H.H. the Crown Prince concludes official visit to Switzerland
Kuwait and Bern seek to expand bilateral ties, with trade, investment and cooperation in several emerging sectors
Kuwait and Switzerland have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral relations, with trade, investment and cooperation in several emerging sectors taking centre stage as His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah concluded his official visit to the Swiss Confederation.
The visit, which included official talks with Swiss President Guy Parmelin, coincided with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Switzerland. The two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at promoting and encouraging direct investment, providing a framework for closer economic cooperation.
During the talks in Bern, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation across a range of fields while expanding existing frameworks to serve their common interests. Regional and international developments and issues of mutual concern were also discussed.
The investment agreement was signed between the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) and Switzerland Global Enterprise, with the aim of strengthening economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. Swiss authorities said the broader discussions focused particularly on strengthening trade ties.
Several sectors were identified as having potential for greater cooperation, including healthcare, financial technology, sustainable agriculture and food security. The areas reflect opportunities for expanding economic links beyond traditional bilateral ties and creating additional avenues for investment and business cooperation.
The visit also carried a diplomatic dimension amid the wider regional situation. President Parmelin expressed Switzerland’s solidarity with Kuwait following the Iranian attacks against the country and reiterated Switzerland’s commitment to dialogue and its willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at ending hostilities.
The two sides also discussed the current regional situation and international security of supply, according to the Swiss government. In a message to President Parmelin at the conclusion of the visit, Sheikh Sabah Khaled reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to advancing the longstanding relationship with Switzerland towards broader and more comprehensive horizons, while continuing joint efforts that serve the interests of both countries.
The Crown Prince’s visit followed President Parmelin’s official visit to Kuwait in February. The reciprocal high-level visits have provided an opportunity to mark six decades of diplomatic relations while reinforcing efforts to expand economic and investment cooperation.
