04/08/2025
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04/08/2025
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Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait HE. Aliya Mawani
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 4: Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait Aliya Mawani affirmed the strength of the strategic partnership between Canada and Kuwait, praising the vital role of Kuwait in regional humanitarian and security efforts -- particularly during the evacuation operations following the fall of Kabul.
Speaking to reporters at her residence, Mawani recalled how Kuwait enabled Canada to relocate around 4,000 Afghans and Canadian citizens to safety; underscoring the importance of Kuwait’s logistical and diplomatic support. Reflecting on her three-and-a-half-year tenure, which began in November 2021; she described her time in Kuwait as “an exceptional opportunity to build real partnerships,” and credited the timing -- shortly after the easing of global COVID-19 restrictions -- as ideal for fostering meaningful diplomatic engagement. “Everyone was rediscovering human interaction, and this provided an ideal environment for warm and active relations,” she added.
Mawani also talked about her experience as a female ambassador, calling it “extremely positive.” She emphasized that she never felt discriminated against and was granted full access to all events and meetings. She expressed admiration for the leading role of Kuwaiti women, particularly in education and academia. She highlighted growing educational cooperation, indicating that about 450 Kuwaiti students pursue medical studies in Canada each year, with increasing interest from female students.
She affirmed ongoing efforts to deepen university-level collaboration, especially the shared values between the two countries, including respect for pluralism and commitment to international norms. In the healthcare sector, she confirmed the partnership between the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, which conducts the Canadian Board exam annually in Kuwait.
She also pointed out the rising demand from local institutions for Canadian healthcare accreditation. She said bilateral cooperation has expanded as well in trade, investment, security, defense, artificial intelligence and international development. She cited the signing of memoranda of understanding for strategic consultations and humanitarian development as milestones in this progress.
She stated that the Canadian visa application process is now fully electronic, with fingerprinting and passport submission handled through the VFS office in Kuwait City. “Visas are generally issued based on passport validity, streamlining procedures for travelers,” she disclosed.
She added she will return to Canada to take on a new role at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she will focus on advancing Canada’s Arctic foreign policy -- a top government priority. She also expressed a personal wish to spend more time with her family.
Her successor, Ambassador Tara Scheurwater, previously served in Japan and India, and will continue building on the strong foundation established during Mawani’s tenure. Mawani described Kuwait as a “special country” and said she would miss the friendships and collaborative opportunities she encountered. “Kuwait felt like a second home,” she said, expressing her hope that the relationship between the two nations will continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.
