13/10/2026
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13/10/2026
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Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister Hamad Al-Mashaan and Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Manuel Hernández Gamallo during the ceremonial cake-cutting
KUWAIT CITY, Oct 13: Spain and Kuwait are moving to elevate their bilateral relations through a strategic political dialogue, with defense, health, cybersecurity and food security identified as priority areas for expanded cooperation, Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Manuel Hernández Gamallo said. The ambassador delivered the remarks at a Spanish Embassy reception celebrating Spain’s National Day, attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Hamad Al-Mashaan, heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organizations and businessmen from Kuwait and Spain. Hernández Gamallo said the two countries had agreed to work toward establishing a strategic political dialogue during bilateral political consultations held in Madrid on Oct 7. The proposed framework would involve high-level meetings and specialized working groups focusing on areas of mutual interest.
Describing the current phase of relations as “dynamic and promising,” the ambassador said both sides were also considering important high-level visits in the coming period. He highlighted Spain’s recognition of Kuwait as a strategic partner, pointing to expanding economic ties and the presence of leading Spanish companies in key sectors, including renewable energy, oil, civil aviation and transport infrastructure. According to Hernández Gamallo, Spanish imports from Kuwait increased by more than 200 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year. The two countries are also preparing for the next meeting of the Spanish-Kuwaiti Joint Economic Committee, scheduled to take place in Madrid in 2027
Kuwait’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah with Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait.
Growing economic and peopleto- people ties
The ambassador stressed that bilateral relations extend well beyond trade, citing the steady flow of Kuwaiti travelers to Spain, Kuwaiti investments in real estate and growing interest among Kuwaiti students in Spanish universities. He also welcomed the impact of simplified Schengen visa procedures, saying the changes had made the process smoother and faster, as reflected in the workload of the Spanish Embassy’s visa section. At the heart of the relationship, he said, is the Spanish community in Kuwait, whose members work across a wide range of fields, including engineering, business, medicine, education, sports and healthcare. Describing the community as well integrated into Kuwaiti society, Hernández Gamallo said many Spanish nationals had established families and made Kuwait their home, contributing to the country’s daily life. He also underscored Spain’s commitment to strengthening relations between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council, expressing hope that the upcoming second EUGCC Summit would translate highlevel political declarations into practical frameworks for cooperation.
The ambassador stressed that bilateral relations extend well beyond trade, citing the steady flow of Kuwaiti travelers to Spain, Kuwaiti investments in real estate and growing interest among Kuwaiti students in Spanish universities. He also welcomed the impact of simplified Schengen visa procedures, saying the changes had made the process smoother and faster, as reflected in the workload of the Spanish Embassy’s visa section. At the heart of the relationship, he said, is the Spanish community in Kuwait, whose members work across a wide range of fields, including engineering, business, medicine, education, sports and healthcare. Describing the community as well integrated into Kuwaiti society, Hernández Gamallo said many Spanish nationals had established families and made Kuwait their home, contributing to the country’s daily life. He also underscored Spain’s commitment to strengthening relations between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council, expressing hope that the upcoming second EUGCC Summit would translate highlevel political declarations into practical frameworks for cooperation.
Spain reaffirms solidarity with Kuwait
Turning to regional developments, Hernández Gamallo reaffirmed Spain’s solidarity with Kuwait and the other Gulf countries, condemning attacks against Gulf states and critical civilian infrastructure. “These are the moments where good friends are more needed than ever,” he said, describing Kuwait as a key force for moderation and peace in the region. He praised Kuwait’s longstanding role as a regional mediator, its commitment to international law and its humanitarian contributions around the world. The ambassador said Spain had supported resolutions led by the Gulf Cooperation Council in several international forums, including the United Nations Security Council, the UN Human Rights Council, the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. He also recalled that the King of Spain had personally conveyed the country’s support and solidarity with the Kuwaiti people to His Highness the Crown Prince. Hernández Gamallo paid tribute to the resilience of the Kuwaiti people and expressed particular appreciation for those responsible for protecting Kuwait and its residents. “I want to express, very specially, our gratitude to all those who ensure the safety of Kuwait and all its residents,” he said, commending their dedication and professionalism. The ambassador also highlighted Spain’s historical links with the Arab world, saying cultural affinities had helped nurture its relationship with Kuwait.
Turning to regional developments, Hernández Gamallo reaffirmed Spain’s solidarity with Kuwait and the other Gulf countries, condemning attacks against Gulf states and critical civilian infrastructure. “These are the moments where good friends are more needed than ever,” he said, describing Kuwait as a key force for moderation and peace in the region. He praised Kuwait’s longstanding role as a regional mediator, its commitment to international law and its humanitarian contributions around the world. The ambassador said Spain had supported resolutions led by the Gulf Cooperation Council in several international forums, including the United Nations Security Council, the UN Human Rights Council, the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. He also recalled that the King of Spain had personally conveyed the country’s support and solidarity with the Kuwaiti people to His Highness the Crown Prince. Hernández Gamallo paid tribute to the resilience of the Kuwaiti people and expressed particular appreciation for those responsible for protecting Kuwait and its residents. “I want to express, very specially, our gratitude to all those who ensure the safety of Kuwait and all its residents,” he said, commending their dedication and professionalism. The ambassador also highlighted Spain’s historical links with the Arab world, saying cultural affinities had helped nurture its relationship with Kuwait.
Embassy pledges support for Spanish community
Addressing Spanish nationals attending the celebration, Hernández Gamallo thanked them for their presence and acknowledged the difficult circumstances they had experienced over the past year. He praised their composure and strength, assuring them that the Spanish Embassy would continue to support them, particularly during challenging times. The ambassador concluded by thanking Spanish and Kuwaiti companies whose support helped make the celebration possible, as well as the embassy staff and the Waldorf Astoria team for their cooperation. On behalf of the Spanish King and government, he conveyed his best wishes for Kuwait’s continued progress and prosperity.
Addressing Spanish nationals attending the celebration, Hernández Gamallo thanked them for their presence and acknowledged the difficult circumstances they had experienced over the past year. He praised their composure and strength, assuring them that the Spanish Embassy would continue to support them, particularly during challenging times. The ambassador concluded by thanking Spanish and Kuwaiti companies whose support helped make the celebration possible, as well as the embassy staff and the Waldorf Astoria team for their cooperation. On behalf of the Spanish King and government, he conveyed his best wishes for Kuwait’s continued progress and prosperity.
By Marlon Aquino Malinao Managing Editor, Arab Times
