Oman and Kuwait – a model of brotherly relations

Relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Kuwait stand as a regional and international role model.

Characterised by sincere brotherhood and cooperation, these ties have been strengthened so that they go beyond the traditional nature of good relations between states, to reach new heights, based on the history, social heritage and common political positions that bring the two countries together.

The talks to be held at Al Alam Palace on Tuesday between His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, will herald a new beginning for enhancing bilateral relations for the benefit of their countries and peoples.

The State visit of His Highness the Emir is significant in several ways, not least that it is only his second visit abroad since he assumed the reins of power on December 16th last year. It bears witness to the firm desire of the leaderships of the two countries to offer their support to further the existing relations based on solid foundations and common values – relations that are forging ahead with confidence to bring the benefits of development to the two countries.

Those who follow Omani-Kuwaiti relations can bear witness to the diplomatic approach pursued by both sides to resolve crises and disputes through peaceful means. Oman and Kuwait share positions on many regional and international issues, based on respect for the sovereignty and independence of states and compliance with the rule of international law and conventions.

Through their support for the endeavours of the GCC, the two countries also aim to achieve stability and peace in the region and the world at large.

The Omani-Kuwaiti Joint Committee contributes to expanding the scope of cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, trade, education, scientific research, youth, civil service, environment and other diverse development fields. The Committee has encouraged trade and investment through the signing of many agreements and memoranda of understanding in various spheres.

Dr Saleh Amer Alkharusi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the State of Kuwait, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the State visit represents an affirmation of the depth of the ties between the leaderships of the two countries and their peoples as well as the close cooperation between them in various fields. He said that the two countries share many similarities in the foreign policy and diplomacy they pursue regarding most regional and international issues.

The Ambassador explained that relations between Oman and Kuwait have ancient roots, the most significant of which is maritime communication through their ports. Kuwaiti commercial ships used Omani ports as a starting point towards East Asia, East Africa and many other destinations. This communication helped create the positive social relations between the Omani and Kuwaiti peoples that continue today.

The Ambassador added that there were also strong ties between the political leaderships of the two countries, with close relations between His late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik with the late Sheikh Sabah Al Salem Al Mubarak Al Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Sabah. Their meetings benefited the Omani and Kuwaiti peoples and strengthened the foundations of the GCC bloc.

The Ambassador said that there is direct coordination at the highest level between Oman and Kuwait in multiple fields, including at the GCC level where citizens of each Gulf country are treated the same as citizens of that country with regard to education, health care, ownership, transportation, and other areas.

Ambassador Alkharusi noted that the visit of His Highness the Emir comes within the framework of meetings at the summit level that also contribute significantly to building bilateral relations. He added that the Joint Omani-Kuwaiti Committee also plays an important role in bilateral relations. The Committee, which was established in 2003 is held alternately in the capitals of the two countries. The most recent meeting was the ninth session held in Muscat last March.

Through its sessions the Committee has launched many projects and joint cooperation programmes in the economic, cultural, artistic, scientific and sports sectors – most notably the Duqm refinery and petrochemical industries project. There have also been investments in other economic fields, such as the real estate, industrial and mining sectors.

The Ambassador said that the statistics reflect a significant development in bilateral economic relations, with both countries seeking to increase them in quantity and quality, supported by the care and attention of the leaderships of the two countries.

According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), by the end of September 2023 Kuwaiti direct investment in Oman amounted to OMR 922.3 million, an increase of more than OMR 125 million on the previous year. As of November 2023 the volume of trade between the two countries reached OMR 790 million, a growth of about 300 percent compared to the previous year.

The Ambassador said that Oman and Kuwait are seeking to hold an Economic Forum involving business executives and representatives of private establishments and companies.under the supervision of the Ministries of Commerce and Industry and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the two countries, to explore opportunities to strengthen trade and investment relations in the government and private sectors.

Ambassador Alkharusi said that there are real opportunities on offer in many fields, including in the industrial and real estate sectors, the mining sector, the livestock and fisheries sectors, as well as in food industries and in tourism – an important sector in the Sultanate.

With regard to cultural exchanges, Dr Alkharusi said that various events were organised during 2023, including the participation of 80 Omani artists, most of them in fine arts, music and theatre, in an event entitled “Oman in the Heart of Kuwait.” The event was sponsored by Oman’s Embassy in Kuwait in partnership with the Kuwaiti Artists and Journalists Association.

There were also events in which prominent Omani poets and novelists took part in cooperation with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.

During the coming months. there are plans to hold “Omani Cultural Days” in Kuwait under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Information and Culture, and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters in the State of Kuwait.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.