Turkish diplomat: Kuwait-Turkish ties a model for bilateral ties

KUWAIT, Oct 20 (KUNA) - Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait Tuba Nur Sonmez affirmed on Sunday the strength of Kuwaiti-Turkish relations, describing Kuwait as one of Turkiye's most reliable partners in the Gulf and a model of bilateral cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests.
In an exclusive interview with KUNA, Sonmez said relations between the two countries continue to grow across various sectors, including trade, defense, tourism, and investment.
She highlighted the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Turkiye last year as a key milestone, during which six agreements were signed and a joint strategic dialogue mechanism was established, elevating ties to a strategic partnership.
Sonmez noted that bilateral trade reached USD 720 million in 2024, with potential for significant growth through expanded cooperation in construction, defense, tourism, and investment. Currently, around 400 Kuwaiti companies operate in Turkiye, while about 50 Turkish firms are active in Kuwait, including major contributors to infrastructure projects.
She pointed to the success of the first Kuwait-Turkiye Business Forum in November 2024 and announced its return this year, alongside the 11th session of the Joint Economic Committee, to be held in Turkiye in 2025.
Kuwaiti investments in Turkiye have exceeded USD 2 billion since 2002, she added, with both sides working to deepen collaboration between their sovereign wealth funds and diversify investments in sectors such as energy and infrastructure.
The ambassador also emphasized growing cultural and educational cooperation, noting increasing Kuwaiti interest in Turkish language and media, and expressing hope for the opening of a "Yunus Emre Cultural Center" in Kuwait.
On defense and health cooperation, she pointed to recent high-level military and health sector visits as evidence of expanding collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Regarding regional affairs, Sonmez affirmed Kuwait's vital role in promoting stability, highlighting close coordination between Ankara and Kuwait on key regional issues, including Palestine and Syria. She welcomed the upcoming visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Kuwait, noting it will further strengthen bilateral ties and include the signing of key agreements in defense, energy, investment, transport, and trade.
Sonmez reiterated Turkiye's support for Kuwait Vision 2035 and its readiness to contribute to joint projects supporting sustainable development goals.
(end) nmo.seo