ShareKUWAIT: The deep-rooted relations between Kuwait and Egypt are characterized by their special nature, longstanding solidarity and strong partnership. Spanning decades, these ties have been reinforced by consistent coordination on regional and international matters, as well as unwavering support during pivotal moments in the history of both nations.
Egypt was among the first countries to recognize Kuwait’s independence in 1961, laying the foundation for a strategic alliance that has since grown stronger. Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to Kuwait’s sovereignty during the Iraqi invasion in 1990, standing in solidarity with the Kuwaiti people and playing a vital role in the international coalition that ultimately liberated Kuwait. Kuwait, in turn, has consistently extended its support to Egypt during critical junctures, including the Suez Crisis in 1956, the 1967 Arab-Zionist War, and the October War in 1973. This mutual backing underscores the depth and resilience of their bilateral relationship.
A new chapter in Kuwaiti-Egyptian relations was marked by the historic state visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Egypt in April 2024, at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdulfattah El-Sisi. This visit, His Highness the Amir’s first to Egypt since assuming leadership, reaffirmed the strength of ties between the two nations. In recognition of his distinguished role and the close relations between both countries, President El-Sisi conferred upon His Highness the Amir the Order of the Nile, Egypt’s highest state honor awarded to heads of state and royalty.
The visit also built upon the outcomes of the 13th session of the Kuwaiti-Egyptian Joint Committee, held in Cairo on September 12, 2023. During the session, the two sides signed ten memoranda of understanding and executive programs across a range of sectors, including industrial development, environmental cooperation, tourism, housing, youth and children, media, sports and scientific planning.
Speaking to KUNA, veteran Egyptian journalist and Arab affairs expert Osama Ajaj described Kuwaiti-Egyptian ties as both exceptional and strategically vital. He recalled the support of the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser for Kuwait’s independence, facilitating Kuwait’s membership in both the Arab League and the United Nations.
Ajaj also highlighted Kuwait’s proactive support following the 1967 war, when it formed the Al-Yarmouk Brigade to fight alongside Egyptian forces in the Suez Canal region, with dozens of Kuwaiti martyrs commemorated for their valor. Egypt’s swift rejection of the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait further cemented bilateral ties, with Egyptian forces playing a significant role in “Operation Desert Storm,” which led to the liberation of Kuwait in early 1991.
On the economic front, Ajaj noted that Kuwait ranks third among Arab investors in Egypt, with Kuwaiti investments totaling $20 billion. He added that over 25 percent of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development’s projects are based in Egypt, supporting vital infrastructure initiatives such as electricity generation and agricultural development. Political analyst Ashraf Abdulaziz emphasized that cultural cooperation between the two nations predates even Kuwait’s independence. He pointed to significant collaborations in the arts and media, such as Zaki Toleimat’s early theatrical work in Kuwait and the launch of Al-Arabi magazine, which emerged as a leading platform for Arab intellectual and cultural discourse.
Abdulaziz also praised Kuwait’s principled support for Egypt during the 1973 war and the June 30 Revolution, noting Kuwait’s alignment with the aspirations of the Egyptian people. He commended Kuwait’s balanced and thoughtful approach to regional diplomacy, describing it as a hallmark of its foreign policy and a cornerstone of its enduring partnership with Egypt. The visit of His Highness the Amir to Cairo last year served as a powerful reaffirmation of the robust, strategic, and fraternal relations shared by the two nations — relations that continue to serve as a model for Arab unity and cooperation. — KUNA
