Argentina–Kuwait Relations, Cooperation, and Future Prospects

By Rabih Kallas
Special to The Times Kuwait

In a recent exclusive interview with Arabic Newspaper Al-Jarida, newly appointed Ambassador of Argentina H.E. Ramiro Hernán Velloso, described the relationship between Argentina and Kuwait as friendly, respectful, and grounded in decades of mutual support. He added that this enduring partnership is reflected in several significant historical milestones that continue to shape bilateral ties today.

One such milestone was Argentina’s support during the Gulf War (1990–1991), when the Argentine Navy participated in the multilateral coalition that responded to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi forces. This commitment was further strengthened by the outstanding participation of hundreds of Argentinians in Kuwait between 1991 and 2003 through UNIKOM, the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission.

Another cornerstone of the relationship has been Kuwait’s sustained financial support through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). Since 1994, KFAED has financed numerous projects across Argentina, including aqueducts, water treatment plants, and road infrastructure in different provinces. For more than 30 years, Argentina has been the Fund’s main partner in Latin America and the Caribbean, with both sides committed to further deepening this cooperation in the future.

As he begins his diplomatic tenure in Kuwait, Ambassador Velloso said that the friendship between the two countries, combined with their complementarity in many areas, offers strong potential to expand ties across multiple sectors. He noted that remaining attentive and open to understanding Kuwait and its people, whom he views as potential key partners in the bilateral relationship, is critical. His overarching goal is to bring the two nations closer together in every possible way, so as to provide benefits to both sides.

Ambassador Velloso pointed to multiple new areas for bilateral engagement. Among the most evident sectors are food and energy, given the respective production strengths of both countries. Argentina is a major global food producer and also possesses advanced technological capabilities in areas such as biotechnology, which could contribute to Kuwait’s agricultural development.

Energy is another key area of opportunity. While Kuwait is a world leader in energy production, Argentina is currently undergoing a significant transformation in this sector. This includes the development of numerous projects linked to Vaca Muerta, a geological formation in Argentine Patagonia that is one of the world’s largest reservoirs of unconventional oil and gas.

In parallel, Argentina is also expanding renewable energy projects. Mining is expected to be another major driver of Argentina’s economic growth over the next decade, with large-scale projects underway in lithium, copper, gold, silver, and other critical minerals—creating further potential for cooperation with Kuwait.

The ambassador further noted that Argentina and Kuwait also share similar positions on many international issues, creating favorable conditions for enhanced political and diplomatic coordination in international forums. In addition, both countries have strong humanitarian credentials. Argentina brings decades of experience in humanitarian action, while Kuwait is internationally recognized as a global humanitarian center.

Ambassador Velloso highlighted several opportunities for collaboration through initiatives such as the White Helmets Argentina, a program under Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Over its 30-year history, the White Helmets have carried out more than 400 international humanitarian assistance projects and missions in 81 countries across five continents. He also pointed to the potential for joint efforts through triangular cooperation, an area in which Argentina has over 20 years of experience. This includes work through FO.AR, the Argentine Fund for International Cooperation, established in 1992, which supports developing countries through the transfer of knowledge and capabilities where Argentina has proven expertise.

Addressing investment, the Ambassador noted that while Kuwaitis are among the most active real-estate investors globally, Argentina has yet to become a primary destination for such investments. However, he identified several projects that could be attractive to Kuwaiti investors, including residential towers with accommodation, parking, and commercial spaces; tourism-related developments such as luxury and boutique hotels, restaurant complexes, and government-owned land earmarked for tourism; and an agricultural production hub under development for cherries, grapes, almonds, and pistachios. He emphasized his availability to engage with potential Kuwaiti investors interested in these and other opportunities.

More broadly, Argentina hosts around 2,000 multinational companies, and four sectors stand out as particularly attractive for foreign investment: energy, mining, knowledge-based services, and agribusiness. In mid-2024, Argentina introduced the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI) to boost foreign direct investment. This regime offers tax, customs, and foreign exchange incentives for projects exceeding US$200 million. Over the past year, investment announcements in Argentina have exceeded $100 billion, with more than $50 billion already in various stages of approval.

He stressed that tourism is another area the embassy is actively promoting, especially following Argentina’s World Cup victory, which has increased interest among Kuwaitis in visiting the homeland of Lionel Messi. Ambassador Velloso highlights Argentina’s diverse offerings, from tango and football to golf, polo, and equestrian activities, as well as natural wonders such as the Andes, Iguazu Falls, and the glaciers and wildlife of Patagonia. Visitors can also enjoy premium cuisine, boutique hotels, luxury lodges, and cruises.

The embassy is working with travel agencies and airlines to promote luxury tourism, including plans for meetings between Kuwaiti and Argentine agencies and a familiarization trip to Argentina for Kuwaiti travel professionals. Cultural diplomacy also features high on the Ambassador’s agenda. He intends to expand cultural outreach in areas such as music, dance, visual arts, literature, and film. Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the digital platform ‘Argentina Creativa Directories’ to showcase the country’s creative industries and foster international cultural connections, including with Kuwait.

Initial plans include organizing a music event in May in collaboration with the Kuwait Music Academy and the Yarmouk Cultural Centre. Tango-related activities are also envisioned, particularly in light of the recent launch of the ‘Argentina Tango Trade’ platform and the return of high-quality Argentine beef to Kuwait after several years.

Regarding travel formalities, Ambassador Velloso confirmed that efforts are underway to improve or simplify the visa-issuance process for Kuwaiti travelers to Argentina. He added that he would make announcements in this regard once decisions are finalized.

Reflecting on his first impressions of Kuwait, the Ambassador said he felt warmly welcomed from the very beginning—even before his arrival—through his interaction with Kuwait’s Ambassador to Argentina, Abdulaziz Mohammad Albisher. He praises the warmth, respect, and openness of the Kuwaiti people he has met during his first months, qualities he believes will make his stay in Kuwait special and help strengthen bilateral ties.

Finally, looking ahead to his personal and professional experience in Kuwait, Ambassador Velloso noted that the last two Argentine Ambassadors to the country chose to remain in Kuwait after retirement, underscoring how special the country has been for them.

He expresses confidence that his own experience will be no different and hopes to contribute to strengthening Argentina’s presence in Kuwait, just as Kuwait has a strong presence in Argentina. As friendly nations with complementary assets, he believes both countries are well positioned to support each other’s development in the years ahead.