Belgian Ambassador to Al-Rai: Our partnership with Kuwait enters a new phase
- Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to visit Kuwait next November
- Belgian companies’ interest in the Kuwaiti market reflects their confidence in economic reforms
- Streamlining administrative procedures will enhance Kuwait’s attractiveness to foreign investors
- Kuwait has a prominent presence in Belgium through more than 500 Q8-branded fuel stations
Christian Domaz, the Belgian Ambassador to Kuwait, affirmed that Kuwait-Belgium relations are witnessing rapid development, expressing confidence that the partnership between the two countries is moving toward a new phase focused on expanding economic and investment cooperation, enhancing innovation, healthcare, education, and cultural exchange.
In exclusive comments to "Al-Rai" on the occasion of Belgium’s National Day on July 21, Domaz described bilateral relations as "excellent," noting that both countries share a commitment to supporting multilateralism, respecting international law, and promoting constructive diplomacy.
He pointed out that Kuwait and Belgium celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2024, reflecting the strength of a friendship based on mutual respect and shared values. While political ties between the two countries are very strong, there are significant opportunities to elevate cooperation in trade, investment, and economic partnerships.
He revealed that Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevost will visit Kuwait on November 2 and 3 next year, leading an official delegation to participate in bilateral political consultations. The visit will include discussions on a comprehensive memorandum of understanding covering various areas of joint cooperation.
He noted that Belgian companies possess leading global expertise in these fields but need to strengthen their presence in the Kuwaiti market, which has become more competitive. He explained that many Belgian companies are achieving success in Gulf countries, with Kuwait emerging today as a promising destination amid an improving investment climate and ongoing economic reforms.
The Ambassador highlighted the international role played by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, explaining that it continues to expand its presence in the Gulf region through strategic partnerships, including its contribution to the development of the Duqm Port in the Sultanate of Oman, alongside its ongoing cooperation with the Kuwait Ports Authority.
He clarified that cooperation includes providing maritime expertise, port management consulting, and organizing specialized training programs for Kuwaiti delegations in Belgium. He also noted that Kuwaiti investments in the Belgian petrochemical sector strengthen the economic ties between the two countries.
Domaz welcomed the expansion of Kuwaiti investments in Belgium, pointing out that Kuwait has a prominent economic presence through more than 500 Q8-branded fuel stations distributed across Belgium. He called on Kuwaiti investors to take advantage of available investment opportunities in cooperation with the Kuwaiti Embassy in Brussels, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, and investment authorities in the regions of Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels.
He affirmed that his country is one of the leading European centers in scientific research and innovation, highlighting the partnership between the Belgian IMEC institute, one of the world’s most important nanotechnology research centers, and Kuwait University in developing silicon solar cell technologies.
In the health sector, he explained that Belgium is working to enhance institutional cooperation between Belgian and Kuwaiti hospitals, leveraging Belgian medical expertise, particularly in cancer treatment through the Jules Bordet Institute, as well as its leadership in reproductive medicine and bariatric surgery.
Domaz noted that Belgium hosts several world-renowned universities in the fields of medicine, engineering, science, and technology, expressing his hope to increase the number of Kuwaiti students enrolled in Belgian universities by enhancing the visibility of Belgian educational institutions.
Ambassador Christian Domaz praised Kuwait’s role in bolstering regional security and stability, emphasizing that the country pursues a balanced and wise policy during crises, working with international partners to contain tensions and support dialogue.
He added that Kuwait, despite its quiet and low-profile approach, plays a significant role in consolidating peace and stability in the region.
He also highlighted the historic Ommegang festival in Brussels, which involves approximately 1,400 participants reenacting the ceremonies for the arrival of Emperor Charles V.
Domaz affirmed that establishing direct flights between Kuwait and Brussels is one of the embassy’s priorities, explaining that the absence of direct flights limits Belgium’s competitiveness compared to other European destinations. He expressed optimism about making progress on this file in the near future.
The Kingdom of Belgium celebrates its National Day on July 21 each year, commemorating the constitutional oath taken by King Leopold I in 1831 as the country’s first monarch following independence. The occasion features military and air displays, as well as cultural and popular events in the capital, Brussels, culminating in a fireworks display that embodies the values of independence, unity, and democracy upon which the Belgian state was founded.
