherlands. Its regular meetings will be held once a year, alternating between the capitals of the two countries.
Either side may also request an exceptional meeting when necessary, with meeting dates to be agreed through diplomatic channels. The memorandum provides for the formation of a working group to prepare for committee meetings and follow up on their outcomes. A senior foreign ministry official from each country will lead their respective delegation.
The working group will include representatives of relevant government authorities in the sectors under discussion and may conduct its meetings virtually. The memorandum will remain in force for five years and will be automatically renewed for additional five-year periods unless either country gives written notice of its intention to terminate it at least six months before the expiry date.
