President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Sabah held high-level talks at the Al-Bayan Palace in Kuwait City on February 17, marking a step towards strengthening bilateral relations.
President Mirziyoyev expressed his gratitude to the Emir for the warm welcome and conveyed heartfelt congratulations to Kuwait on its upcoming national holidays. The discussions centered on further enhancing the friendly and multifaceted partnership between the two nations.
A focal point of the conversation was Kuwait's "Vision 2035" state program, which aligns with Uzbekistan's New Development Strategy. Both leaders noted the growing political dialogue, interdepartmental exchanges, and the steady rise in mutual trade and investments.
Key areas of collaboration were highlighted, including green energy, industrial cooperation, agriculture, transport and logistics, infrastructure, urban development, healthcare, and tourism.
An agreement was reached to establish an Investment Platform and a Business Council to advance joint projects, with plans to open a trading house in Al-Kuwait City.
Special attention was given to expanding Uzbekistan's project portfolio with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and cultural and tourism exchanges between the two countries were also prioritized. Both leaders agreed to host culture and tourism weeks in each other's nations, as well as encourage participation in art, music, cinema, education, and sports events.
In the international sphere, the leaders emphasized the importance of continued mutual support within the United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and other global platforms. They also discussed preparations for the upcoming Central Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council dialogue summit, scheduled to take place in Samarkand in May.
Concluding the meeting, President Mirziyoyev invited the Emir of Kuwait to visit Uzbekistan.
After the talks, both leaders issued a joint statement on strengthening Uzbekistan-Kuwait relations and signed several key agreements, including cooperation in industry, air transport, labor, smart city development, art and culture, health, tourism (for 2025-2027), and with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.
Uzbekistan and Kuwait Relations
Kuwait recognized Uzbekistan’s independence on December 30, 1991, and the two countries established diplomatic ties in July 1994. Over the years, their relationship has grown, with Kuwait opening an embassy in Tashkent in 2001 and Uzbekistan following suit by opening its embassy in Kuwait in 2004.
Both countries work closely together in international organizations such as the UN and the OIC, and have held two rounds of political consultations to strengthen their diplomatic ties.
In 2004, they signed an agreement on trade, economic, scientific, and technical cooperation, which led to the creation of a joint intergovernmental commission. The finance ministers from both nations co-chair this important body.
In 2024, the partnership between Uzbekistan and Kuwait deepened with business forums held in Tashkent, Fergana, and Syrdarya from October 16 to 21. Kuwait also hosted several "Made in Uzbekistan" exhibitions and business forums earlier in the year, showcasing the growing ties and mutual interest in expanding collaboration.
On February 15, the Uzbekistan-Kuwaiti business forum in Kuwait City, held just ahead of President Mirziyoyev's visit, resulted in the signing of new investment and trade agreements, which are expected to enhance economic relations between the two countries.
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