KUWAIT CITY, Aug 11: Kuwaiti-Uzbek relations have witnessed a qualitative leap over the past two years, culminating in the historic official visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kuwait in February 2025. This visit resulted in the signing of nine agreements and memoranda of understanding covering trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, transportation, tourism, health and culture; along with the adoption of an expanded joint statement. In an exclusive interview with the newspaper, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Kuwait Ayub Khan Yunusov revealed qualitative initiatives; most notably the establishment of a regional center in Kuwait to market Uzbek products, visa exemption for Kuwaitis, resumption of direct flights in September, and an agreement to exchange medical personnel and strengthen academic and cultural cooperation. He affirmed that his country aspires to elevate relations to the level of a strategic partnership over the next five years. Following is an excerpt of the interview:

Answer: The visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kuwait on Feb 17-18, 2025 was a turning point in our relationship. It resulted in the signing of important agreements in various fields like trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, transportation, tourism and health. It opened broader horizons for cooperation between ministries and agencies, and increased the pace of delegation exchange between the two countries.

A: The center will serve as a gateway for marketing Uzbek products and exporting them to Gulf markets through Kuwait. In the first phase, the focus will be on Uzbek textiles, given their high quality and growing demand in the region.

A: The embassy, in cooperation with Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), organized business forums in 2024 and 2025; which resulted in the signing of trade agreements between companies from both countries. Fresh Uzbek agricultural products were exported to the Kuwaiti market; including cherries, peaches, apricots, watermelons, cantaloupes and lemons, in addition to meat and sweets. Kuwaiti consumers are showing growing interest in these products. The embassy continues to support the expansion of trade cooperation.

A: The years 2024 and 2025 witnessed the organization of four business forums in Kuwait, as well as two exhibitions under the slogan, “Made in Uzbekistan’”. These events have provided opportunities for business-to-business (B2B) meetings between businesspeople from both sides, and have helped identify promising cooperation opportunities. Kuwaiti import companies have shown significant interest in importing fresh and dried fruits, meat and sweets from Uzbekistan. For example, more than 20 tons of fresh Uzbek fruits were exported to Kuwait in 2024, and this quantity is expected to increase this year.

A: As part of efforts to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, the sec- ond meeting of the Joint Governmental Committee will be held before the end of this year; coinciding with a business forum and the ‘Made in Uzbekistan’ exhibition in Kuwait City, with broad participation of business people from both countries. Once the dates are set, official invitations will be sent to all Kuwaiti investors and import companies to participate in these events.

A: The 30-day visa waiver for Kuwaiti citizens took effect on June 1, 2025; thereby, simplifying travel procedures and encouraging increased demand. The decision was widely welcomed by Kuwaiti tourism companies and travelers, especially adventure travelers. Kuwaiti tourists can safely and comfortably visit Uzbekistan’s historical cities and cultural landmarks, while enjoying traditional Uzbek cuisine in a safe and stable environment.

A: In 2024 and 2025, Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways operated direct flights to Tashkent, Samarkand and Namangan. During the Hajj season, these flights were temporarily suspended; but will resume on Sept 16. We invite citizens and tourists to take advantage of these convenient flights to visit Uzbekistan. Major Uzbek cities have comprehensive infrastructure and are ready to welcome visitors from the Gulf states; including three to five-star hotels, year-round mountain resorts, and tour programs to historical sites. These visits also provide an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the country’s investment and commercial potential.

A: During the official visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kuwait on Feb 17-18, 2025; a bilateral government agreement on ‘labor exchange’ was signed and it was implemented on July 1, 2025. Steps are underway to recruit Uzbek medical professionals to work in the Kuwaiti private sector, in coordination with the relevant authorities to discuss licensing procedures and provide a suitable work environment for them.

A: We thank the Kuwaiti government for the scholarships and facilities it provides annually to Uzbek students to study at its universities. Academic cooperation between universities in both countries is currently being strengthened; including student exchange, joint scientific research, and the activation of scholarship programs. According to Kuwaiti laws, the necessary documents for accreditation of Uzbek universities are being completed by the National Agency for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education.

A: Within the framework of strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation during President Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Kuwait on Feb 17, 2025; an intergovernmental agreement was signed for cooperation in the fields of art and culture. A delegation from the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, headed by Dr. V. Abdukhaliqov, also visited Kuwait in March 2025 to learn about its experience in museum management. On May 12, 2025, a concert by the Uzbek ‘Maqam’ ensemble, led by folk artist Abduhashim Ismailov, was presented as part of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia in Kuwait. The concert included an exhibition of traditional Uzbek costumes and handicrafts, contributing to strengthening the friendship and understanding between the two peoples.

A: President Mirziyoyev’s visit to Kuwait on Feb 17-18, 2025 marked a new phase in bilateral relations. Discussions between the leaderships of the two countries identified areas of mutually beneficial cooperation and led to the signing of nine agreements and memoranda of understanding in various sectors; such as trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, transportation, tourism and health. They also adopted a broad joint statement, confirming the transition to an advanced level of economic partnership and the opening of new horizons for cooperation.

A: Over the next five years, we intend to strengthen cooperation with Kuwait in trade, investment, tourism, Science, education, health and culture; as well as to elevate relations to a strategic partnership by implementing projects that are beneficial to both countries. Meanwhile, the embassy maintains close contact with members of the Uzbek community, providing them with consular services and legal assistance, while protecting their rights and interests. They also participate in national events and contribute to organizing visits by official and trade delegations, reflecting the sense of cooperation and belongingness. Uzbekistan is undergoing comprehensive economic reforms to improve its foreign trade system and develop free economic zones, while providing an attractive environment for foreign investors. There are massive investment opportunities in all 12 provinces, particularly in tourism infrastructure in mountainous regions through the establishment of year-round resorts and recreational centers. Cooperation is underway between the relevant authorities in both countries to develop relations in the fields of sports and youths, with the aim of enhancing capabilities and strengthening the friendship between the two peoples.

By Fares Ghaleb
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff