Uzbekistan’s relations with Kuwait enter a new phase following President’s visit

The Times Kuwait Report

The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Kuwait celebrated the country’s 34th National Day, showcasing the country’s independence and rich cultural heritage; highlighting the strong and growing ties between Kuwait and Uzbekistan.

The festive ceremony, attended by the chief guest Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Acting Minister of Finance, and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Dr. Subaih bin Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem, officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests, highlighted Uzbek’s traditions, music, and cuisine. The celebration also reflected both nations’ commitment to deepening cooperation in cultural, economic, and investment fields while honoring Uzbekistan’s achievements since gaining independence.

In his address, the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Kuwait, H.E. Ayub Khan Yunusov, affirmed his country’s great appreciation for the wise policies pursued by Kuwait under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, and Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, noting that these policies have contributed to strengthening development and international cooperation.

Yunosov said that Uzbek–Kuwaiti relations have witnessed remarkable activity over the past two years. Repeated meetings between the foreign ministers of both countries on the sidelines of international forums, he said, have culminated in the official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Kuwait in February. The Ambassador described that visit as “the beginning of a new era in the course of bilateral relations.”

He explained that the visit resulted in the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding covering trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, transport, tourism, and healthcare. These understandings, he said, elevated economic and commercial cooperation to a new level.

The Ambassador pointed out that recent practical steps have further reinforced this direction, including the introduction of a visa waiver system for Kuwaiti citizens wishing to visit Uzbekistan for up to 30 days, effective from last June, as well as the launch of direct flights by Jazeera Airways starting this September. These developments, he stressed, open greater opportunities for tourism, cultural, and investment exchanges.

He also noted that the convening of the first meeting of the Joint Governmental Committee between the two countries in November 2024 played a vital role in boosting exchanges between business communities and achieving tangible progress in economic and investment cooperation.

Yunosov revealed that around 300 Uzbek citizens are currently working in Kuwait in various fields, including doctors, surgeons, professors, and sports trainers, expressing hope that this number will increase in the coming years.

He concluded by affirming that Uzbekistan looks forward to a brighter future in its relations with Kuwait, praising the deep bonds of respect and mutual trust that unite the two friendly peoples.

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