By Reaven D’Souza
Executive Managing Editor
Relations between Spain and Kuwait are deep and solid and based on shared values, cultural affinities, and people to people level contacts. Both sides also remain committed to the goals of strengthening and expanding bilateral relations on all levels, said the Ambassador of Spain H.E. Hernández Gamallo during a recent in-depth media interview.
Elaborating on the growing political and economic ties between the two states, Ambassador Gamallo noted that last July, Spain and Kuwait held a round of political consultations at the Deputy Foreign Minister level and that in May of 2025 the two sides plan to hold an Economic Joint Committee in Kuwait. “Our aim is to activate the economic, investment and financial agreements already signed, and to bring together the main institutional and economic operators in order to identify opportunities for economic and commercial collaboration.
“Spanish companies are ready to contribute to Kuwait´s progress and prosperity in a wide array of fields: civil infrastructure, water management, railway systems, health, food security, renewables, defense, naval capabilities, communications radar detection and others. During this Joint Economic Committee we expect to review the presence of Spanish companies in Kuwait and their participation in current and future tenders. We also expect to exchange experiences on joint investment instruments and legislation, in order to review the opportunities of investment in both countries.
“Spain is today Kuwait’s fifth largest supplier within the EU. The trade balance has been favorable to Spain during recent years, although this tendency changed in 2023. In 2023 there was a significant increase in our imports from Kuwait, mainly due to the purchases of fuels and mineral oils, specifically petroleum, which accounts for 94.5 percent of our total purchases.
“Spanish exports to Kuwait are diverse, including machines and mechanical devices, chemical products, ceramic products and essential oils, among many others. Clothing items traditionally have a high weight in our exports, which results from the extensive presence of fashion brands, especially the INDITEX group on a franchise basis in Kuwait. The main services demanded by Kuwait are in tourism, transportation and insurance operations.
“Healthcare cooperation is another promising area. Many Kuwaiti citizens come to Spain for treatment. We think there is good coordination between healthcare providers, and we are ready to help, in order for the Kuwaiti citizens to receive up-to-date information on the Spanish healthcare system. We are ready to share our experience on public health, on our system of university hospitals and on the healthcare infrastructure in the different regions.”
Underlining the increasing bilateral investments between the two countries, the Spanish envoy said: “Kuwaiti investors have shown a growing interest in the Spanish market. They have diversified their investments in various sectors, such as renewable energy, especially in wind and solar projects. There is also an increasing interest in opportunities in the Spanish financial sector. Also there is support for some Spanish startups, especially in the fintech and medical technology sectors.
“Spain offers outstanding advantages for long-term investors. First of all, a stable political and economic environment. Moreover, the strategic position—as a bridge between Europe, Latin America and Africa, with strategic access to the EU market— makes Spain very attractive to companies seeking to expand their operations. We should also add that Spain has a thriving technology and renewable energy sector. Tax incentives aimed to attract foreign investment also play a role.
“Spain also boasts of an attractive real estate market, from residential to commercial properties. In fact, Kuwaiti citizens are currently leading among the Gulf Cooperation Council states in investment in Spanish real estate. Historically, Kuwaiti investors have played a key role in the development of iconic Spanish hotels and commercial properties, in cities such as Madrid, Marbella, and Barcelona. My message is simple: Spain offers stability, transparency, and significant growth potential. Whether you are interested in green energy, digital transformation, or healthcare, Spain can match your ambitions.”
Pointing to the strong cultural affinities between the two sides and the increasing contacts on the people-to-people level, Ambassador Gamallo stated: “Spain and Kuwait enjoy a rich history of cultural exchange. Our embassy is eager to expand this relationship by promoting cultural events. In 2024 the embassy supported a concert of Spanish music in the AlQurain Festival, and also collaborated with the National Council of Culture, Arts and Letters in the organization of a flamenco music and dance show. Last November we held a tribute concert to the guitar player and composer Paco de Lucía, in the Yarmouk Theater under the auspices of Dar al Athar al Islamiya. We are currently working on the cultural program for the coming year.
“There is also much to do in the field of academic, cultural and sport cooperation. Kuwait is currently recognizing the academic degrees delivered by forty-five Spanish universities. One of our goals is to include Spanish universities in the Kuwaiti government’s scholarship system, so that Kuwaiti students can receive higher education in Spain. The two sides are also working on several bilateral agreements, including a MoU between the Spanish High Council of Scientific Investigations (CSIC) and the University of Kuwait; a MoU for cooperation in sports, and an Agreement on judicial assistance in criminal matters and extradition.
