KUWAIT CITY, Jan 4: Pakistani Ambassador to Kuwait Dr. Zafar Iqbal highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and Kuwait, affirming the strengthening of cooperation in vital sectors like health, maritime transport and logistics. Iqbal told the newspaper that the important aspect of this collaboration is the healthcare field, taking into consideration that more than 7,500 Pakistani doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are currently employed in Kuwait and are highly valued for their skill and dedication. He confirmed the mutual interest in increasing this number and focusing on specialized medical and nursing fields to meet the demands of the Kuwaiti healthcare system. He added that discussions are underway on the direct shipping route connecting Pakistan’s Gwadar Port with Kuwait’s Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port. He considers this a strategic initiative that will significantly boost regional trade, reduce transit times and costs, and establish Kuwait as a central logistics gateway linking Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

He said this objective is in line with the goals of Kuwait Vision 2035 for national economic diversification. Following are excerpts of the interview:

Question: How do you assess the level of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Kuwait at present? What are the most important milestones of cooperation between the two countries?

Answer: The relationship between Pakistan and Kuwait is exceptionally strong and stable, founded on mutual trust. This bond has been strengthened significantly under the prudent leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and through the constructive policies implemented by the Kuwaiti government. The two nations share a common perspective on various regional and international matters. The vital areas of successful collaboration include the long-standing partnership in defense and security, close coordination within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other international platforms, Kuwait’s consistent support for Pakistan during challenging periods, and decades of beneficial cooperation in labor affairs. Currently, the central goal is to build upon this robust political foundation by fostering a deeper and more extensive economic partnership.

Q: What are your priorities during your tenure in Kuwait in order to strengthen political, economic and investment cooperation between the two countries?

A: My priorities are clear, as I am keen on achieving results. These priorities include strengthening high-level political communication, expanding trade and investment opportunities, facilitating more Kuwaiti investments – both public and private – in Pakistan, and developing cooperation in the fields of energy, healthcare, logistics and skilled labor. Kuwait is the eighth largest investor in Pakistan globally and the second among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. My goal is to build on this success by providing a stable, profitable and attractive investment environment for Kuwaiti investors.

Q: How do you describe the current state of trade between the two countries?

A: Trade between Pakistan and Kuwait is gradually growing. The potential remains great. Pakistan is a vast and diverse market, not only for energy-related products, but also for Kuwaiti non-oil goods and services. On the other hand, Kuwaiti importers have access to high-quality Pakistani products at competitive prices, thereby enhancing profitability and ensuring reliable supply chains. It is a win-win situation that requires improving direct communication between the business communities of both countries.

Q: Are there reciprocal visits planned between the two countries in the coming year?

A: There is active coordination between the two sides to advance meaningful exchange. Technical delegations are expected to visit soon to work on the necessary preparations for high-level interactions, focusing on practical results and tangible outcomes, not just protocol visits.

Q: Regarding medical personnel, how many Pakistanis work in the healthcare sector in Kuwait? Is there a plan to increase their number?

A: Currently, more than 7,500 Pakistani doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals are working in Kuwait. They have a good reputation due to their high level of professionalism. Pakistani healthcare professionals are being recruited continuously, with the potential to increase their number, particularly in nursing, specialized medical fields, and allied health professions, in accordance with the needs of the Kuwaiti healthcare sector.

Q: In light of Kuwait Vision 2035, what opportunities are available to Pakistani companies and investors in the Kuwaiti market?

A: Kuwait Vision 2035 opens broad horizons for Pakistani companies in infrastructure development, construction, healthcare, information and communication technology, engineering services, logistics and skilled labor. Pakistani companies possess the competitiveness, experience and flexibility that qualify them to contribute effectively to Kuwait’s national development priorities.

Q: Is there a plan to strengthen cooperation in the fields of education, vocational training, and the exchange of expertise?

A: Yes, strengthening cooperation in education, vocational training, and skills development is a shared priority. There are opportunities for cooperation in technical training, health education, professional accreditation, and the exchange of expertise between academic and training institutions, in line with the needs of the Kuwaiti labor market and leveraging Pakistani human capital. The Embassy of Pakistan recently facilitated communication between higher education and scientific research institutions in both countries, as well as between relevant medical and engineering institutions.

Q: What are the prospects for cooperation between Kuwait and Pakistan in humanitarian and development fields at the regional and international levels?

A: The prospects are very promising. Kuwait and Pakistan share similar visions regarding humanitarian and development work and have a history of constructive cooperation. There is considerable potential for coordinating efforts or implementing joint initiatives through multilateral platforms in the areas of humanitarian relief, disaster response and development projects.

Q: You previously mentioned cooperation with Kuwait to establish a direct shipping line between Pakistan’s Gwadar Port and Mubarak Port. What is the status of these consultations?

A: The proposal for connecting Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port – a strategic hub in the Belt and Road Initiative linking Asia, the Gulf, Africa and Europe – with Gwadar Port is under technical and commercial review. The study focuses on economic feasibility and mutual benefit. This connection will transform regional trade by reducing shipping times and integrating supply chains, supporting Kuwait Vision 2035’s goal of establishing Kuwait as a regional logistics and re-export hub. The Ambassador also affirmed that the Pakistani community, consisting of more than 100,000, is a vital contributor to Kuwait’s economy and society. “Pakistan highly values the care and protection extended to its citizens by Kuwait’s leadership and institutions. The Embassy works closely with Kuwaiti authorities on consular protection and labor welfare. Kuwait’s responsive governance in safeguarding workers’ rights is commendable. Pakistan has high regard for Kuwait, respecting its wise leadership, valuing its friendship, and appreciating the care shown to the Pakistani community. Pakistan is deeply grateful for Kuwait’s swift, generous humanitarian disaster assistance, reflecting its deep values. Kuwait is seen as a global model of peace, benevolence and generosity,” he added.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff