Belgium Sees New Opportunities to Elevate Strategic Partnership with Kuwait
As Belgium prepares to celebrate its National Day on 21 July, Belgian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Christian Dooms has highlighted the growing strength of Belgium-Kuwait relations, expressing confidence that the longstanding partnership is entering a new phase marked by stronger economic cooperation, innovation, healthcare, education and cultural exchange.
By Reaven D’Souza
Executive Managing Editor
Speaking to The Times Kuwait Ambassador Dooms described bilateral ties as “excellent,” noting that both nations share a deep commitment to multilateralism, international law and constructive diplomacy.
Six Decades of Strong Relations
Belgium and Kuwait celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024, reflecting decades of friendship built on mutual respect and shared values.
According to Ambassador Dooms, while political relations remain exceptionally strong, there is considerable scope to elevate cooperation further, particularly in trade, investment and commercial partnerships.
A significant milestone is expected later this year when Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Maxime Prévot is scheduled to visit Kuwait on 2-3 November 2026 to lead the Belgian delegation during bilateral political consultations.
The visit is expected to advance discussions on a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding covering multiple areas of cooperation.
Expanding Economic Cooperation
Belgium sees enormous potential for collaboration in several strategic sectors including: Healthcare, Infrastructure development, Port management, Defence industries, Artificial Intelligence, Renewable energy and Advanced technology
Ambassador Dooms said Belgian companies possess world-class expertise in these sectors but acknowledged they need to become more visible within Kuwait’s increasingly competitive marketplace. He noted that while many Belgian companies already operate successfully across the Gulf region, Kuwait now presents significant new opportunities as the country’s investment climate continues to improve.
Recent interest from Belgian businesses reflects growing confidence in Kuwait’s economic reforms and its commitment to attracting foreign investment, although administrative procedures still require streamlining to match the pace seen elsewhere in the GCC.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges Strengthens Regional Links
Belgium’s globally renowned Port of Antwerp-Bruges continues expanding its presence across the Gulf through strategic partnerships. The ambassador highlighted the port’s major involvement in developing Oman’s Port of Duqm, while also emphasizing its longstanding cooperation with the Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA).
The partnership includes maritime expertise, port management consultancy and specialized logistics training for Kuwaiti delegations visiting Belgium. Beyond maritime cooperation, substantial Kuwaiti investments in Belgium’s petrochemical sector continue to reinforce the strong economic relationship between both countries.
Belgium Encourages Kuwaiti Investment
Ambassador Dooms welcomed greater Kuwaiti investment into Belgium, noting that Kuwait already enjoys a significant commercial presence through more than 500 Q8 fuel stations operating across Belgium.
He encouraged prospective Kuwaiti investors to work closely with the Kuwaiti Embassy in Brussels, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and Belgium’s regional investment agencies to explore opportunities across Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels.
Innovation and Healthcare Partnerships
Belgium’s reputation as one of Europe’s leading centres for scientific research and innovation presents another promising avenue for cooperation.
A notable example is the long-standing partnership between Belgium’s internationally acclaimed nanotechnology research institute IMEC and Kuwait University, which focuses on advanced silicon solar cell technologies.
Ambassador Dooms expressed hope that similar collaborations could soon emerge in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity and advanced digital technologies. Healthcare remains another priority sector.
Belgium is currently exploring closer institutional cooperation between Belgian and Kuwaiti hospitals, building on the country’s internationally recognised medical expertise.
Institutions such as the Jules Bordet Institute, renowned globally for cancer treatment, together with Belgium’s leadership in fertility medicine and bariatric surgery, provide significant opportunities for future collaboration.
Education and Cultural Exchange
Belgium is home to several internationally respected universities offering high-quality programmes in medicine, engineering, science and technology.
The ambassador acknowledged that relatively few Kuwaiti students currently choose Belgium for higher education and said increasing awareness of Belgian universities will become an important priority.
On the cultural front, the Belgian Embassy actively participates in Francophonie Month, organising musical performances and poetry events while also promoting iconic Belgian cultural symbols including Tintin and The Smurfs, which continue to enjoy worldwide popularity.
Kuwait’s Role in Regional Stability
Commenting on regional affairs, Ambassador Dooms praised Kuwait’s measured diplomatic approach during periods of regional tension. He said Kuwait continues to demonstrate restraint while working closely with international partners to prevent further escalation and promote peaceful dialogue.
Although Kuwait often works quietly behind the scenes, he said the country’s diplomatic efforts contribute meaningfully to regional peace and stability.
Belgium Invites Kuwaitis to Discover Its Heritage
For Kuwaiti travellers considering Belgium as their next European destination, Ambassador Dooms recommended exploring far more than just Brussels.
Among his top recommendations are: Bruges, famous for its fairy-tale medieval architecture, Antwerp, celebrated for shopping, diamonds and vibrant city life, Brussels, offering world-famous gastronomy, history and the magnificent Grand Place, Ghent, praised for its medieval beauty, lively cultural atmosphere and exceptional cuisine, The Ardennes, known for breathtaking natural landscapes and outdoor experiences.
The ambassador also highlighted Belgium’s spectacular Ommegang Festival, a historic pageant in Brussels featuring around 1,400 participants in elaborate period costumes recreating the ceremonial entry of Emperor Charles V and the future King Philip II.
Direct Flights Remain a Priority
One of the embassy’s major objectives is securing direct air connectivity between Kuwait and Brussels. Ambassador Dooms said the absence of non-stop flights places Belgium at a competitive disadvantage compared to other European destinations and expressed optimism that progress could be achieved on this important initiative.
Celebrating Belgium’s National Day
Belgium celebrates its National Day annually on 21 July, commemorating the historic moment in 1831 when Leopold I took the constitutional oath as the country’s first King following Belgium’s independence.
National Day celebrations include military parades, aerial displays by the Belgian Armed Forces, cultural performances, public festivities throughout Brussels and a spectacular fireworks display that brings the celebrations to a memorable close.
For Belgians, the day represents not only national independence but also the resilience of a nation whose history has been shaped by perseverance, unity and democratic values.
