Brazil and Kuwait celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties; bilateral trade grows from about $13.5 million in 1969 to nearly $1 billion in 2024
Ambassador Gabsch highlights a legacy of friendship and growing cooperation
The Brazilian Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Rodrigo d’Araujo Gabsch, said year 2025 represents a historic milestone in the diplomatic journey between Brazil and Kuwait, as both nations celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of their embassies in Brasília and Kuwait City, and the 68th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Ambassador Gabsch recalled that official relations began in 1968, but 1975 marked a turning point in bilateral cooperation.
On November 9, 1975, the first resident Brazilian Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Paulo Henrique de Paranaguá, presented his credentials to the then Amir late Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem, three months after Kuwaiti Ambassador Talib Al-Naqeeb had presented his credentials to Brazilian President Ernesto Geisel on July 3, 1975, in Brasília.
The ambassador explained that this significant diplomatic step followed the official visit of then-Foreign Minister His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (may God rest his soul) to Brazil in March 1975, at the invitation of the Brazilian government.
The visit paved the way for a new era of cooperation, as Sheikh Sabah held meetings with Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Azeredo da Silveira and was received by President Geisel. Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and establish resident embassies in the two capitals.
Ambassador Gabsch noted that the visit witnessed a remarkable convergence of views on key international issues, particularly peace, security, and development. At that time, both nations reaffirmed their support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.
He highlighted that the visit also led to the signing of the landmark Economic Cooperation Agreement, which laid the foundation for developing ties in trade, finance, and technology, and encouraged direct collaboration between public and private institutions in both countries.
The Brazilian envoy emphasized that Brazil and Kuwait share common principles, including the promotion of peace, security, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations—values that have strengthened their diplomatic alignment in international forums.
Reflecting on the remarkable progress since the 1970s, he pointed out that bilateral trade grew from about $13.5 million in 1969 to nearly $1 billion in 2024, marking an impressive 74-fold increase.
What began as an exchange of oil and coffee has evolved into a dynamic partnership encompassing agricultural and industrial products.
Brazil, he said, is now one of Kuwait’s most important food suppliers, particularly of poultry, beef, corn, and coffee, while Kuwait exports oil, jet fuel, and sulfur to Brazil — elements vital to the agricultural sector. “This economic integration,” he added, “enhances Kuwait’s food security and supports Brazil’s energy security.”
Ambassador Gabsch commended the efforts of both leaderships—His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva—for advancing new initiatives that strengthen economic cooperation. He revealed that 2024 was the strongest year for Brazilian exports to Kuwait since 2008, and likewise for Kuwaiti exports to Brazil since 2014, underscoring the positive momentum in trade relations.
He further disclosed that two Brazilian trade delegations—comprising representatives from both the public and private sectors—visited Kuwait in 2024 to expand economic cooperation, with new reciprocal missions being prepared to enhance trade and investment opportunities.
Since the signing of the first agreement in 1975, the two nations have concluded seven bilateral agreements, with additional accords under negotiation in the areas of economy, development, and legal cooperation.
Ambassador Gabsch concluded by affirming:
“The relationship between Kuwait and Brazil is built on a solid foundation of friendship and mutual respect. With continued collaboration between our governments and peoples, we look forward to fifty more years of partnership, progress, and shared prosperity.”
