Omani Ambassador praises growing bilateral ties with Kuwait, especially in economic sector
Economic relations have experienced notable growth, with trade in the first six months of this year totaling $2.3 billion, doubling over the past five years; both countries’ leaderships have taken political, economic, and cultural steps this year to strengthen bilateral cooperation -- H.E. Dr. Saleh bin Amer Al-Kharousi
The Omani Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Dr. Saleh bin Amer Al-Kharousi, has praised the steadily growing cooperation between Oman and Kuwait across multiple sectors, particularly in the economic sphere, which has witnessed significant growth in recent years.
Speaking at a press conference on the occasion of Oman’s 55th National Day, which will be celebrated on Nov 20, Ambassador Al-Kharousi noted that bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately $5 billion last year, reflecting an increase of nearly 120 percent compared to the previous year.
He highlighted Kuwait as one of the top investors in Oman, with direct investments totaling $1.362 billion this year, placing Kuwait first in the Gulf region, first in the Arab world, and third globally after the United Kingdom and the United States.
The ambassador emphasized that economic relations have experienced notable growth, with trade in the first six months of this year totaling $2.3 billion, doubling over the past five years. He described Kuwaiti-Omani relations as deeply rooted and fraternal, noting that both countries’ leaderships have taken political, economic, and cultural steps this year to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
On the political front, Ambassador Al-Kharousi pointed to key milestones, including the visit of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to Oman on October 14, during which he met with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral ties and exchanging views on regional and international issues. He also noted that on August 11, the Amir received Omani Interior Minister Hamoud Al-Busaidi, who delivered a verbal message from Sultan Haitham.
Economically, the ambassador highlighted the Duqm Refinery Project, jointly managed by the Kuwait Petroleum International Company and Oman’s OQ Group. The project successfully passed lender reliability tests, enabling the use of over $4 billion in shareholder guarantees. The refinery has also exceeded its design capacity, increasing production from 230,000 barrels per day to 255,000 barrels, and exporting over 4.1 million tons of products to global markets.
He added that in early 2025, agreements were signed for the maintenance of several Kuwaiti oil tankers by the Dry Dock Company in Oman’s Duqm Economic Zone in coordination with Kuwait Oil Tankers Company.
Ambassador Al-Kharousi also noted ongoing bilateral cooperation in governance, including the fourth virtual meeting of senior officials from both countries’ foreign ministries on May 18, and the enforcement of memoranda of understanding in competition protection, consumer protection, and other agreements signed during 2023 and 2024.
In the tourism sector, the Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism launched a campaign in Kuwait in January 2025 under the slogan “Oman… The Address of Beauty.” According to Oman’s National Statistics Center, Kuwaiti visitors reached 33,154 by the end of September, with projections of around 50,000 by December.
In investment, Omani Housing and Urban Planning Minister Dr. Khalfan Al-Sha’ili met Kuwaiti business leaders on May 22 to discuss opportunities in Oman’s urban development sector.
Culturally, Oman will be the guest of honor at the 48th Kuwait International Book Fair, highlighting the Sultanate’s heritage and achievements and honoring former Minister and Adviser Mohammed bin Al-Zubair Al-Ali as the cultural figure of the edition.
Other initiatives include participation in Oman’s 30th cultural season at the House of Islamic Antiquities and collaboration in regional literary and artistic events, including theater exchanges and media visits, strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Al-Kharousi concluded by noting ongoing efforts to promote tourism, culture, and media collaboration, emphasizing the depth and strength of Omani-Kuwaiti relations across all levels.
