Kuwaiti-Spanish ties spiraling towards new heights: Ambassador Gamallo

13/10/2025

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 13: Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the State of Kuwait Manuel Hernández Gamallo confirmed the depth of historical and cultural ties between the two countries, revealing that bilateral relations are currently witnessing unprecedented growth at the economic, cultural and educational levels. Gamallo made the statement at the celebration of the National Day of Spain, organized by the Spanish Embassy recently, in the presence of several senior State officials, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Dr. Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations and the Spanish community in Kuwait.

In his speech on this occasion, the Ambassador said “Spain is one of the oldest countries in the world, a country rich in cultural and linguistic diversity, whose people are united by a shared national feeling and a single identity.” He explained that Oct 12 is also a day of commemorating the deep historical ties that unite Spain with the Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America, which straddle both shores of the Atlantic Ocean. He pointed out that Spain is proud of its great historical relations with the Arab world, as refl ected in its rich cultural heritage. He stressed that “relations between Kuwait and Spain are solid and growing, and are witnessing continuous development in various fields, thanks to mutual understanding and rapprochement between the two peoples.”

He disclosed that more than 50,000 people from Kuwait visited Spain this year, praising the facilitation of visa procedures to the Schengen Area, which contributed to enhancing travel and tourism between the two countries. He also cited the convening of the Spanish-Kuwaiti Joint Economic Committee in May, with the attendance of a large number of representatives from Spanish economic sectors participating in the implementation of Kuwait Vision 2035. He added that the two countries are currently working toward the signing of several agreements to strengthen economic and investment cooperation.

In the academic field, he affirmed that the concerned Kuwaiti authorities have accredited degrees issued by 45 Spanish universities and have awarded the ‘excellent’ rating to many courses at the universities of Madrid, Navarra, and Barcelona. He is hoping that the number of Kuwaitis studying in Spain will increase in the coming years. He announced the resumption of direct flights between Madrid and Kuwait, joining the existing route to Barcelona and seasonal flights to Malaga, which will contribute to expanding tourism and trade exchange between the two countries.

On his country’s foreign policy, he stated that “Spain believes in dialogue and coexistence among civilizations, respect for State sovereignty and human rights, and continues to support the two-state solution and the achievement of a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.”

He affirmed his country’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people and its pride in the role of Kuwait as a steadfast defender of international legitimacy and a major contributor to global humanitarian efforts. Concluding his remarks, he paid tribute to the Spanish community residing in Kuwait, which numbers around 450 people, praising their contributions to education, health, energy, infrastructure, sports, engineering, and other sectors. He said the embassy will continue to support them and protect their interests. He thanked the Spanish and Kuwaiti companies that sponsored the celebration, as well as the embassy staff and the Waldorf Astoria team, for their fruitful cooperation in organizing the event. He then conveyed the wish of King Felipe VI of Spain and his government, for the leadership and people of the State of Kuwait to continue enjoying progress and prosperity.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff