Switzerland and Kuwait celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations
Berne, 02.02.2026 — On Monday, 2 February, President Guy Parmelin joined Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in Kuwait to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He also held talks with Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and met representatives of Swiss companies.
Switzerland and Kuwait have enjoyed close relations for decades. Alongside their shared history and ongoing political dialogue, the high-level meetings focused on strengthening economic cooperation, which is underpinned by a robust legal framework. This includes the free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a double taxation agreement and a bilateral investment agreement.
Both sides explored areas where cooperation can be further expanded, with particular emphasis on peace policy and international cooperation. Switzerland is working with the regional ICRC office in Kuwait to promote international humanitarian law across the Gulf region. In May 2025, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen their partnership.
Discussions on international issues covered the situation in Gaza and Iran. Mr Parmelin reaffirmed Switzerland's support for a two-state solution in the Middle East and underscored Switzerland's offer of good offices. In his presence, a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between ETH Zurich and the food company Kuwaiti Danish Dairy (KDD) was signed.
World Governments Summit in Dubai
The Kuwait programme also includes meetings with business leaders ahead of the Swiss–Kuwaiti Business Days. From Kuwait, Mr Parmelin will travel to Dubai to attend the World Governments Summit on Tuesday. The summit brings together world leaders to exchange knowledge, ideas and models for shaping the future. Mr Parmelin will also hold bilateral meetings with heads of state and government at the summit, which this year focuses on the future of governance.
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