Peru eyes stronger economic, investment partnerships with Kuwait
Peruvian Foreign Minister to visit the country as part of Gulf tour to boost relations
Kuwait and Peru enjoy longstanding diplomatic relations characterized by mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering cooperation across various fields.
Since establishing formal ties in 1975, both countries have worked to strengthen their partnership, particularly in trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
In recent years, there has been a renewed momentum to deepen these relations, reflecting the broader engagement between Latin America and the Gulf region.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to Kuwait, Carlos Enrique Thomas Jiménez Gil, said Peru’s foreign policy is undergoing a “strong comeback” towards the Gulf region, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations, increasing trade exchange, and encouraging investments in this vital area.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Peruvian Foreign Minister’s visit to Kuwait this Tuesday, Ambassador Jiménez Gil highlighted that the 2010 visit of Peru’s Foreign Minister to the Gulf, coinciding with the Third Summit of South American and Arab Countries (ASPA) in Lima, marked a turning point in Peruvian diplomacy. Since then, there has been a continuous commitment to developing relations with the Arab world.
He noted that Peru’s current Foreign Minister, Elmer Schialer, will arrive in Kuwait on April 29 as part of a regional tour that also includes Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
The ambassador emphasized the growing importance of Gulf countries in Peru’s foreign policy, particularly in areas of economic cooperation. He stressed on Peru’s ambition to build strategic partnerships, especially with Kuwait, through technical collaboration and shared development initiatives.
Jiménez Gil pointed out that Peru and Kuwait face similar challenges, such as water scarcity and limited agricultural land. He noted that Peru had successfully overcome these obstacles to become one of the world’s leading exporters, further motivating it to play an active role in promoting global economic stability.
The ambassador added that upcoming diplomatic engagements will further bolster ties with the Gulf, especially as Peru and Kuwait prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025. He expressed hope that this milestone would open new opportunities for investment, trade, and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two nations.
Regarding agreements between the two countries, Jiménez Gil revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding is soon to be signed between the Kuwait National Library and the National Library of Peru, with other agreements currently under review.
He also mentioned that 250 Kuwaitis visited Peru last year, with visa applications processed within just one day.
On the trade front, the ambassador noted that economic relations between Peru and Kuwait have witnessed significant growth in recent years, reaching a peak in 2022. Despite a slight decline in 2024, he expressed optimism for a renewed boost, thanks to ongoing efforts to deepen economic partnerships.
