Omani Ambassador: Kuwait the Most Prominent Stop in My Diplomatic Career
Mai Al-Sukkar – Omani Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Saleh Al-Kharousi, affirmed that Omani-Kuwaiti relations are witnessing continuous growth across various fields, emphasizing that the scope of ambition between the two countries “has no ceiling,” under the vision and support enjoyed by the relations from the leaderships of the two brotherly nations.
This came during statements to journalists on the sidelines of a farewell diwaniya hosted by Al-Kharousi to mark the conclusion of his tenure in the country, attended by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, Minister of the Diwan Amiri Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi, Deputy Minister of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Mishaal Al-Sabah, Sheikh Ali Al-Jaber, and a group of diplomats and senior figures.
The Omani ambassador said he was experiencing mixed emotions upon the end of his six-year tenure, a mix of pride in the joint achievements realized and sadness at leaving Kuwait. He added, “I thank everyone who honored us with their presence, including ministers, leaders, colleagues who are heads and members of diplomatic missions, and people from all segments of the brotherly Kuwaiti people, whom we hold in the highest esteem, love, and pride.”
He clarified that with the end of his tenure in Kuwait, he feels a variety of emotions, stating that part of it is pride in the joint work achieved between the two countries over the past six years, which witnessed mutual visits at the level of the leaderships of both countries, alongside broad cooperation in various sectors and fields.
He added, “I also feel sorrow because I am leaving this dear and beloved country, as I lived here with you and created the most beautiful memories. However, this is the nature of diplomatic work, where a diplomat moves from one place to another and from one country to another.”
He affirmed that Kuwait will remain the most prominent professional milestone in his life and diplomatic career, expressing hope that his successor will continue to work on strengthening the close relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Kuwait. He noted that he will still miss Kuwait, its leadership, government, people, and diwaniyas, explaining that the farewell diwaniya was held to embody the deep love and bond between the two peoples, pointing out that the large turnout reflects the strength of the brotherly relations between the two countries.
Al-Kharousi wished for continued peace, stability, progress, and prosperity for Kuwait, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, emphasizing that words are not enough to express Kuwait’s place in his heart.
He stated that relations between the two countries are strong and improve from good to better, reiterating that the scope of ambition between the two countries has no ceiling, and that efforts to enhance bilateral relations benefit from the astute vision of the leaderships of both nations. He added that this is reflected in the strength of economic relations, noting that the balance of trade between the two countries is witnessing good growth, with Kuwait ranking third among the largest direct foreign investors in the Sultanate of Oman, after the United Kingdom and the United States.
He pointed out that the two countries have reached the implementation of a project considered the largest among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the energy sector: the Oil Refining and Petrochemicals Refinery project, valued at approximately $15 billion. He affirmed that it represents the largest joint project between two GCC countries in this sector.
He clarified that cooperation between the two countries is not limited to the energy sector but extends to tourism, mining, minerals, investment, and other economic and developmental sectors.
Regarding the latest developments concerning the new Kuwaiti investment project in the Sultanate of Oman, Al-Kharousi revealed the existence of a Kuwaiti investment project to be announced after completing its procedures, confirming that the announcement will be made as soon as the project is ready.
In a message addressed to the Kuwaiti investor and the Kuwaiti people, he said that the systems and laws in the Sultanate of Oman support and encourage expanding cooperation and investment in various fields, emphasizing that the Sultanate is keen on providing a suitable environment to enhance economic partnerships with Kuwait.
He clarified that Oman and Kuwait signed approximately 20 agreements during the past six years, in addition to the existence of about 20 memoranda of understanding still under study, expressing hope that they will be approved during the upcoming meetings of the Omani-Kuwaiti Joint Committee.
Al-Kharousi confirmed that the new ambassador has already been selected and his name will be announced in due course.
Minister of Health: “We are united by firm bonds of brotherhood”
Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi praised the efforts made by Omani Ambassador Dr. Saleh Al-Kharousi in supporting bilateral relations. He said that the presence at this occasion embodies the depth of relations between the two countries, which are not limited to the official level only, but also extend to the popular level, alongside the close relations between the leaderships of both countries.
He added that the Kuwaiti and Omani peoples are linked by strong brotherly relations, not only within the framework of the GCC countries but also through human ties and continuous communication, noting that Ambassador Al-Kharousi, throughout his tenure, was among his family and brothers in Kuwait, and received all love and appreciation.
He expressed his wishes for Ambassador Al-Kharousi’s success in his future duties, affirming that the sons of the Gulf countries are united by firm bonds of brotherhood, and that communication among them will always continue, wishing him a bright future and a life full of success.
Deputy Minister of Defense to Al-Kharousi: “You have done your duty and fulfilled it”
Deputy Minister of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Mishaal Al-Sabah said that Omani Ambassador Dr. Saleh Al-Kharousi has made significant efforts during his tenure that contributed to enhancing brotherly relations and joint cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
He said that everyone appreciates and values what Ambassador Al-Kharousi has done throughout his tenure in Kuwait, wishing him continued success and achievement in his future duties, adding, “You have done your duty and fulfilled it, and words fail to thank you for the role you played during your tenure in Kuwait.”
