KUWAIT, Nov 19 (KUNA) - Oman's Ambassador to Kuwait Dr. Saleh Al-Kharousi praised the growing cooperation between the two countries, noting strong economic momentum.
Speaking at a press conference on the occasion of the 55th National Day of the Sultanate of Oman, which falls on Thursday, Al-Kharousi said that bilateral trade reached USD 5 billion last year, up 120 percent.
He noted that Kuwaiti direct investment in Oman amounted to US 1.362 billion, ranking Kuwait first Gulf- and Arab-wide and third internationally, saying that in trade during the first half of this year reached USD 2.3 billion.
He highlighted political progress, including the Oct 14 visit of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Oman for talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, and the Aug 11 delivery of a message from the Sultan by Interior Minister Hamoud Al-Busaidi.
Al-Kharousi said the Duqm Refinery-a Kuwait Petroleum International and OQ venture-passed lenders' reliability tests, enabling over USD 4 billion in guarantees, noting the refinery is operating at 110% of design capacity, producing 255,000 bpd and exporting 4.1 million tons of products.
He added that early 2025 saw contract signings between Oman's Duqm dry dock and the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company to service Kuwaiti vessels.
He noted continued coordination through the May 18 senior-officials meeting of both foreign ministries and the entry into force of MoUs on competition protection (July 28) and consumer protection (August 31), alongside several agreements signed in 2023-2024.
Oman's Heritage and Tourism Ministry launched its January 2025 marketing campaign in Kuwait and said that Kuwaiti visitors reached 33,154 by September and are expected to hit 50,000 by year-end.
On cultural ties, Oman is Guest of Honor at the 48th Kuwait International Book Fair, honoring Mohammed bin Zubair bin Ali as cultural personality.
Meanwhile, Kuwait, represented by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature (NCCAL), is participating in the 29th Muscat Book Fair, as the Kuwait Writers Association is taking part abroad for the first time.
He added that both countries continue joint artistic and media events, including Kuwaiti participation in a Salalah symposium in August, and Oman's hosting of Kuwaiti media delegations in Dhofar with more visits planned. (end)
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