Kuwait-Jordan relations thrive with 73 collaborative accords

• Over the past six decades, relations between Jordan and Kuwait have steadily developed in various fields, marked by mutual visits of the two countries’ wise leaders, senior government officials, private sector representatives, and public associations.

• Kuwaiti investments lead Arab investments in Jordan, totaling $20 billion across tourism, industry, banking, telecom, real estate, and transport.

• The Kuwait Investment Authority holds $3 billion in Jordanian assets, while 2023 trade between the two countries totaled 67 million Kuwaiti dinars.

Kuwaiti-Jordanian relations continue to strengthen steadily, driven by the directives of the leaderships of both nations. This progress is reflected in mutual visits, the signing of cooperation agreements across various fields, and coordinated stances on regional and international issues, as reported by Al Jarida newspaper.

The official visit of Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and his accompanying delegation to the country reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand relations between the two nations across various fields. Through these robust ties and bonds of brotherhood, both countries aim to achieve their shared strategic interests while addressing regional and global developments to adopt appropriate positions.

On April 23, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah visited Jordan on a state visit, during which he held talks with King Abdullah II to further solidify the historical relations between the two brotherly nations.

Deep-rooted historical relations

At the conclusion of that visit, a joint Kuwaiti-Jordanian statement was issued, in which the two countries expressed pride in their deep-rooted historical relations and emphasized their commitment to building on these ties to strengthen cooperation across various fields and achieve greater integration.

Kuwaiti-Jordanian diplomatic ties date back to 1961

Kuwaiti-Jordanian diplomatic relations date back to 1961, when Khaled Al-Assani presented his credentials to the late King Hussein of Jordan as Kuwait’s first ambassador in December of that year. The Kingdom of Jordan appointed its first ambassador to Kuwait in 1962.

Over the past six decades, relations between the two nations have steadily developed in various fields, marked by mutual visits of the two countries’ wise leaders, senior government officials, private sector representatives, and public associations. This collaboration has been further institutionalized through the Kuwaiti-Jordanian Joint Higher Committee, which meets periodically.

The two countries’ relations are governed by 73 partnership and cooperation agreements, covering diverse fields such as politics, economics, military affairs, social development, education, culture, and media. These agreements aim to enhance bilateral collaboration and expand the scope of joint initiatives in priority areas for both nations.

Supporting the Palestinian people

The two countries prioritize coordinating their bilateral positions, particularly on issues related to joint Arab action. Chief among these is the Palestinian cause, with both nations committed to supporting the Palestinian people in their struggle to remain on their land, achieve statehood with East Jerusalem as its capital, end the Israeli occupation, and realize a just peace.

Kuwaiti investments in Jordan rank first among Arab investments in the Kingdom, with a total value of approximately $20 billion across various sectors, including tourism, the extractive industries, banking, telecommunications, real estate, and transportation.

The Kuwait Investment Authority’s investments in Jordan are valued at around $3 billion, spread across Jordanian banking institutions, projects, companies, and deposits. Meanwhile, the trade exchange between the two countries in 2023, including total exports and imports, amounted to approximately 67 million Kuwaiti dinars (about $221 million).

The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development plays a vital role in supporting Jordan’s development efforts by financing priority projects. To date, the fund has financed approximately 32 projects with a total value exceeding 230 million Kuwaiti dinars (about one billion dollars).

Military cooperation

In military cooperation, the Kuwait Military Attaché Office in Jordan, established in 1974, works to strengthen coordination and joint collaboration. This includes holding joint meetings, facilitating visits to military colleges, conducting joint exercises, and training members of the armed forces from both countries in military institutes and colleges.

4,000 Kuwaiti students study in Jordanian universities

On the educational and cultural front, the two countries share cooperation agreements aimed at fostering stronger ties in these areas. Kuwaiti educational institutions, such as schools, applied institutes, and universities, employ Jordanian professors, while about 4,000 Kuwaiti students are currently studying in Jordanian universities. These students are supported and overseen by the Cultural Office at the Kuwaiti Embassy in Jordan.

The bilateral cooperation between the two countries is notable in the humanitarian field. The Kuwaiti Embassy in Jordan is actively supporting Kuwaiti charities, following the directives of the political leadership, which places significant emphasis on charitable and humanitarian work. This includes providing aid to Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Jordan, as well as supporting Jordanian families in need.

Humanitarian associations

As of August 2023, money transfers to Jordanian humanitarian associations registered in Kuwait’s electronic humanitarian work system reached approximately $25 million, funding various projects such as relief efforts, medical assistance, and sponsorship programs for orphans and students.

Additionally, the two countries engage in health, media, sports and security cooperation, focusing on sharing expertise, facilitating mutual visits by specialized delegations, and organizing events and training programs to enhance and improve these fields.