Finance Minister Dr. Yaqoub Al-Rafai meets with several senior IMF officials
Discussions between Al-Rafai, Azwar, and Maait on ways to enhance financial and economic cooperation with the Fund
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
Finance Minister Dr. Yaqoub Al-Rafai met with Dr. Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The meeting discussed areas of mutual cooperation between Kuwait and the IMF, as well as ways to enhance technical and advisory support in financial and economic fields, in line with Kuwait’s priorities and its direction toward strengthening fiscal sustainability and improving public financial management efficiency.
Dr. Jihad Azour highlighted discussions held with Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah during his visit to Kuwait in December 2025, which focused on strengthening relations between Kuwait and the IMF in the areas of fiscal and economic policies.
For his part, the Finance Minister emphasized the deep ties between Kuwait and the IMF, commending the Fund’s technical expertise and advisory support, and its role in backing national efforts to develop fiscal and economic policies.
The meeting addressed several files of mutual interest, foremost among them fiscal reforms aimed at enhancing fiscal sustainability, diversifying revenues, and improving the efficiency of public spending. It also discussed the priorities to be covered by the IMF mission to Kuwait from November 3 to 9, 2026, as part of Article IV consultations.
Additionally, the Finance Minister met with Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, Executive Director of the Arab Group and Maldives at the IMF. The meeting underscored the importance of continuing and strengthening cooperation between Kuwait and the IMF, and leveraging the Fund’s expertise in technical advice and capacity building, in alignment with Kuwait’s economic and fiscal priorities.
The Minister expressed Kuwait’s appreciation for the efforts made by Dr. Mohamed El-Erian during his tenure, which will end at the end of October, and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Notably, these meetings take place within the framework of Kuwait’s participation in the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the IMF, held in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, from October 12 to 18, 2026.
