Spain renews pledge to elevate Kuwait ties to strategic partnership

Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait Manuel Hernández Gamayo has reaffirmed Madrid’s commitment to deepening ties with Kuwait and moving bilateral relations toward a strategic partnership, with cooperation set to broaden across defence, healthcare, cybersecurity, food security and economic investment.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Spanish Embassy on Sunday evening to mark Spain’s National Day, the envoy described Kuwait as a regional anchor of moderation and peace. He praised the country’s long-standing role as a mediator, its adherence to international law and its humanitarian contributions worldwide. Spain, he stressed, valued its enduring relationship with Kuwait and was determined to strengthen cooperation as regional and global challenges evolve.

The event was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Hamad Al-Mashaan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr Abdullah Meshaal Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations and members of the Spanish community in Kuwait.

Renewed diplomatic momentum

Ambassador Gamayo said Kuwaiti-Spanish relations were gaining fresh momentum, pointing to an upcoming round of bilateral political consultations scheduled for 7 October in Madrid. The two countries had agreed to work towards establishing a strategic political dialogue, supported by high-level meetings and specialised working groups covering issues of mutual concern.

Economic ties remain a central pillar of the relationship. The ambassador highlighted the growth of Spanish exports to Kuwait in recent years and noted that Spanish imports from Kuwait rose by more than 200 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year.

Spanish companies are active in Kuwait across several strategic fields, including renewable energy, oil, civil aviation and transport infrastructure. Their presence, the envoy said, demonstrated Spain’s commitment to supporting Kuwait’s development and economic progress.

Preparations are also under way for the next meeting of the Kuwaiti-Spanish Joint Economic Committee, to be held in Madrid in 2027. The meeting is expected to create a platform for expanding investment opportunities and strengthening partnerships between companies and institutions in both countries.

Beyond trade, the relationship includes growing numbers of Kuwaiti travellers to Spain, Kuwaiti investment in Spanish real estate and rising interest among Kuwaiti students in Spanish universities. Ambassador Gamayo also noted that steps to ease Schengen visa procedures had made consular services smoother and faster.

Solidarity amid regional challenges

Turning to regional and international developments, the ambassador condemned attacks targeting Gulf states and vital civilian infrastructure, stressing the importance of respecting international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. He reiterated Spain’s view of Kuwait as a key partner in promoting regional stability and praised the resilience of the Kuwaiti people, as well as the dedication and professionalism of those working to protect the country and ensure the safety of citizens and residents.

Ambassador Gamayo also referred to a message from Spain’s King conveying solidarity and support for the people of Kuwait to His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

Spain, he added, supports stronger strategic relations between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council, expressing hope that the next EU-GCC summit would turn political commitments into practical cooperation.

Spanish community strengthens people-to-people ties

The ambassador paid tribute to the Spanish community in Kuwait, describing it as an integral part of Kuwaiti society. Spanish nationals contribute to a wide range of fields, including engineering, business, medicine, education, management, physiotherapy, veterinary medicine, sports and professional training.

Their involvement in Kuwait’s professional and social life, he said, reflects the people-to-people dimension of bilateral relations, complementing cooperation in diplomacy, trade, investment and security.

The National Day reception underscored the breadth of Kuwait-Spain relations and the shared ambition to build on established ties through sustained political dialogue, economic engagement and cooperation in sectors of mutual strategic importance.