Finance Minister discusses with Egyptian Foreign Minister enhancing economic, financial, and investment cooperation
Yaacob Al-Rafai discussed with Badr Abdel Ati and Ahmed Rustom the enhancement of economic and investment cooperation between Kuwait and Egypt.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
Finance Minister Dr. Yaqoob Al-Sayed Yousef Al-Rafai met today with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad Dr. Badr Abdelatty, and Egyptian Minister of Planning and Economic Development Dr. Ahmed Rustom, along with their accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, Dr. Meshal Al-Mansour, and several officials from the Ministry of Finance.
The meeting took place as part of Kuwait’s participation in the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, held in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, from October 12 to 18, 2026.
During the meeting, the deep historical and fraternal ties between Kuwait and Egypt were reaffirmed, alongside both sides’ commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in economic, financial, and investment fields, exploring new investment opportunities, and addressing challenges facing Kuwaiti investments in Egypt.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of the work of the Kuwait-Egypt Joint High Commission in advancing bilateral cooperation in economic, trade, and investment sectors, with its next session scheduled for November.
Additionally, Al-Rafai met with Abdulaziz Al-Mulla, Managing Director of the World Bank Group. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Kuwait and the World Bank Group in areas such as training and capacity building for civil service personnel, improving their efficiency, and increasing the representation of national staff within the World Bank Group. They also emphasized the importance of further leveraging the World Bank’s local office in Kuwait.
Al-Rafai also met today with Emad Fakharany, Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa Region at the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The meeting focused on strengthening existing cooperation between Kuwait and the IFC, reviewing opportunities to expand partnerships in areas supporting economic diversification, stimulating investment, and enhancing the role of the private sector in economic activity, in line with Kuwait’s development goals and economic vision.
The discussion covered the World Bank Group’s efforts to mobilize private capital, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and utilize digital technologies and artificial intelligence to boost economic growth opportunities. On his part, the Minister stressed the importance of enhancing opportunities for national experts to participate in international financial institutions and providing more professional and training opportunities for Kuwaiti youth.
