Kuwait envoy says ties with Qatar deep-rooted and growing stronger

Kuwait's ambassador Khaled Bader al-Mutairi has described his diplomatic tenure in Doha as a "rich and fruitful experience both professionally and personally," emphasising that the ties between the two brotherly countries are "deep-rooted and steadily advancing."In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), the ambassador reflected on his three-year tenure, stating that his experience in Qatar was exceptional by all measures. It was enriching not only professionally and diplomatically, but also on a personal and social level. Though he spent many years working abroad, his time in Qatar was unlike any other — he never once felt like a stranger, he said, adding that he lived here as though he were in Kuwait, surrounded by familiar warmth and genuine hospitality.On Kuwaiti-Qatari relations, al-Mutairi affirmed that the two nations share a long-standing and strong bond that transcends diplomatic posts or ambassadors. He noted that the achievements made during his time in Qatar would not have been possible without the tremendous support from both leaderships, which greatly contributed to the success of our diplomatic mission and enabled the embassy to translate brotherly relations into tangible outcomes that serve the interests of both countries.The ambassador added that he had the honour of leading the Kuwaiti embassy team in realising several important milestones, chief among them being the signing of key agreements under the umbrella of the Joint Higher Committee. These agreements were not merely official documents — they embodied the spirit of close co-operation between the two countries and represented a strategic step towards deepening bilateral ties and unlocking new areas of integration across various sectors.He highlighted the strength of bilateral relations, particularly in economic and trade sectors, pointing out that mutual investments surpassed $2bn, while trade volume reached about KD61mn in the first half of 2024.He added that this positive momentum reinforces the shared responsibility to intensify joint efforts, seize emerging opportunities, and promote mutual interests in a way that aligns with the two countries' economic aspirations and opens up new avenues for fruitful co-operation that benefits both nations.He also noted the recent signing of a bilateral agreement to avoid double taxation and eliminate investment barriers — steps expected to boost trade and encourage investment flows.One of the major highlights of his term, he said, was the sixth session of the Kuwait-Qatar Joint Higher Committee, held on Feb 3 in Doha. The session resulted in the signing of several key memorandums of understanding, including on standardisation activities, industrial export development, social insurance co-operation, and a cultural and artistic co-operation programme for 2025-26.Ambassador al-Mutairi highlighted the cultural and social closeness between Kuwait and Qatar, saying that religious and national celebrations are almost identical. The two countries share the same culture and environment, which is why Kuwaitis frequently visit Qatar - even for weekend getaways — and can often be found enjoying the country's hotels and tourist destinations.He also praised Qatar's gesture of naming a major road in Doha after the late Amir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, calling it a mark of deep respect for a globally revered leader and a symbol of the profound ties between our two countries.Finally, the ambassador spoke of promising developments regarding a unified Gulf tourism visa, saying that positive steps are underway and will materialise soon. On customs co-operation, he affirmed there is strong co-ordination between Kuwait and Qatar to streamline customs procedures and minimise redundancy — particularly at various Gulf entry points.