ShareKUWAIT: Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi reaffirmed the strength of Kuwaiti-Russian relations, which were formally established in 1963, and expressed hope for expanded cooperation in the years ahead.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the Russian Federation’s National Day celebration, held Thursday at the Russian Embassy in Kuwait, Marafi noted a significant increase in Kuwaiti tourism to Russia, especially to emerging travel destinations within the country.
On the economic front, Marafi announced that a joint committee is set to convene during the upcoming Energy Summit to explore mutual investment opportunities.
During the event, Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Vladimir Zheltov lauded Kuwait as a longstanding and trusted partner, recalling the historic visit of Russian naval vessels to Kuwait during the reign of His Highness the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, known as Mubarak the Great. He also emphasized that Kuwait was the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with Russia in 1963.
“We value the wisdom and pragmatism of Kuwait’s leadership. Despite global political shifts, our cooperation continues across trade, economy, energy, military-technical sectors, and humanitarian areas,” he said. The ambassador also celebrated the rapid growth of tourism between the two nations.
Marking Russia’s National Day, Zheltov paid tribute to Russia’s history and cultural legacy. “We are proud of our ancestors, who built a unique civilization and a great Russian culture across the vast Eurasian landscape.” He spoke of Russia's resilience in the face of historic and modern challenges. “Russia continues to champion a fair and multipolar world based on equality and indivisible security,” he said.
