Italian envoy highlights Failaka finds, defense, education, and cultural partnerships with Kuwait
The Times Kuwait Report
Italy and Kuwait are strengthening their ties across archaeology, defense, culture, education, and trade, said the Italian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Lorenzo Morini.
Speaking at a press conference, Morini announced groundbreaking archaeological discoveries on Failaka Island and new research near Doha’s coastal nature reserve, while also emphasizing the expanding cooperation between the two nations in defense, healthcare, aviation, and cultural initiatives. The ambassador underscored how these collaborations not only advance knowledge and development but also deepen the longstanding friendship between Italy and Kuwait.
“The archaeological discoveries not only enrich knowledge but also strengthen friendship and scientific exchange between our countries,” he said. Morini also praised the close defense cooperation between the two nations. Italy and Kuwait, he added, recently renewed the logistical support contract for the Eurofighter jets which are being gradually delivered, with full delivery expected by mid-2026.
Leonardo S.p.A., an Italian multinational company specializing in aerospace, defense and security, headquartered in Rome, is responsible for maintenance, logistics, and pilot training.
He added, the joint training programs continue successfully, with Kuwaiti pilots training in Italy, while the Kuwaiti National Guard collaborates with Italy’s Carabinieri, including officer training programs and preparations for a new memorandum of understanding. Both countries are also hosting an international event on counter-terrorism and illicit trafficking with participation from Kenya and Nigeria.
On economic relations, Morini noted Kuwait’s substantial investments in Italy, particularly through companies such as KPC and KPI (Q8), alongside diversified financial investments via funds. Italian companies, including Leonardo and several small and medium-sized enterprises, are seeking to expand their presence in Kuwait, especially in technology, engineering, and service sectors.
He went on to say that bilateral relations are “excellent and highly active,” with plans for high-level visits and new agreements in investment, defense, science, security, and training.
In healthcare, cooperation is growing, particularly in home care services. Preparations are underway for a visit by Kuwait’s Minister of Health to Italy to sign a new memorandum of understanding; while the Italian companies have recently contributed to the construction of Kuwait’s new Maternity Hospital and continue to supervise its maintenance.
In aviation and tourism, Italy and Kuwait are working to increase direct flights between the countries, with discussions with Italian airlines progressing positively due to growing demand from Kuwaiti travelers. The number of Kuwaiti visitors to Italy continues to rise, many holding long-term visas and visiting multiple times annually.
The Italian envoy also highlighted increasing interest among Kuwaiti students to study in Italian universities, which offer programs in English across design, engineering, medicine, and the arts.
On cultural initiatives, the Italian Embassy will host the “Italian Design Week” in Kuwait from October 19 to 25, in collaboration with local institutions including The Avenues Mall, Contemporary Art Platform (CAP), Dar Al Funoon, and the American Museum.
The activities will include exhibitions of Italian fashion, furniture, food, and automobiles; performances by the ‘Spandieri Attori di Gubbio’ troupe, an art exhibition by Daniele Farindini, and lectures by Italian architects and designers at the Kuwait University and CAP.
Morini concluded by emphasizing that design in Italy is “not just an artistic concept, but a holistic way of thinking that expresses creativity across all fields, from art and music to food and fashion,” praising the strong Kuwaiti interest in Italian culture as a reflection of the deep friendship and solid ties between the two nations.
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