Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Joint Committee between Kuwait and the Netherlands

The Official Gazette “Kuwait Al-Yaum” published Decree No. 141 of 2026 approving a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a joint cooperation committee between the Government of the State of Kuwait and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its articles stipulate the following:

Article 1: Approval of the memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a joint cooperation committee between the Government of the State of Kuwait and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, signed in Kuwait City on October 6, 2025, the text of which is attached to this decree.

Article 2: The ministers, each within their respective competence, shall implement this decree, which shall enter into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

The memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a joint cooperation committee between the Government of the State of Kuwait and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands stipulates the following:

The Government of the State of Kuwait and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”), wishing to strengthen and further develop their bilateral friendship and cooperation in all fields to better serve their mutual interests, and recognizing the importance of this bond as a basis for continuing an effective and fruitful partnership between the two countries, have agreed as follows:

Paragraph 1: Areas of Cooperation

1. The Parties shall establish a joint committee, hereinafter referred to as “the Committee,” to develop their bilateral relations.

2. The Committee shall be tasked with political dialogue, including the exchange of information and discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, namely:

a. Cooperation in the fields of defense and security, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism;

b. Economy, trade, investment, and energy transition;

c. Education, higher education, and scientific, technical, and vocational research;

d. Consular and customs cooperation, and land, maritime, and air transport;

e. Cooperation in the fields of health, social services, and social security, as well as cooperation in agriculture, livestock, and food security;

f. Other areas of cooperation to be determined by the Parties.

3. In addition, the Committee shall be tasked with monitoring arrangements concluded between the two countries and working towards their full implementation.

4. The Committee shall facilitate the exchange of information, expertise, and consultations in the fields mentioned in sub-paragraph 2.

Paragraph 2: Chairmanship of the Committee

The Committee shall be chaired by representatives from the foreign ministries of the participating countries.

Paragraph 3: Time and Place of Committee Meetings

1. The Committee shall hold its ordinary sessions once a year, alternating between the capitals of the two countries, or exceptionally upon request by either Party.

2. The Parties shall agree on the dates of the Committee’s meetings through diplomatic channels.

Paragraph 4: Working Groups

1. The Committee shall establish a working group tasked with preparing for, following up on, and coordinating its meetings.

2. A senior official from the foreign ministries of the two countries shall chair their respective delegation at the working group meetings.

3. The working group shall include representatives from the competent authorities in the fields to be discussed by the Committee at its meetings and included in its agenda. The working group may hold its meetings virtually.

Paragraph 5: Agenda of the Committee

1. The draft agenda for the meetings shall be prepared by the host Party and submitted to the other Party prior to the commencement of the Committee’s meetings.

2. The working group shall submit recommendations to be included in the agenda, with these recommendations compiled and incorporated into the minutes of the Committee’s meetings.

3. All deliberations, documents, minutes, statements, and official announcements issued by the Committee shall remain confidential and shall not be discussed or published without the consent of the Parties, unless such discussion or publication is in compliance with the national legislation of either Party.

Paragraph 6: Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising regarding the interpretation and/or implementation of this memorandum of understanding shall be settled between the Parties through diplomatic channels, via consultations and negotiations.

Paragraph 7 Legal Obligations 1. This Memorandum of Understanding does not constitute an agreement governed by international law, and is concluded without prejudice to the laws and legislation of both participating Parties. 2. The provisions of this Memorandum of Understanding shall not affect the laws in force in either country, nor the rights or obligations of either Party arising from international treaties and agreements to which either Party is a party.

Paragraph 8 Entry into Force, Amendment, Termination 1. This Memorandum of Understanding shall enter into force on the date on which the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands receives written notification, through diplomatic channels, from the Government of the State of Kuwait, confirming that the Government of the State of Kuwait has completed the internal procedures required for its entry into force. 2. This Memorandum of Understanding may be amended with the consent of the participating Parties, and any amendments shall enter into force in accordance with the procedures set forth in Sub-paragraph 1. 3. This Memorandum of Understanding shall remain in force for a period of five years and shall be automatically renewed for one or more similar periods, unless one of the participating Parties notifies the other in writing of its intention to terminate it at least six months prior to its expiry. 4. The termination of this Memorandum of Understanding shall not affect the validity or scope of any specific arrangements, projects, or activities carried out under this Memorandum of Understanding.