Finance Minister Meets Several Ministers and Officials During World Bank and IMF Governors' Meetings in Bangkok
Kuwaiti Finance Minister Yaqoub Al-Rafai met his Egyptian counterparts and World Bank officials in Bangkok to enhance economic and investment cooperation.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Kuwait City, October 13 (KUNA) -- Finance Minister Dr. Yaqoub Al-Rafai met today, Tuesday, with a number of ministers and officials responsible for financial and economic affairs, 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.
The Ministry of Finance said in a statement that Minister Al-Rafai met 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 statement clarified that the meetings emphasized the deep historical and fraternal ties between Kuwait and Egypt, and the shared commitment of both sides to enhance bilateral cooperation in economic, financial, and investment fields, explore new investment opportunities, and address challenges facing Kuwaiti investments in Egypt.
The statement added that the meetings also discussed the importance of the work of the Kuwait-Egypt Joint Higher Committee, which is scheduled to convene next November, in advancing bilateral cooperation in economic, trade, and investment areas.
It noted that Minister Al-Rafai also held discussions with World Bank Group Managing Director Abdulaziz Al-Mulla on ways to strengthen cooperation between Kuwait and the World Bank Group in areas such as training, capacity building, and enhancing the efficiency of civil service personnel. The meetings stressed the importance of increasing the representation of national staff within the World Bank Group, as well as deepening the utilization of the Bank’s local office in Kuwait.
The statement further noted that the Minister also met with Emad Fakharany, Regional Vice President of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The discussions focused on enhancing existing cooperation between Kuwait and the IFC, and reviewing opportunities to expand partnership in areas supporting economic diversification, stimulating investment, and strengthening the role of the private sector in economic activity, in line with Kuwait’s development goals and economic vision.
The statement added that the meetings addressed the World Bank Group’s efforts to mobilize private capital, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and leverage digital technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance economic growth opportunities. On his part, the Minister emphasized the importance of enhancing opportunities for national talents to participate in international financial institutions, and providing more professional and training opportunities for Kuwaiti youth.
Kuwait’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, Dr. Meshal Al-Mansour, and several officials from the Ministry of Finance attended the meetings. (End) A.M.H.
