New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) Smt. Sushma Swaraj paid an official visit to Kuwait from 30-31 October 2018 at the invitation of Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. This was her first visit to Kuwait and the first high level bilateral visit since the visit of Kuwaiti Prime Minister to India in November 2013.
EAM called on His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait who recalled the historical and friendly relations between the two countries. He appreciated the role and contribution of the Indian expatriate community in Kuwait’s progress and economic development and said that that cooperation must extend to other areas of the economy. Kuwaiti Prime Minister, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamd Al-Sabah, during his interaction with the EAM, while reiterating sentiments expressed by H. H. the Amir, said that there is vast potential in trade and investment which could be tapped between the two nations.
The visit witnessed the conclusion of two important agreements including the Agreement on exemption of visa for holders of Diplomatic, Official and Special Passports and the Agreement on recruitment of Domestic Workers.
EAM addressed and interacted with the Indian Community in Kuwait at the event organized by the Embassy. EAM’s visit to Kuwait helped consolidate the understanding between the two governments on entire gamut of bilateral, regional and international issues, and set out a road map for future high-level engagements.