Brazilian ambassador praises Kuwait as a beacon of wisdom in region

• H.E. Rodrigo d’Araújo Gabsch, the Ambassador of Brazil to Kuwait, commended Kuwait’s remarkable efforts in development assistance, humanitarian cooperation, and unwavering support for the Palestinian people, stressing that this exemplifies the Gulf state’s role and commitment to the principles of international law.

H.E. Rodrigo d’Araújo Gabsch, the Ambassador of Brazil to Kuwait, emphasized the strong bilateral relations between the two countries across various sectors, noting that Kuwait plays a key role in Brazil’s energy security, while Brazil is a vital partner in Kuwait’s food security, according to Al Qabas newspaper.

“Political dialogue and economic relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are a priority for my country’s foreign policy,” Ambassador Gabsch told the newspaper in his first interview with his country’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, and Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, during the strategic dialogue between Brazil and the Gulf Cooperation Council, held in Riyadh on September 9.

Ambassador Gabsch stressed that Kuwait is a model of firm commitment to international law and the principles of the United Nations, adding: “In times of challenging peace and security, Kuwait plays an important role in promoting dialogue and understanding.”

Kuwait’s pivotal role and commitment to principles of international law

The Brazilian ambassador praised Kuwait’s hosting of the Gulf summit, which highlighted Kuwait’s moderate and wise voice in the region and beyond as it presided over the council. He also commended Kuwait’s remarkable efforts in development assistance, humanitarian cooperation, and unwavering support for the Palestinian people, stressing that this exemplifies Kuwait’s role and commitment to the principles of international law.

He pointed to the shared visions guiding the foreign policy of both countries, such as non-interference in the affairs of other nations, peaceful conflict resolution, and cooperation as a tool for development. He noted that diplomatic relations between the two countries were officially established in 1968, with Brazil opening its diplomatic mission in Kuwait in 1975, and Kuwait opening its embassy in Brasília in August of the same year.

56 years of Brazil-Kuwait bilateral relations

He added that “Over more than 56 years of bilateral relations, Kuwait and Brazil have collaborated in various fields such as culture, political consultations, economic, financial, commercial, industrial, and agricultural cooperation, sports, environment, and sustainable development. We are now expanding our cooperation into new areas.”

Brazil has become a major producer and exporter of food to all continents

While noting the high demand for Brazilian poultry in the Middle East, he mentioned that Brazil has become a major producer and exporter of food to all continents, stating: “Thanks to our research and development in tropical agriculture, Brazil has become one of the world’s largest food exporters, including poultry meat, of which Brazil is now the world’s largest exporter.”

Kuwait tenth-largest importer of Brazilian poultry

He continued that “In September 2024, Kuwait was the tenth-largest importer of Brazilian poultry, marking a 66% increase over the same month last year. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia were the second and fourth-largest importers, respectively.”

He added that “As for Brazilian beef, Brazil is also the largest exporter. The United Arab Emirates is the second-largest buyer of Brazilian beef so far in 2024, and Kuwait is also an importer.”

Brazil committed to promote trade and investment in Kuwait

He emphasized his country’s commitment to promoting Brazilian trade and investment in Kuwait, adding that “According to data from the Brazilian Ministry of Trade last year, Brazil exported goods worth $268 million to Kuwait and imported $668.5 million. Most of our exports were food, which underscores Brazil’s role as a partner in Kuwait’s food security, while a large part of Kuwait’s exports to Brazil were oil, reflecting Kuwait’s importance as a partner in energy security.”

The Brazilian ambassador expects that bilateral trade will reach one billion US dollars by the end of 2024, marking Brazil’s best result in ten years.

Brazil is a tourist destination for Kuwaiti citizens

He added that “Brazil is a tourist destination for Kuwaiti citizens and residents alike, despite the lack of direct flights,” further noting that “We have seen a 15% increase in visa applications in 2024 so far, compared to the same period in 2023.”

He pointed out that a Kuwaiti citizen can easily obtain a visa to visit Brazil by submitting a round-trip ticket, hotel reservation, bank statement, travel or health insurance, along with the passport. The application form is filled out online, and requirements may vary depending on the trip’s purpose and the applicant’s nationality.

Training of Kuwaiti doctors in robotic surgery

The Ambassador of Brazil highlighted the educational and research cooperation between the two countries, mentioning that one of the key areas of cooperation is the training of Brazilian and Kuwaiti doctors in robotic surgery, which has been widely covered by Brazilian media.

Humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon

The Brazilian Ambassador reaffirmed ongoing coordination with Kuwait regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon. He added that “Brazil will continue to work with Kuwait on international and regional issues.”

Agreements and MoUs between Brazil and Kuwait

1. Cooperation agreement signed in 1975.
2. Memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral consultations signed in 2002.
3. Cultural convention signed in 2005.
4. Air services convention signed in 2010.
5. Agreements under negotiation or ratification.