By Muhammed Seyh Yusuf
ISTANBUL (AA) - Kuwait and Türkiye display a common stance on many issues concerning the region and the world, particularly the Palestinian issue, according to Kuwaiti academic and political researcher Ayid Al-Menna.
Al-Menna, in an interview with Anadolu, discussed Kuwait-Türkiye relations and the current visit of Kuwaiti Emir Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Türkiye.
He highlighted the importance of Al-Sabah's visit to Türkiye on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, noting it as the first official foreign trip outside the Arab world since assuming office in December 2023.
He emphasized the need to strengthen the already "good and longstanding" relationship between the two countries.
"This visit is an indication of Emir Meshal's commitment to enhancing and advancing relations with a significant, fraternal, and friendly country," Al-Menna said.
He noted Türkiye's support for Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion and recalled the visit of late Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Ankara in November 1991 following the withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
Al-Menna highlighted the economic dimension of the relationship, noting Kuwaiti investments in Türkiye and Turkish companies' involvement in airport construction and port activities in Kuwait.
"Kuwait and Türkiye share common stances on regional and global issues, particularly concerning Palestine, Ankara and Kuwait have strongly denounced Israeli attacks targeting Palestinian civilians and settlements in the Gaza Strip," he said.
Al-Menna expressed pride in Türkiye's stance, stating that Kuwait rejects normalizing relations or recognizing Israel until the establishment of the Palestinian state.
Kuwaiti citizens' keen interest in Türkiye since 1991 highlights the country's appeal for them in tourism and property investment, owing to our historical, religious, and fraternal ties, he added.
- 60th anniversary diplomatic visit
The visit of the Kuwaiti emir, which took place on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, marks the first royal visit from Kuwait to Türkiye in seven years.
Both countries have multi-dimensional cooperation mechanisms in trade, defense, tourism, and investment, with a shared vision for regional peace and stability.
Turkish and Kuwaiti officials are enhancing their close dialogue and cooperation in response to the need for more frequent discussions on regional and global developments.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Al-Sabah's commitment to strengthening bilateral friendship supports efforts to deepen relations across various sectors.
- Israel-Palestine conflict
Discussions during Emir Sabah's visit will include bilateral relations and regional developments, including the situation in Gaza and Israel's attacks.
The Israel-Palestine issue, on which both countries hold a common position, is seen as the most significant topic to be addressed regionally.
In bilateral discussions, important topics include trade, defense industry, tourism, and investment.
Efforts are aimed at further strengthening the existing cooperation with Kuwait in various fields such as economy, trade, construction, health, tourism, energy, and defense industry. In this context, new agreements will be signed between the parties.
- Türkiye's construction projects in Kuwait valued at $9.2B
Kuwait News Agency shared details of Emir Sabah's visit, highlighting past relations with Türkiye including agreements in 1983 covering economy, industry, and technical fields, and an investment incentive agreement signed in 1988.
It highlighted the Turkish-Kuwaiti Joint Cooperation Committee's inaugural meeting in October 2013, leading to 62 agreements across various sectors.
The trade between the two countries reached $700 million in 2023, with efforts to boost mutual trade and investments.
Kuwait has over 400 companies in Türkiye and Turkish firms, particularly in construction, play a significant role in Kuwait.
Kuwait aims for Turkish firms to contribute more to its 2035 transformation vision.
Türkiye is a preferred destination for Kuwaiti tourists and investors, with Kuwait among the top sources of tourists for Türkiye and among the top 10 foreign real estate buyers.