Finance Minister discusses ways to enhance technical and financial-economic advisory support with IMF official
Kuwait's Finance Minister explores ways to strengthen technical support with officials from the IMF and World Bank in Bangkok
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
The Ministry of Finance said in a press statement via its account on the “X” platform that the meeting discussed areas of joint cooperation between Kuwait and the Fund, 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.
According to the statement, Azzour pointed to discussions held with His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister, during his visit to Kuwait in December 2025, which explored ways to strengthen relations between Kuwait and the International Monetary Fund in the areas of fiscal and economic policies.
For his part, Minister Al-Rafai emphasized, according to the statement, the deep ties between Kuwait and the IMF, praising 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 examined by the IMF mission to Kuwait from November 3 to 9, 2026, as part of Article IV consultations.
Minister Al-Rafai also met with Dr. Mohamed El-Mehairy, Executive Director for the Arab Countries and Maldives at the IMF. The meeting reaffirmed 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.
On his part, His Excellency the Minister expressed Kuwait’s appreciation for the efforts undertaken by El-Mehairy during his tenure, which will end at the end of October, wishing him success in his future endeavors.
Notably, these meetings come as part 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.
