Swiss Ambassador: Crown Prince's Visit to Bern Strengthens Historically Rooted Bilateral Relations

Switzerland’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Tiziano Palmieri, stated that the official visit of His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, to Bern, marks a significant milestone in strengthening and expanding bilateral relations across several strategic sectors, and caps the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Speaking to KUNA, Ambassador Palmieri noted that Kuwaiti-Swiss relations represent a deep-rooted, long-standing friendship anchored in history and oriented toward the future. He highlighted that both nations share fundamental values, including peace, dialogue, and established humanistic traditions.

He added that bilateral relations are witnessing development in various fields, particularly economic ones, through business forums, tourism initiatives, and the expansion of direct flight routes. He praised the strong human ties between the two peoples, noting that many Kuwaiti families consider Switzerland a “second home.”

The ambassador explained that the Crown Prince’s visit to Bern offers an opportunity to enhance cooperation in several strategic sectors. He pointed out that the visit follows initiatives such as the “Swiss-Kuwaiti Business Days” and the launch of new seasonal direct flights to Zurich, which contribute to boosting trade and private sector investments.

He further noted that the visit will also help consolidate shared humanitarian cooperation, citing a joint development project in Sudan implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with co-financing from the development agencies of both countries.

Recalling key milestones in Kuwaiti-Swiss relations over the past six decades, he emphasized that the 1990 Iraqi invasion and occupation of Kuwait served as a crucial moment demonstrating Swiss solidarity with Kuwait. He stated that Swiss authorities then extended the residency of hundreds of Kuwaiti families and organized schooling for their children, actions that helped cement relations based on mutual trust and respect.

He noted that the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in Bern in 2016, with the Kuwaiti delegation at that occasion led by His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, who is now leading the Kuwaiti delegation to Switzerland.

He also referred to the visit of former Swiss President Alain Berset to Kuwait in December 2023 to offer official condolences following the passing of the late Amir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, describing it as a “genuine and sincere gesture of friendship” that was highly appreciated.

Furthermore, he mentioned that former Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis visited Kuwait in October 2025 to inaugurate the new Swiss Embassy, considering the establishment of the embassy a significant investment and a sign of confidence in the future of bilateral relations.

He clarified that the 60th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations began in 2026 with an official visit by Swiss President Guy Parmelin to Kuwait last February.

Regarding current areas of cooperation, he said that collaboration between the two countries has recently focused on three main areas: humanitarian aid and development, trade and investment, and scientific research, in addition to air connectivity and tourism.

In this context, he pointed to the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Kuwaiti company KDD and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), as well as the contribution of both countries as donors to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

He added that travel and cultural exchange have seen notable development, with Kuwait Airways operating three direct weekly flights to Zurich during the summer season, alongside existing flights to Geneva and Milan. He noted that the issuance of a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa has facilitated travel.

He expressed the Swiss government’s support for fully waiving visa requirements for Kuwaiti passport holders, clarifying that any decision on this matter is subject to procedures established by the European Union.

Ambassador Palmieri affirmed that the future of Kuwaiti-Swiss relations is “very promising,” anticipating growth in economic partnerships and tourism. He expressed his hope for the return of Swiss companies to Kuwait to participate in major public infrastructure projects. He also stressed the importance of both countries, as small trade-dependent nations, continuing their joint efforts to promote dialogue, peace, and justice amidst international challenges and instability, noting that shared humanitarian cooperation is poised to expand in the coming phase.