ANKARA: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Turkey Abdulaziz Al-Adwani affirmed that relations between Kuwait and Turkey have remained close, dynamic and deeply rooted since their establishment six decades ago, characterized by shared visions and common interests across various fields. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion of the upcoming visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Kuwait, Ambassador Al-Adwani said the visit reflects the continued commitment of both countries to strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding. He noted that the visit follows the official trip made by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Turkey in May last year, underscoring the steady exchange of high-level visits that reinforce bilateral relations.
Al-Adwani stressed that the sustained diplomatic engagement between the two nations — which celebrated the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties last year — demonstrates their shared desire to deepen political, economic, and development partnerships. He praised Turkey’s steadfast support for international legitimacy and its historic stance alongside Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion, as well as the significant growth in economic cooperation since 2000.
The ambassador highlighted ongoing coordination between Kuwait and Turkey on regional and international issues through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Gulf-Turkey Cooperation Council, in addition to frequent exchanges between senior officials aimed at boosting cooperation in multiple sectors. He also commended the two countries’ mutual support in times of crisis, noting that Turkey provided medical assistance to Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic, while Kuwait swiftly extended aid to Turkey following the devastating earthquakes in 2023.
Al-Adwani recalled the directives of the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may his soul rest in peace, to establish an air bridge to deliver urgent humanitarian aid, including rescue teams and medical crews, to assist earthquake victims in Turkey. He noted that His Highness also ordered a $30 million donation to support those affected in Turkey and Syria, with the total value of government and public contributions reaching $97.7 million.
The ambassador further highlighted the longstanding partnership between Turkey and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), which provided its first loan to Turkey in 1979 to finance an electricity transmission project across the Bosphorus Strait — marking Kuwait’s first financing initiative in the country. Since then, cooperation has expanded to include energy, water, sanitation, transport, and communications projects. He added that in 2016, the Fund signed an agreement with Turkey to provide a $20 million grant in support of the Syrian refugee response plan, particularly in the health and education sectors, as part of Kuwait’s $500 million pledge during the Third Donors’ Conference in 2015.
Ambassador Al-Adwani emphasized that President Erdogan’s visit to Kuwait represents a continuation of the strong and brotherly relations between the two friendly nations, rooted in mutual respect and shared humanitarian and political principles aimed at promoting peace and prosperity. President Erdogan and his accompanying delegation arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday on an official visit during which he held talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The visit forms part of a Gulf tour that also includes Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman, taking place from October 21 to 23 at the invitation of the leaders of the three countries. — KUNA