“One of our main ambitions is what we call, the ‘Scientific diplomacy’, which our embassy launched in Kuwait in 2023. This program has proven to be a very successful one, so far, with events such as the ‘Oceánicas Exhibition’ at the University of Kuwait; the ‘Age of Glass’ exhibition at the Scientific Center; both of which were organized last June, and the ‘Coasts from Space’ exhibition, which was held recently at the University of Kuwait.
“Our goal is to give an institutional follow-up to those initiatives, as happened with the visit of a delegation from the KSIR to Almería, following the visit in November 2023 by a team of experts from the Spanish Foundation Technova, which is specialised in high-tech agriculture for arid environment, to hold talks with KISR officials. Also, the MoU currently under negotiation with Kuwait University, is a result of the visit of researchers from the Spanish Oceanographic Institute, aimed at fostering scientific cooperation and collaboration between Spain and Kuwait.
Last but not least, an examination facility has been accredited as the official DELE examination center in the French Institute in Kuwait, so that the Kuwaiti students can obtain this diploma from Instituto Cervantes.”
Turning to tourism and growing people-level ties between the two countries, the ambassador pointed out, “People-to-people relations are a big asset in our bilateral relations. Spain has long been a favorite destination for Kuwaiti travelers. Around 150.000 people traveled from Kuwait to Spain in 2023. This year, as of the last week of November, the Embassy of Spain processed 31,378 visa applications, 18.147 (58%) of them for Kuwaiti citizens. We also congratulate ourselves for the approval last year of more open Schengen visa regulations for Kuwaitis and other citizens of the Gulf.
“I would like to take this opportunity to convey two messages to the Kuwaiti friends who are planning to visit Spain. First, apply for your visas, if needed, as soon as your holiday plans are set up, in order to avoid unnecessary inconveniences. Second, beyond the beach resorts and traditional coastal villages, I recommend that they explore the full variety of Spain´s treasures in the interior of the country, the national parks and the world heritage cultural sites.
“Last by nor least, we hope there will be in the coming future an air reconnection between Kuwait and Madrid, which would add to the already existing direct route between Kuwait and Barcelona, and the summer connection between Málaga and Kuwait. Spain is very happy to welcome Kuwaiti tourists, and to support its potential increase.”
Asked about his views on the volatile situation in the Middle East, and how security and stability can be restored in the region, Ambassador Gamallo emphasized, “Our principles in the Middle East and Gaza are basically to uphold the UN Charter and to strive for a just peace. We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe and we must act on the basis of humanity.
“We call for an immediate ceasefire, for the release of all hostages and for the massive and unconditional entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. We convened the first intergovernmental meeting between Spain and Palestine in November to support the Palestinian Authority governance in all the Palestinian territories and its leading role in the stabilization and reconstruction phases, with the essential support of UNRWA, which is an irreplaceable humanitarian actor. During the meeting, Spain committed 75 million Euros for Palestine in the next 2 years.
“Lastly, our focus is to move forward in the implementation of the two State solution, which is the only pathway to peace and stability in the region. After recognizing the Palestinian State, we are working with partners from all over the world in the context of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the two State solution.
Elaborating on the Spanish recognition of the Palestinian state, the ambassador stated, “We did it for peace, for justice and for the most basic humanity. We have to address the root causes of conflict and build pathways to peace. The two-state solution is the only way to a lasting peace in the region. Let me add that Spain has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027, as recognition of Spain’s voice in favor of human rights, multilateralism and peace.
“Spain recognizes the critical role Gulf nations play in these efforts, particularly Kuwait, which has a commendable track record of mediation and humanitarian initiatives and is a strong supporter of UNRWA. We believe that fostering cooperation among regional and global stakeholders is essential for achieving sustainable peace.
“Spain considers Kuwait a staunch defender of international law and a first rate contributor to humanitarian causes in the Middle East and in other parts of the world. Kuwait´s dedication to mediation and conflict resolution has commanded respect on the global stage. Kuwait has an indispensable role to play in promoting peace and stability in the Gulf, in the Middle East and beyond. We wish Kuwait a successful tenure as rotatory Presidency of the GCC, and look forward to working closely with its leadership on shared priorities, including sustainable development and regional security.”
The ambassador concluded by stating, “After four months in Kuwait, I am deeply impressed by the warmth and the hospitality of the Kuwaiti people. This is a place where I feel truly at home. I am still beginning to explore Kuwait’s cultural landmarks, including the museums, souks, malls, modern infrastructure and architectural masterpieces. I find Kuwait as an unique blend of innovation and development, as a nation with a vision for the future. I feel privileged to witness it and to contribute to the progress of our bilateral relations.”
