Türkiye-Kuwait relations constitute role model for bilateral relations
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah's landmark visit to Türkiye signifies a pivotal moment in the strengthening of bilateral relations and the fostering of multidimensional cooperation between the two countries
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, who took office on Dec. 16, 2023, is making his first official foreign visit outside the Arab world today to Türkiye.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Sheikh Meshal at Ankara Esenboga Airport today.
The visit, which will be held on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, marks the first visit at the level of the emir from Kuwait to Türkiye after a hiatus of seven years.
The friendship and brotherhood relations between the two countries are based on deep historical ties. Kuwait gained independence in 1961, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on May 31, 1964.
Türkiye's Ambassador to Kuwait, Tuba Nur Sonmez, emphasized the "historic" nature of Sheikh Meshal's visit, saying that the Emir had first visited neighboring Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia upon assuming office.
"The relations between Türkiye and Kuwait, which we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of this year, demonstrate how deep-rooted, strong, magnificent, and promising for the future they are," she said.
The two countries have multidimensional cooperation mechanisms in trade, defense industry, tourism and investment, and they share a vision for preserving peace and stability in regional issues.
Turkish and Kuwaiti officials are increasing close dialogue and cooperation because more frequent and regular discussions on regional and global developments are necessary.
The determination of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Sheikh Meshal to strengthen the friendship between the two countries supports efforts to deepen relations in various fields.
Israel-Palestine issue, the most critical issue to be discussed regionally
During the emir's visit, discussions will cover bilateral relations and regional developments, including the situation in Gaza and Israeli attacks on Gaza.
The Israel-Palestine issue, on which the two countries hold a common position, is seen as the most critical topic to be addressed regionally.
The bilateral agenda includes significant topics such as trade, defense industry, tourism, and investment.
New agreements will be signed on economy, trade, tourism, defense
Efforts aim to strengthen cooperation between Kuwait and Türkiye in the economic, trade, construction, health, tourism, energy, and defense sectors. New agreements will be signed between the parties in this context.
The value of projects undertaken by Türkiye in Kuwait's construction sector is $9.2 billion, and the value of Kuwait's direct investments in Türkiye has reached $2 billion.
Türkiye's construction sector has undertaken projects worth $9.2 billion in Kuwait so far, and Kuwait's direct investments in Türkiye have reached $2 billion.
Kuwait aims to increase the contributions of Turkish companies to the transformation process it has embarked upon to implement new investments and projects under its 2035 vision and reduce its dependence on oil revenue.
Sonmez stated that trade, cultural, social, and economic relations will continue to increase in all areas. She said, "With this visit, we aim to increase our defense industry cooperation from both sides. Kuwait purchased Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles from Türkiye last year. This was a significant step for us in this field.
I am sure more will come because our defense industry has a rightful reputation, and our country has made great strides in this field. Kuwait closely follows these developments, and this issue will be discussed during this visit."
Türkiye hot spot for tourism, TV shows
On one hand, Türkiye is one of the most preferred countries for Kuwaiti citizens regarding tourism, treatment, and real estate investments. Kuwait is the country that sends the most tourists to Türkiye per capita, and Kuwaiti citizens are among the top 10 foreigners buying real estate in Türkiye.
Türkiye will host around 400,000 Kuwaiti tourists in 2023, aiming for Turkish citizens to see Kuwait as a tourism destination.
Ambassador Sonmez also noted the significant cultural impact of the Turkish series in the region and worldwide, particularly in the Gulf, where they have a large following. She said there is curiosity and research about Turkish culture, language, and traditions, with requests for research from academic institutions and individuals as a hobby.
She mentioned the Embassy's efforts to establish a Turkish language center and a Yunus Emre Cultural Center.
Source: Newsroom
