Kuwait-Swiss ties mark 60 yrs of diplomatic relations

BERN, Sept 29 : His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah met on Tuesday morning at Lohn Estate in the Swiss capital Bern with Swiss President Guy Parmelin, during his official visit. An official reception ceremony was held for His Highness the Crown Prince, beginning with the national anthems of both countries. His Highness the Crown Prince then shook hands with senior Swiss officials, while President Parmelin greeted members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness.

The visit also featured a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Switzerland, attended by His Highness the Crown Prince, President Parmelin and senior officials from both sides. The ceremony refl ected the depth of the historic relations and close ties between the two countries and friendly peoples over six decades, highlighting their development across various fields. It also affirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation and partnership, and advancing bilateral relations to broader horizons in support of their common interests and the aspirations of their friendly peoples. The official visit of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Switzerland on Tuesday marks six decades of established diplomatic relations and growing strategic partnership between Kuwait and the Swiss Confederation.

The visit highlights the depth of bilateral ties, with high-level talks focusing on enhancing coordination on issues of mutual interest and expanding cooperation in various fields. Swiss President Guy Parmelin visited Kuwait on Feb 1, holding official talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on bilateral relations, cooperation and regional and international developments. The visit was followed by the Swiss- Kuwaiti Business Days 2026, held in Kuwait on Feb 3-4 with the participation of Swiss companies, highlighting growing economic ties as the two countries marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Kuwait and Switzerland established diplomatic relations in 1966. Switzerland opened its embassy in Kuwait in 1975, while Kuwait opened its embassy in Bern in 2006. A new Swiss Embassy building in Kuwait was inaugurated in October 2025. The two countries have signed agreements covering investment protection, avoidance of double taxation, visa exemptions for diplomatic and special passport holders, development cooperation, and political and security consultations. Economic ties have also expanded, with Kuwaiti sovereign investments in Switzerland exceeding USD 15 billion, refl ecting strong investment links between the two countries. (KUNA)