Turkish President Erdoğan arrives today for official talks with His Highness the Amir
Kuwait and Türkiye’s longstanding friendship continues to evolve as a model of regional partnership built on mutual trust, cooperation, and shared vision. As President Erdoğan’s visit begins, both nations are poised to take yet another step toward expanding their collaboration and reinforcing their joint commitment to stability, prosperity, and regional peace.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his accompanying delegation are set to arrive in Kuwait today for an official visit, during which he will hold talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The visit comes as part of President Erdoğan’s Gulf tour, which includes Kuwait, Qatar, and the Sultanate of Oman, scheduled from October 21 to 23 at the invitation of the leaders of the three countries.
According to Burhaneddin Duran, Head of the Turkish Presidency’s Communications Department, the tour aims to discuss all aspects of bilateral relations and explore new avenues to enhance cooperation between Ankara and the Gulf capitals, while also addressing regional developments and international issues of shared interest.
He added that several agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed during the tour, reinforcing the foundation of mutual partnership and economic collaboration between Türkiye and the Gulf nations.
Deep-Rooted Kuwaiti–Turkish Relations
Kuwaiti–Turkish relations have witnessed continuous development over the past six decades, underpinned by a shared commitment from the leadership of both nations to strengthen cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and defense fields.
Established formally in 1969, the diplomatic ties between Kuwait and Türkiye are built on mutual respect and shared values, benefiting from historical, cultural, and religious connections that have long united the two peoples.
Türkiye stood firmly by Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion, condemning the aggression and supporting Kuwait’s call for the restoration of sovereignty and independence. Following liberation, bilateral relations entered a new phase of growth, highlighted by the 1991 visit of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to Ankara, where he expressed Kuwait’s gratitude for Türkiye’s unwavering support.
Likewise, Kuwait was among the first nations to express solidarity with Türkiye during the July 2016 coup attempt, reaffirming its support for the country’s stability and democratic institutions.
Economic and Strategic Cooperation
In 1983, Kuwait and Türkiye signed an Economic, Industrial, and Technical Cooperation Agreement, leading to the formation of a Joint Economic Committee. Both countries also signed an investment protection agreement in 1988, paving the way for deeper trade and investment ties.
The Joint Higher Committee held its inaugural meeting in Kuwait in 2013 and last convened in April 2021, continuing to oversee the implementation of bilateral initiatives.
Today, Kuwait and Türkiye are bound by 68 cooperation agreements spanning various sectors, including investment, infrastructure, defense, and trade, with Kuwaiti investments in Türkiye forming an integral part of Kuwait’s long-term vision to build a diversified and sustainable economy.
Leadership Visits and Recognition
Bilateral ties have been further strengthened through high-level visits between the two countries’ leaders.
On May 7, 2024, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad paid a state visit to Ankara, where he and President Erdoğan reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing the strategic partnership.
During the visit, President Erdoğan conferred upon His Highness the State Medal, Türkiye’s highest honor bestowed on heads of state, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. The visit also witnessed the signing of six key agreements covering defense procurement, free zone cooperation, infrastructure, investment promotion, and disaster management.
President Erdoğan last visited Kuwait on October 7, 2020 to offer condolences on the passing of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God rest his soul.
Most recently, on September 22, 2025, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, representing the Amir, met with President Erdoğan on the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, where they discussed ways to deepen cooperation and reviewed key regional and international developments.
Defense and Humanitarian Cooperation
Defense cooperation remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. In June 2023, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense signed a $367 million agreement with Türkiye to procure Bayraktar TB2 drones, aimed at enhancing Kuwait’s defense capabilities. The drones officially entered service in July 2024, marking a milestone in defense collaboration.
Kuwait has also consistently extended humanitarian support to Türkiye in times of crisis. Following the February 2023 earthquake, Kuwait launched an urgent relief campaign under the directives of the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, dispatching aid and rescue teams. Similarly, in August 2021, Kuwait helped combat wildfires in several Turkish regions.
Moreover, throughout the Syrian refugee crisis, Kuwait contributed significantly to international relief efforts, helping Türkiye shoulder the burden of hosting approximately three million Syrian refugees.
A Model of Lasting Partnership
Kuwait and Türkiye’s longstanding friendship continues to evolve as a model of regional partnership built on mutual trust, cooperation, and shared vision. As President Erdoğan’s visit begins, both nations are poised to take yet another step toward expanding their collaboration and reinforcing their joint commitment to stability, prosperity, and regional peace.
— KUNA
