Oman's Sultan to Visit Kuwait in May 2024 to Strengthen Ties

The Sultanate of Oman and the State of Kuwait are set to bolster their bilateral relations with a state visit by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Kuwait on May 13, 2024. During the visit, the Sultan will meet with Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of Kuwait, to discuss cooperation across various domains.

Why this matters: The strengthening of ties between Oman and Kuwait has significant implications for regional stability and economic cooperation in the Gulf region. This visit could pave the way for increased collaboration on key issues, such as trade, energy, and security, and serve as a model for other Gulf nations to follow.

Oman and Kuwait have a long history of strong cultural, political, and economic ties, reflected in their balanced joint diplomacy on regional and international issues. In 2003, a joint committee was formed to strengthen and develop bilateral relations in diverse fields, including commercial, industrial, cultural, scientific, tourism, and artistic cooperation.

The economic relations between the two countries have accelerated significantly in recent years, especially with joint projects in the Duqm Special Economic Zone. The $9 billion Duqm Refinery, opened in February 2023 under the royal care of His Majesty the Sultan and His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, stands as the largest joint Gulf investment.

Trade and investment figures underscore the robust economic ties. The volume of trade exchange between Oman and Kuwait saw a 211% increase in 2023, reaching RO876,721,709. Kuwaiti direct investments in Oman amounted to RO830,900,000 by the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. Omani exports to Kuwait for 2023 totaled RO133,385,419, marking a 24.2% increase compared to 2022.

Dr. Saleh bin Amer Al Kharousi, Oman's ambassador to Kuwait, emphasized the visit's special importance in strengthening bilateral relations across various fields. Dr. Muhammad Nasser Madi al Hajri, Kuwait's ambassador to Oman, stated that the visit aims to reinforce the distinguished relationship between the two countries' leaderships and peoples.

Tourism and cultural cooperation have also grown, with the number of Kuwaiti visitors to Oman increasing from 32,000 in 2022 to 40,000 in 2023. The Embassy of Oman in Kuwait has coordinated with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Municipality of Dhofar to implement a promotional campaign for Omani tourism in May.

Ahmed Al Jarallah, dean of the Kuwaiti press and editor-in-chief of Al Seyassah and ArabTimes, sees the visit as an occasion to consolidate fraternal relations between the two brotherly peoples. He cites the Omani-Kuwaiti relations as an example of mutual respect and sincere cooperation.

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's upcoming state visit to Kuwait in May 2024 marks a significant milestone in the deep-rooted and fraternal relations between the two Gulf nations. With a focus on strengthening cooperation across various domains, the visit is expected to further solidify the economic, cultural, and political ties that bind Oman and Kuwait.