KUWAIT CITY, Feb 1: Swiss President Guy Parmelin’s upcoming official visit to Kuwait marks a pivotal milestone in bilateral relations, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Swiss Ambassador to Kuwait Tiziano Balmelli said on Sunday.

In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Ambassador Balmelli described the visit as the first and most significant event commemorating six decades of Swiss-Kuwaiti relations, expressing pride that it is taking place at the highest political level. He said the visit aims to honor the long-standing and solid friendship between the two nations and to further strengthen and expand cooperation across a wide range of fields.

Balmelli noted that Kuwaitis were among the first from the Gulf region to visit Switzerland and establish mutually beneficial partnerships with the Swiss people as early as the 1930s, laying the foundations for enduring people-to-people ties that continue to underpin bilateral relations.

He added that Switzerland and Kuwait share core values, including the promotion of peace, dialogue, and humanitarian action, stressing that these principles are vital not only to both countries but also to the international community. He recalled that the two sides signed an agreement in Bern last May in the field of humanitarian aid and development cooperation to enhance joint efforts in supporting those in need.

The ambassador said the first joint project under the agreement focuses on assisting civilians affected by the war in Sudan, adding that additional projects are currently under consideration. He also highlighted that both countries are major contributors to the International Committee of the Red Cross, reflecting their shared commitment to humanitarian principles.

On economic cooperation, Balmelli said both sides are keen to increase bilateral trade and investment, noting that while the private sector plays a leading role, high-level visits such as President Parmelin’s help boost motivation and ambition. He pointed out that the visit coincides with the first Swiss-Kuwaiti Business Days in Kuwait, with around 14 Swiss companies participating to explore new partnerships.

The visit will also feature the “Switzerland Travel Experience” event, bringing together more than 20 Swiss tourism operators with local travel agents. Balmelli welcomed Kuwait Airways’ recent announcement to operate three weekly direct flights to Zurich starting in June, in addition to its existing flights to Geneva, describing the move as a significant development that reflects the strength of bilateral relations and supports broader cooperation.

The ambassador described Kuwait as a constructive regional partner with a positive role in promoting peace and dialogue, praising its balanced and moderate policies. He expressed confidence in the future of Swiss-Kuwaiti relations, saying they are built on a rich historical legacy of human connections and strong economic and diplomatic ties that form the backbone of the enduring friendship between the two countries.