The first agreement between the two countries aimed at enhancing collaboration in the private sector labor force
Strengthening Kuwait Uzbekistan bilateral relations through dialogue
The honor delegation was led by Amiri Diwan Advisor Mohammad Abulhasan, KUNA reported. At Bayan Palace, His Highness the Amir engaged with President Mirziyoyev for official discussions, as reported by KUNA. These talks, attended by high-ranking officials from both Kuwait and Uzbekistan, concentrated on fortifying bilateral relations, broadening cooperation, and addressing shared interests. Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Sabah highlighted that the discussions underscored the importance of enhancing ties across various sectors.
Key agreements
During this visit, His Highness the Amir and President Mirziyoyev presided over the signing of four key agreements at Bayan Palace. The signing ceremony was also attended by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.
Labor force cooperation
The first agreement aimed at boosting cooperation within the labor force in the private sector was signed by Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef and Uzbek Foreign Minister Baxtiyor Saidov. The second agreement involved a protocol to amend an existing agreement on air cargo cooperation, signed by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya alongside his Uzbek counterpart Saidov. The third agreement was geared towards promoting cooperation in the realm of smart cities, with signatures from Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Abdullatif Al-Meshari and Uzbek Foreign Minister Saidov.
Read more: UAE, Kuwait strengthen ties with China through Shanghai bloc partnership
Industrial cooperation
The fourth agreement focused on industrial cooperation, signed by Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Askar and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Laziz Kudratov. Moreover, to commemorate the visit, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah hosted a luncheon at Bayan Palace in honor of President Mirziyoyev and his accompanying delegation.
Bilateral trade
Bilateral trade between Kuwait and Uzbekistan has demonstrated remarkable growth in recent years, indicating a strengthening of economic ties between the two nations. From 2017 to 2024, the volume of this trade increased dramatically, growing 23-fold from approximately $289,000 to $6.8 million. The majority of this trade was driven by exports from Uzbekistan, which totaled $6.6 million, while imports from Kuwait were around $158,000. In 2023, Uzbekistan exported goods worth $2.75 million to Kuwait, primarily consisting of refined petroleum, copper wire, and grapes. In contrast, Kuwait’s exports to Uzbekistan were valued at $36,500, mainly comprising measuring instruments and tool parts.
Uzbekistan’s major exports to Kuwait included refined petroleum at $2.17 million, copper wire at $216,000, and grapes valued at $100,000. On the other hand, Kuwait’s primary exports to Uzbekistan were other measuring instruments valued at $21,600, interchangeable tool parts at $8,220, and lubricating products totaling $6,280.
As of the end of 2024, there were seven enterprises with Kuwaiti capital registered in Uzbekistan, and the total volume of foreign direct investments and loans from Kuwait to Uzbekistan reached $12.6 million. The two countries are also exploring potential areas for cooperation in various sectors, including energy, agriculture, tourism, and Islamic banking, which are seen as promising for Kuwaiti investors. Overall, the bilateral trade relationship between Kuwait and Uzbekistan is evolving, with significant potential for further growth and collaboration across multiple sectors.