Belgium to close embassy in Kuwait as part of major diplomatic restructuring
I don't have a final schedule on the closure, but what I can say is that it will be during the summer of next year, 2026 -- Ambassador Domes
In what officials are calling Belgium’s most significant diplomatic overhaul in more than a decade, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Priveaux has unveiled a comprehensive plan to restructure the Belgium’s global diplomatic network — a move that includes closing eight embassies and consulates, among them the Belgian Embassy in Kuwait.
Priveaux said the restructuring comes in response to “geopolitical fluctuations, tariff wars, and rising conflicts near Europe,” stressing that the aim is to recalibrate Belgium’s diplomatic presence to match global shifts rather than scale back bilateral relations.
Regarding the closing date, Domes said, “I don’t have a final schedule, but what I can say is that the closure will be during the summer of next year, 2026.”
As part of the new strategy, Belgium will strengthen its embassies in Riyadh and Doha and will open a new mission in Muscat “to capitalize on growing economic opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman.” The changes will be rolled out starting next year and continue through 2027.
Belgian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E Christian Domes said the announcement “created a great shock in Kuwaiti circles,” noting Kuwait’s status as a key strategic partner for Belgium. “We just celebrated the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations last year,” he said, highlighting the strong ties between the two ruling families and robust trade relations, reports Al-Jarida daily.
In a statement Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the decision to close the embassy in Kuwait followed “a careful assessment of our diplomatic footprint in the Gulf region.”
The ministry emphasized that the move is part of a reorganization designed to allocate resources “where they can achieve the greatest impact,” while maintaining “close and friendly relations” with all regional partners, including Kuwait.
“Belgium attaches great importance to its bilateral relations with Kuwait,” the statement continued, affirming that the partnership will remain intact through Belgium’s embassy in Riyadh, which will now serve as the accredited mission to Kuwait. Regular political and economic consultations are expected to continue, particularly in areas such as energy transition, regional stability, and investment.
The ministry also addressed concerns regarding consular services for Belgian nationals in Kuwait. It confirmed that the Embassy in Riyadh will assume full responsibility, offering services remotely or through scheduled missions to Kuwait. Belgian citizens may also seek support from EU member state embassies in Kuwait under established European consular cooperation agreements.
Belgium concluded by underscoring its commitment to maintaining a “strong and flexible diplomatic presence worldwide,” affirming that Kuwait “remains a valued friend and partner,” with hopes to deepen cooperation in the coming years.
