Hayyat: Increased Kuwaiti Presence in Guinea
Kuwait’s Assistant Undersecretary for African Affairs, Ambassador Samih Hayat, affirmed that Kuwait-Guinea relations are historical, dating back to 1964, noting the presence of high-level visits between the two countries and the aspiration to enhance cooperation in the coming phase, particularly in the fields of food security and direct investments.
Hayat, in a statement to journalists on the sidelines of the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea in Kuwait’s celebration of the 68th anniversary of its independence, said that the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development has contributed over many years to supporting infrastructure projects in Guinea, alongside the role played by Kuwaiti charitable associations in the country for years. He added that the coming phase may witness an increased Kuwaiti presence in Guinea, especially in the field of food security, expressing his hope that Kuwaiti companies will enter this sector to invest, thereby enhancing economic cooperation and achieving shared interests.
He pointed to a trend toward signing an agreement between the two countries in the near future, noting that he intends to visit Guinea once full consensus is reached on the files under discussion, which would push bilateral relations to broader horizons.
For his part, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea in Kuwait, Mamadou Aliou Sow, affirmed his country’s aspiration to enhance economic and investment partnership with Kuwait, calling on the Kuwaiti government, private sector, investment institutions, and development funds to explore promising opportunities in the Guinean market.
He praised the role played by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in supporting development projects in his country, particularly in the fields of roads, infrastructure, education, health, and rural development, emphasizing that these contributions reflect the depth of relations based on solidarity and cooperation.
He clarified that Guinea possesses diverse investment opportunities including bauxite, gold, and iron, as well as sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing industries, infrastructure, and tourism, noting that his country looks forward to expanding cooperation with Kuwaiti investors in these areas.
He pointed out that the Simandou project represents one of the most prominent strategic projects in Guinea, given its development of iron mines, railway networks, ports, and related infrastructure, which supports the exploitation of natural resources and enhances industrial activity.
He added that the “Simandou 2040” program constitutes a long-term national vision that extends beyond the mining sector to include manufacturing, agriculture, education, health, transport, and energy, with the aim of transforming natural resources into added value, creating jobs, and improving citizens’ living standards.
He called for enhancing the participation of Kuwaiti investors in Guinean development projects, thereby consolidating a partnership based on mutual benefit and sustainable development, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The Guinean Chargé d’Affaires recalled his country’s independence on October 2, 1958, under the leadership of the late leader Ahmed Sékou Touré, noting that Guinea was the first sub-Saharan African country speaking French to gain full national independence.
He clarified that his country continues its efforts to develop institutions, strengthen governance, combat corruption, and invest in infrastructure, education, health, and energy, as part of its endeavors to achieve sustainable economic and social development.
In conclusion of his speech, he expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the State of Kuwait, its leadership, government, and people, commending the fraternal relations between the two countries. He extended his thanks to the officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic corps who participated in the celebration, and also praised the role of the Guinean community in strengthening the human and cultural ties between the two nations.
