Kuwait-Mexico trade soars with an impressive 28.5% annual growth

• H.E Eduardo Peña Haller, the Mexican Ambassador to the country, stressed that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of relations between the two countries, as the opening of the Mexican embassy in Kuwait was twenty years ago.

• Ambassador Haller stated that the common world views between Mexico and Kuwait are not a coincidence, but rather the result of similar historical experiences.

• Kuwaiti community in Mexico consists of 150 people—80 women and 70 men—who work to promote ethics, social responsibility, and dedication to their work, representing the best of Mexico abroad.

His Excellency Eduardo Peña Haller, the Mexican Ambassador to Kuwait, highlighted the strengthening ties between Kuwait and Mexico in recent years, noting that high-level visits have resulted in twenty five treaties and agreements. He also pointed out that trade between the two countries has grown at an impressive annual rate of 28.5%.

Ambassador Haller, in his speech during the celebration of the 214th anniversary of the start of the Mexican Independence Movement, attended by Nawaf Abdullateef Al-Ahmad, Assistant Foreign Minister for Americas Affairs, stated that the common worldviews between our two countries are not a coincidence, but rather the result of similar historical experiences. He emphasized that violence, militarism, and armament do not solve the challenges facing humanity; instead, they exacerbate our differences.

He added that the Kuwaiti community in Mexico consists of 150 people—80 women and 70 men—who work to promote ethics, social responsibility, and dedication to their work, representing the best of Mexico abroad. From this standpoint, we take this opportunity to honor two remarkable Mexican women for their contributions to both Mexican and Kuwaiti society.

He highlighted the close ties between the two countries, which share common values such as respect for international law, a strong belief in multilateralism, the promotion of peaceful coexistence, and a commitment to international cooperation as key tools for building a more just and equitable world.

He stressed that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of relations between the two countries, as the opening of the Mexican embassy in Kuwait was twenty years ago. He aims to sign a number of agreements in various fields, especially regarding trade and the economy.

Direct travel line to Mexico in the works to boost business investments

He mentioned that he seeks to open a direct travel line to Mexico in coordination with many parties, noting that the subject is still under discussion. This initiative aims to facilitate meetings between business travelers from the two countries to foster investment.

The Mexican ambassador pointed out that on October 1, 2024, a new chapter in Mexico’s history will begin, as the country will be led for the first time by a woman, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. This historic event continues the constitutional reform of 2019, which guarantees gender equality in the Federal Congress, the Congress of States, and municipal councils in all 32 states of the Republic. This moment reflects significant political, economic, and social importance and will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the future of Mexico.

He said, “I am honored to celebrate with you the beginnings of the Mexican independence movement that took place 214 years ago in the small town of Dolores Hidalgo, when Father Miguel Hidalgo called on the people to rise up against the Crown of New Spain and, along with Father José María Morelos, called for a new path for Mexico—one that would defend the dignity and freedom of the entire people. Their vision focused on unity and inclusion, and they advocated for reforms that would ensure fair opportunities for all, especially indigenous peoples. They sought to establish a republic based on equality, universal suffrage, and the right to freedom of expression and association—values that have underpinned Mexico’s founding as an independent nation ever since.”

Ambassador Haller invited engineer Diana Suárez Esquivel to the podium to receive an honor for her tireless work in removing sulfur, a harmful environmental pollutant, from oil refining. She currently works at the El Sur plant, where she has succeeded in reducing this pollutant. He asked the audience to applaud her for her outstanding contributions and to present Esperanza Zuzwarigui with the Ohtli Award, given to individuals who have made significant contributions to strengthening Mexican communities abroad.

For more than 40 years, Ms. Esperanza has dedicated herself selflessly to organizing the Mexican community in Kuwait, ensuring that newcomers receive the support they need to settle in and enjoy a network of friendships that enhances their families’ stay in Kuwait.

He pointed out that many Kuwaitis visit his country through the United States, noting that those who have a U.S., Schengen, Canadian, or British visa do not need a visa to enter Mexico.

Mexican students to learn Arabic in Kuwait

He referred to the 25 agreements concluded between his country and Kuwait in various fields, expressing his intention to work on implementing these agreements. He mentioned that only a small number of Kuwaitis are studying in Mexican universities, noting his intention to send a number of Mexican students to learn the Arabic language.

The ambassador highlighted that Kuwait invited tendiplomats from Mexico to train at the Diplomatic Institute, noting that the joint committee between the two countries is scheduled to convene next year in Kuwait.

Kuwait’s role in the region praised

He praised Kuwait’s role in the region, pointing out the convergence of visions between the two countries, as both Kuwait and Mexico believe in peace, respect for international law, and resolving problems through diplomatic means.

The Mexican ambassador pointed out that Kuwait has made significant progress in women’s empowerment across various sectors, highlighting the importance of the role women play in society.

Strong bond between Kuwait and Mexico

The ambassador emphasized the strong bond between Kuwait and Mexico, highlighting their shared values, including respect for international law, a commitment to multilateralism, the promotion of peaceful coexistence, and the belief that international cooperation is vital for creating a more just and equitable world.

He then invited Engineer Diana Sánchez Esquivel to the podium to recognize her groundbreaking work in eliminating sulfur, a harmful environmental pollutant, from oil refining. Currently employed at the Al Sour plant, she has successfully reduced this pollutant.