Belgian ambassador urges Kuwaiti businessmen to invest in Belgium

• H. E. Christian Domes, the Belgian Ambassador to Kuwait, said “Some agreements, like the agreement to avoid double taxation, need updating. This agreement is crucial, and we are working to coordinate with the Kuwaiti side on this matter.”

• Ambassador Domes indicated his intention to discuss with the Belgian military attaché, which is based in Abu Dhabi, the possibility of submitting offers to supply Kuwait with military equipment.

His Excellency Christian Domes, the Belgian Ambassador to the country, urged Kuwaiti businessmen to invest in Belgium. He emphasized “Belgium’s strategic location in the heart of Europe, its highly skilled and multilingual workforce, and its excellent infrastructure.”

Ambassador Domes highlighted “the advantage of the logistics services provided by the port of Antwerp, describing it as a significant plus. Additionally, he mentioned Belgium’s interesting financial system.”

During a ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Kuwait, attended by diplomats, citizens, and members of the Belgian community, Ambassador Domes said, “My aim is to revitalize these relations and conduct mutual visits. He noted the significance of the meeting, especially as both foreign ministers have a history of interaction at international conferences but have not had direct bilateral discussions until now.”

When asked about new memorandums of understanding, the ambassador emphasized that “the importance of following up on the work accomplished during the political consultations held in Kuwait last June.” He highlighted “the need to assess the current status after six months or a year, particularly regarding areas of progress such as cooperation in the medical field.”

He added, “Some agreements, like the agreement to avoid double taxation, need updating. This agreement is crucial, and we are working to coordinate with the Kuwaiti side on this matter.”

When discussing military cooperation between the two countries, he mentioned, “There were naval training courses organized by the port of Antwerp, but they were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic.’ He also added, ‘We currently have two military personnel working at the Arifjan base as part of the international coalition to combat IS.”

He indicated his intention to discuss with the Belgian military attaché, which is based in Abu Dhabi, the possibility of submitting offers to supply Kuwait with military equipment.

He confirmed that he would discuss the issue of student exchanges between the two countries’ universities with Nawaf Al-Enezi, the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Belgium. Additionally, ambassador Domes expressed his desire to bring some Belgian artists to Kuwait.

During his speech at the ceremony, the Belgian ambassador stated that diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Belgium officially began in 1963. In 1964, Ambassador Willie Stevens presented his credentials to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, becoming the first Belgian Ambassador to Kuwait.

Kuwait opened its embassy in Belgium in 1985, and from the outset, both countries have supported and developed these relations for the benefit of their citizens, ensuring their continuity and improvement.

Ambassador Domes explained, “The celebration of the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations is historic. Since Belgium is a founding member of the European Union, we are particularly proud to host this reception as part of the celebrations during Europe Month.”