Kuwait ready to lead change guided by Vision 2035; trade, investment exceed 150 billion euros annually
. . . Prime Minister tells 9th Gulf-European Business Forum
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait in his opening remarks to the Ninth Gulf-European Business Forum which was held under his patronage at the Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center praised the growing trade and investment ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU), which now exceed 150 billion euros annually.
He expressed hope that the forum which is being held under the slogan “Together for Common Prosperity.”
will serve as a roadmap toward shared prosperity and sustainable growth in the coming years.
His Highness welcomed participants to Kuwait, noting that the event — organized in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), the European Union, and the GCC Secretariat General — reflects Kuwait’s commitment to fostering constructive global partnerships.
Emphasizing the country’s readiness to lead and adapt to change, His Highness reaffirmed Kuwait’s dedication to its New Kuwait 2035 Vision, built upon principles of peace, security, and international cooperation.
He recalled that Kuwait has hosted several landmark events underscoring its active global role, including the Third EU-GCC Forum in 2019 and the 29th Ministerial Meeting of the EU-GCC Joint Council of Foreign Ministers in October 2024.
These, he said, exemplify a deep and strategic partnership addressing challenges such as energy security, sustainability, and geopolitical stability.
Highlighting the long-standing relationship between the GCC and the EU — anchored in the 1989 Cooperation Agreement and reinforced by the 2024 Brussels Summit — His Highness described it as a model for international collaboration aimed at promoting economic diversification, climate-friendly trade, innovation, digital transformation, and energy security.
“The cooperation between our regions,” he said, “extends across vital sectors including renewable energy, advanced technology, healthcare, food security, and innovative industries — all of which form the pillars of stability, prosperity, and openness.”
GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi also addressed the forum, emphasizing the historic and strategic nature of Gulf-European relations and the expanding trade and investment ties between both sides.
Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director General of KDIPA, highlighted the depth of Gulf-European relations and expressed hope that the forum would serve as an effective platform for sharing ideas, visions, and expertise.
European Union Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič echoed similar optimism, expressing confidence that trade, investment, and development cooperation between the GCC and EU will continue to grow. He noted his meetings with Kuwaiti officials aimed at enhancing economic collaboration.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Minister of Finance, and Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment; Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah; EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič; GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi; along with senior officials, business leaders, and representatives from the GCC and European Union.
