The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Kuwait H.E. Hernández Gamallo affirmed the depth of the historical and cultural relations between the two countries during the Spanish Embassy’s National Day celebration, noting that bilateral ties are currently witnessing unprecedented growth across economic, cultural, and educational fields.
The event was attended by several senior officials, including Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Abdullah Mishaal Al-Sabah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense, alongside members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations, and members of the Spanish community in Kuwait.
In his remarks, the ambassador said, “Spain is one of the world’s oldest nations — a country rich in cultural and linguistic diversity, united by a shared national spirit and identity.”
He added that October 12 marks not only Spain’s National Day but also commemorates the deep historical ties linking Spain to the Spanish-speaking nations of Latin America, which span both sides of the Atlantic.
The ambassador emphasized Spain’s pride in its historic relations with the Arab world, reflected in its rich cultural heritage, and highlighted that relations between Kuwait and Spain are solid and continuously growing in various sectors, driven by mutual understanding and the closeness between the two peoples.
He revealed that over 50,000 Kuwaitis visited Spain this year, praising the facilitation of Schengen visa procedures, which has boosted travel and tourism between the two nations. He also referred to the Spanish–Kuwaiti Joint Economic Committee held last May, which brought together numerous representatives from Spanish economic sectors contributing to the implementation of Kuwait Vision 2035. He added that both sides are currently working on signing several new agreements to strengthen economic and investment cooperation.
On the academic front, the ambassador explained that Kuwaiti authorities have recognized degrees from 45 Spanish universities, granting the distinction of “excellence” to several programs in Madrid, Navarra, and Barcelona universities. He expressed hope for an increase in the number of Kuwaiti students pursuing studies in Spain in the coming years.
The Spanish envoy also announced that direct flights between Madrid and Kuwait will soon resume, joining the existing route to Barcelona and seasonal flights to Málaga, which will further enhance tourism and trade exchange between the two countries.
Touching on Spain’s foreign policy, he underscored that “Spain believes in dialogue and coexistence among civilizations, respects state sovereignty and human rights, and continues to support the two-state solution and a just, comprehensive peace in the Middle East.”
He reaffirmed Spain’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people and expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s steadfast defense of international legitimacy and its significant contribution to global humanitarian efforts.
In conclusion, the ambassador extended greetings to the Spanish community in Kuwait, numbering around 450 people, praising their contributions in fields such as education, health, energy, infrastructure, sports, and engineering, and affirming the embassy’s commitment to supporting and representing their interests.
He also expressed gratitude to the Spanish and Kuwaiti companies sponsoring the event, as well as to the embassy team and the Waldorf Astoria Hotel staff for their cooperation in organizing the celebration.
The ambassador concluded his remarks by conveying the best wishes of King Felipe VI of Spain and the Spanish government to Kuwait’s leadership and people for continued progress and prosperity.
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