Kuwait, Mongolia mark 50 years of strong ties

08/12/2025

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 8: Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ambassador Samih Hayat, affirmed that the 50-year relationship between Kuwait and Mongolia is “longstanding and historical” and has continuously developed in various fields. During a reception organized by the Mongolian Embassy to celebrate Mongolia’s National Day and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Mongolia, Ambassador Hayat said Kuwait plans to begin importing live cattle from Mongolia “at the start of next year,” as part of expanding cooperation in food security.

He explained that the two countries are preparing to hold their fourth round of political consultations between their foreign ministries during the first quarter of next year. The next phase will witness enhanced transportation and trade exchanges, starting with direct air routes and followed by maritime routes, citing successful experiences with local and international airlines, the arrangements for which are currently being finalized. Regarding the Mongolian Ambassador’s statement about making Kuwait a hub for exporting Mongolian products to the Gulf countries, Ambassador Hayat explained that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries follow unified standards. This means that products entering Kuwait can be directly exported to the rest of the Gulf states, particularly the Arabian Gulf, making Kuwait as a hub for the transit and distribution of Mongolian goods.

The strong relations between the two countries, which span more than five decades, motivate them to build upon and expand this cooperation into wider areas, not only in food security, but also in cybersecurity and other promising fields. Meanwhile, the Mongolian Ambassador to Kuwait, Sergelen Purev, affirmed that the celebration of Mongolia’s National Day and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries marks a significant milestone in their journey of friendship and partnership. He noted that five decades of cooperation have built a solid relationship based on mutual respect and mutual aspirations.

The ambassador stated that his priority since assuming his post in Kuwait has been to strengthen the partnership through practical initiatives and tangible results that benefit both countries, noting that Mongolia is now well-positioned to support Kuwait’s food security. He revealed that the first shipment of Mongolian lamb has already arrived in the Kuwaiti market, and efforts are underway to begin exporting beef and live cattle next month. The ambassador indicated that the embassy is also exploring the possibility of exporting Mongolian meat to Qatar and Bahrain via Kuwait, which would enhance regional connectivity. He expressed his gratitude to the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) for its support in obtaining accreditation from the Gulf Accreditation Center for Halal Certificates.

Ambassador Purev also expressed Mongolia’s deep appreciation for the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), and praised its role in financing road, health, energy, and service infrastructure projects that have had a direct and lasting impact on citizens’ lives. He pointed out that cooperation with KFAED currently includes a vital road project linking the new capital with the historic Karakoram. He expressed his hope for the success of this important project.

The ambassador explained that in recent years, extensive cultural and tourism activities have allowed Mongolia to showcase its rich heritage to the Kuwaiti public. The values of generosity, hospitality, and sincerity have united the two peoples for half a century. The two countries finalized an air transport services agreement earlier this year. Mongolian Airlines (MIAT) and Kuwait Airways are currently working to finalize a separate agreement that will pave the way for the future launch of direct flights between the two countries.

The ambassador expressed Mongolia’s eagerness to cooperate with Kuwait in the fields of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and smart governance, emphasizing that these technologies can bring a significant leap forward in public administration, education, healthcare, and labor market planning. He also highlighted Mongolia’s readiness to expand collaboration in medical training, hospitals, telemedicine, and health innovation, while providing expertise in the health, engineering, digital technology, and modern agriculture sectors.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff