Kuwait Forges Extensive Global Strategic Partnerships Across Diverse Sectors

Kuwait's Diplomatic Outreach in 2025

The State of Kuwait has embarked on a comprehensive initiative to broaden its regional and global strategic partnerships throughout 2025, marked by the signing of a series of multi-sector deals and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). This extensive diplomatic outreach aims to reinforce Kuwait's pivotal role on the global stage, advance sustainable development, and foster economic diversification and institutional cooperation.

These agreements encompass a wide array of fields, including diplomatic, economic, military, security, health, scientific research, artificial intelligence, energy, and cultural sectors. The expansion reflects Kuwait's ambitious vision and a strategic shift towards relationship-driven partnerships built on shared values and long-term commitments.

Deepening Regional Alliances

Kuwait has notably strengthened its ties within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). With the United Arab Emirates, eight MoUs were signed covering areas such as land transport, industry, advanced technology, electricity, water, future energy, oil and gas, health, education, investment promotion, and joint security cooperation, including combating human trafficking and protecting shared data. A significant defense contract worth AED9 billion (US$2.45 billion) was secured by the UAE's EDGE Group for the acquisition of 'Falaj 3' class missile boats for Kuwait's Ministry of Defence. Furthermore, the Kuwait Investment Authority joined an Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership alongside MGX, BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, and Microsoft.

Cooperation with Saudi Arabia was reinforced through financial and security agreements, a pact on competition protection, academic cooperation with King Saud University, and arrangements for the 1446 AH Hajj season. Relations with Qatar saw progress with three MoUs in industrial export development, standardization, social insurance, and a cultural and artistic cooperation program for 2025–2026. An MoU with Bahrain focused on enhancing collaboration in the health sector.

Expanding International Collaborations

Beyond the GCC, Kuwait has forged new and strengthened existing partnerships with a diverse range of international partners. Strategic dialogue with the United Kingdom resulted in the signing of three key agreements covering trade, education, cultural exchange, and joint security initiatives. Cooperation with the United States concentrated on border security, customs coordination, and technical expertise exchange.

Agreements with Uzbekistan included air transport, labor exchange, smart city development, and industrial cooperation. With Türkiye, partnerships focused on maritime transport, energy, and direct investment. France saw an MoU between Kuwait's National Guard and the French Gendarmerie, a declaration of intent on investment cooperation for 2025–2035, and cultural collaboration. Kuwait also signed a framework agreement on renewable energy cooperation with China and agreements with Hong Kong focusing on financial technologies, AI, and investment protection.

Focus on Technology, Health, and Global Governance

A significant aspect of Kuwait's expanded partnerships lies in technology and artificial intelligence. An agreement with Microsoft aims to establish AI data infrastructure and a cloud computing center of excellence. In the health sector, Kuwait signed an MoU with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Kuwait office to strengthen research and development, and support scientific studies in public health.

Kuwait has also enhanced its engagement with international organizations, acceding to the World Water Organization and signing three agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including the Fourth Framework Plan for Technical Cooperation (2026–2035). The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) was redesignated as a regional collaborating center for radiation monitoring and marine pollution control. Furthermore, Kuwait hosted the 29th Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting between the GCC and the European Union (EU) in October 2025, reinforcing trade, economic resilience, security cooperation, green energy, and human ties.