Spanish Ambassador: Expanding cooperation with Kuwait in defense and cybersecurity
Spanish Ambassador Manuel Hernandez Gamayo announces the expansion of strategic cooperation with Kuwait in defense, cybersecurity, and trade.
Translated by Qiyas from القبس — Original source
May Al-Sukairy - The Spanish Ambassador to the country, Manuel Hernández Gamaio, stated that Kuwaiti-Spanish relations are witnessing a promising stage of development, driven by cultural convergence, strong human ties, and growing economic cooperation. He noted that the two countries have agreed to move toward establishing a strategic political dialogue that would enhance coordination through high-level meetings and specialized working groups on a number of priority files.
Hernández Gamaio added that during the celebration of Spain’s National Day, attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Hamad Al-Mashaan and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Mashal, the bilateral political consultations held in Madrid on October 7 constituted an important step toward elevating relations to a more advanced institutional level. He pointed out that cooperation in the coming phase would focus on strategic areas including defense, health, cybersecurity, and food security, alongside exploring opportunities to organize high-level visits between the two countries.
He emphasized that Spain regards Kuwait as a key strategic partner, a fact reflected in trade exchange indicators and the presence of Spanish companies in vital sectors within the Kuwaiti market. He clarified that Spanish exports to Kuwait continued their upward trajectory in recent years, while Spanish imports from Kuwait recorded an increase exceeding 200% in 2025 compared to 2024.
He noted that several leading Spanish companies operate in Kuwait within strategic sectors, including renewable energy, oil, civil aviation, and transport infrastructure, affirming that the achievements of these companies demonstrate Spain’s commitment to supporting Kuwait and keeping pace with its development progress.
Hernández Gamaio revealed efforts to organize the next meeting of the Kuwaiti-Spanish Joint Economic Committee in the capital Madrid during 2027, aiming to support the expansion of economic and trade cooperation and explore new opportunities for partnership and investment.
He stressed that relations between the two countries are not limited to the commercial aspect but extend to tourism, investment, education, and community engagement. He highlighted the continuous flow of Kuwaiti travelers to Spain, the growing interest in Kuwaiti investment in the Spanish real estate sector, and the increasing interest of Kuwaiti students in educational opportunities offered by Spanish universities.
Regarding consular affairs, he explained that the facilitation of Schengen visa procedures has begun to positively reflect on the work of the visa section at the Spanish Embassy, with procedures becoming smoother and faster, expressing his satisfaction with the development witnessed in these services.
On the level of regional developments, the Spanish Ambassador stressed that the current stage witnesses complex international and regional challenges, making solidarity among friendly countries more important than ever before. He affirmed that Spain views Kuwait as a cornerstone of moderation and peace in the region, valuing its historical role in regional mediation, its defense of international law, and its humanitarian contributions at the global level.
Hernández Gamaio stated that Spain firmly condemned the unjustified attacks targeting Gulf countries and vital civilian infrastructure, calling for respect for international law, the principles and values of the UN Charter. He clarified that his country supported all resolutions led by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the UN Security Council, the Human Rights Council, the International Maritime Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and other international bodies.
He added that the Spanish monarch personally conveyed, on behalf of the Spanish people, to His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Spain’s support and solidarity with the Kuwaiti people, a stance that reflects the depth of relations between the two countries and Madrid’s commitment to Kuwait’s security and stability. Gamayo praised the resilience of the Kuwaiti people in the face of difficult circumstances, expressing his appreciation for all entities and individuals working to ensure Kuwait’s security and the safety of citizens and residents.
