By Tuba Nur Sönmez
Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye in Kuwait
As we celebrate the 101st Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye, it is a time for reflection and pride, not only for the achievements of our nation but also for the strong and lasting ties we have built with our friends around the world.
October 29 marks a day of national pride for Turkish citizens, a moment to honor the legacy of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, and to pay tribute to the heroes who fought for our nation’s independence and unity.
We bow our heads to the memory of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, and to all the heroes, men and women who fought side by side and sacrificed their lives for our nation’s independence and unity.
60 Years of Friendship: Türkiye and Kuwait
The year 2024 holds special significance for Türkiye and Kuwait, as we mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. Over these six decades, our partnership has grown from modest beginnings into a deep, multi-faceted relationship, underpinned by shared values and fraternal ties. As Embassy, we have been celebrating this joyous occasion through series of events.
Türkiye and Kuwait’s relationship is not just rooted in diplomacy but in a long history of mutual respect and cooperation that stretches back hundreds of years. Today, we proudly describe our ties as “outstanding” and a model for regional and international partnerships.
Under the visionary leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and His Highness Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, our relationship continues to flourish, reaching new heights in recent years through frequent high-level visits and the signing of critical agreements in areas such as trade, defense, and investment.
The most recent visit of His Highness Amir Sheikh Meshal to Türkiye in May, during which six agreements were signed, exemplifies the strength of our bond. The fact that Türkiye was the first non-Arab country His Highness visited after assuming his position further highlights the unique and close ties between our nations.
“Hard Times Reveal True Friends”
Türkiye and Kuwait have always stood shoulder to shoulder in trying times. Following the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye earlier this year, our Kuwaiti brothers and sisters were among the first to offer their assistance, demonstrating once again the depth of our friendship. As the saying goes, “Hard times reveal true friends.”
This solidarity was also evident recently, when Kuwait extended its support after the terrorist attack in Ankara. In the face of such tragic events, Kuwait’s unwavering backing has been a source of strength and comfort for Türkiye. We are deeply grateful for the exemplary friendship of the Kuwaiti people and government.
Shared Vision for Regional Peace and Stability
In addition to our bilateral relationship, Türkiye and Kuwait share a broader vision for peace and stability in the region. Both nations have long supported a just resolution to the Palestinian cause, and we have worked together in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. The joint efforts of Turkish and Kuwaiti authorities have placed both countries at the forefront of providing assistance to the most vulnerable in Gaza.
As Türkiye, we firmly believe that the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, must take immediate and necessary measures to prevent further destabilization in the region. It is imperative that institutions responsible for maintaining global peace and security act decisively to safeguard the future of the Middle East.
Growing Partnership and People to People Relations between Türkiye and Kuwait
We consider bilateral trade and other forms of economic interaction as crucial components of our relations. In 2023, our trade volume amounted to nearly 700 million USD. There are around 50 Turkish companies in Kuwait, operating mainly in construction, home textile, garment, perfumery, jewelry, and service sectors. Additionally, Kuwaiti investments in Türkiye have reached $2 billion, mainly concentrated in finance and real estate.
Considering the cultural, historical, and religious ties between our nations, and the potential of both countries, these figures fall short of the actual potential. Hence, increasing bilateral trade and investment volume between our countries remains essential for us.
Our people-to-people relations have also been developing, with Kuwaitis among the top foreign buyers of property in Türkiye, acquiring more than 8,000 properties in the last seven years. In addition, we welcomed a remarkable 57.7 million visitors in 2023, according to the latest figures. Nearly 400,000 Kuwaiti tourists visited Türkiye, making Kuwaitis among the top visitors to Türkiye relative to its population.
Taking all these factors into consideration, we believe that cultural similarity is a chief facilitator of the interaction between our countries. I strongly believe that increasing cultural interactions will continue to enhance this momentum and our fraternal relations.
In conclusion, the Türkiye-Kuwait relationship is a shining example of how two nations can build a multifaceted partnership based on mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to common goals. As we look to the future, we remain committed to further strengthening our ties and fostering a relationship that benefits both nations and contributes to regional and global stability.
May the Republic of Türkiye and the State of Kuwait forge an enduring friendship.
