The Times Kuwait Report
Russian Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Vladimir Zheltov, has praised the wisdom and pragmatism of Kuwait’s leadership, saying “Our relations will continue to develop for the benefit of our two friendly nations and peoples.”
In his remarks during a reception to mark Russia’s National Day, which was attended by Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, as well as ambassadors, diplomats, and prominent figures, Ambassador Zheltov highlighted the historical depth of Russian-Kuwaiti ties.
“Kuwait was the first Gulf country,” he said, “to establish diplomatic ties with Russia in 1963,” recalling historical moments of contact dating back to the early 20th century when Russian ships visited Kuwait during the era of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Kabeer.
He noted that bilateral cooperation spans various fields including trade, energy, military-technical collaboration, and humanitarian initiatives.
Zheltov also pointed to Russia’s emerging tourism sector, saying it has seen rapid growth in recent years and has become a preferred destination for many Gulf citizens, despite starting from modest beginnings.
Reflecting on the occasion, Zheltov remarked that Russia’s National Day is relatively new — just 35 years old — but Russia itself boasts a history stretching back over a millennium.
He went on to say, “We are proud of our ancestors who built a unique civilization with a distinct identity and a grand Russian culture that extended across Eurasia, spanning 11 time zones,”
He emphasized the deep historical connection between generations, from ancient Rus (known to historians as Kievan Rus) through the Soviet era, and into the modern Russian Federation, which he described as the legitimate successor to this vast legacy.
Zheltov also addressed the geopolitical challenges facing Russia today, particularly the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, which he attributed to NATO’s eastward expansion.
“Throughout history, due to Russia’s vast geography, self-reliance, and sovereignty, adversaries have tried repeatedly to subjugate it,” he said.
“Even today, we face attempts to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. Our historical memory still remembers invasions by European powers like Napoleon and Hitler — we know how that ended.”
He added that Russia rejects the so-called “rules-based international order” promoted by the West and instead advocates for a just, multipolar world built on genuine equality and the indivisible security of all nations. He also stressed Russia’s longstanding respect for the Arab world, stating that cooperation with countries like Kuwait is based on mutual understanding and shared interests, dating back to the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Concluding his remarks, Zheltov said, “I am confident that our relations will continue to grow in a way that serves the interests of our two friendly nations and peoples.”
On the sidelines of the event, Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, told reporters that Kuwait-Russia relations, are steadily growing, and both sides are eager to strengthen them further.
He disclosed that a joint committee meeting is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the upcoming Energy Summit, where new investment opportunities will be explored.
Marafi also praised the noticeable increase in tourism flows between the two countries in recent years.
