Kuwait first Gulf country to establish ties with Soviet Union: Sadiq Marafi

• “Russia has always treated the Arab world with constant respect based on mutual understanding and benefit, and this applies perfectly to Kuwait,” H.E. Vladimir Geltov, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Kuwait said.

Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Europe, praised the longstanding relations between Kuwait and Russia, noting that it has been over 61 years since their establishment. He highlighted that Kuwait was the first Gulf country to establish relations with the Soviet Union and emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to coordinating and cooperating with Russia in various international forums, Al-Rai newspaper reported.

In a statement on the sidelines of his participation in the reception held by H.E. Vladimir Geltov, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Kuwait, on the occasion of his country’s National Day, Marafi stressed the “serious pursuit to strengthen joint relations between the two countries in various sectors,” noting the importance of Moscow as a major tourist destination for Kuwaiti citizens and appreciating the cooperation and facilities provided by the Russian side in this regard.

He pointed to the mutual demand for various bilateral benefits, including high-level visits and the holding of the Joint Economic Committee.

For his part, the Russian ambassador said in a speech on the occasion, “Russia has always treated the Arab world with constant respect based on mutual understanding and benefit, and this applies perfectly to Kuwait.”

He expressed his country’s appreciation for “the balanced approach of the Kuwaiti leadership,” noting that “the two countries cooperate productively in several fields, including trade, economic, energy, and the technical military sector, as well as at the humanitarian level.”

He stressed that “the Russian and Kuwaiti sides are actively working to develop tourism relations,” explaining that “last year witnessed an increase in the number of Kuwaiti visitors to Russia.”

In a statement on the sidelines of the ceremony, the Russian ambassador expressed “sincere thanks to the Kuwaiti friends, leadership, and people,” noting that “our relationship has become more consolidated and firmly established on a humanitarian level, and I see great interest in Russia among Kuwaitis.”

He added, “We appreciate the balanced Kuwaiti positions on the Ukraine crisis, and in international forums, Kuwait is our friend, which reflects the positions of the Kuwaiti leadership.”

He also revealed the date of the session of the Strategic Dialogue between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which will be held in Qatar next September and in Kuwait in 2025.

He pointed out that “there were previously Kuwaiti investments in Russia, but due to the American and European sanctions imposed on the investment sector, these investments were affected. However, God willing, we will recover them.”