Al-Kharousi bids farewell to Kuwait: The scale of shared ambition... knows no limits
- A wide official and popular attendance comprising ministers, sheikhs, diplomats, and political, economic, and social figures
- 20 agreements signed over six years... and 20 memoranda of understanding awaiting approval by the Joint Committee
- $15 billion... the largest joint Gulf petrochemical project
- I call on Kuwaiti investors to take advantage of the diverse opportunities in Oman
- Kuwait is the most prominent stop in my diplomatic career... I leave it with a mix of pride and sadness
The farewell diwaniya hosted by the Sultanate of Oman’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Saleh Al-Kharousi, at his residence to mark the end of his six-year tenure in Kuwait, embodied the high status he enjoyed among various official and public circles.
The event saw a notable attendance including a large number of sheikhs, ministers, senior officials, heads of diplomatic missions, and political, economic, and media figures, alongside a crowd of citizens and residents, reflecting appreciation for a diplomatic career that left a clear mark in enhancing fraternal relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Kuwait.
Attendees included the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Sabah, and the Minister of Diwan Amiri Affairs, Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali, along with several ministers, sheikhs, and senior officials. This scene reflected the high regard held for Ambassador Al-Kharousi and the depth of historical ties uniting Oman and Kuwait at both official and popular levels.
In a statement on the sidelines of the diwaniya, Al-Kharousi emphasized that Omani-Kuwaiti relations are witnessing continuous growth across various fields, stressing that the scope of shared ambition between the two countries “has no ceiling,” given the vision and support enjoyed by these relations from the leaderships of both brotherly nations.
He highlighted the success of both countries in implementing the largest joint project between two Gulf states in the petrochemical sector, valued at $15 billion, describing it as the largest project of its kind within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
He noted that cooperation between Oman and Kuwait is not limited to the energy sector but also extends to tourism, mining, minerals, investment, and many other economic and developmental fields.
He revealed a new Kuwaiti investment project in the Sultanate, to be announced upon the completion of its procedures, affirming that Oman provides an attractive investment environment and flexible legislation supporting economic partnerships with Kuwait.
He addressed Kuwaiti investors, inviting them to take advantage of the available investment opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman, emphasizing that Omani laws and regulations encourage expanding economic and investment cooperation across various sectors.
He pointed out that the two countries signed approximately 20 agreements in various fields over the past six years, in addition to around 20 memoranda of understanding still under review, expressing hope for their approval during the upcoming meetings of the Omani-Kuwaiti Joint Committee, thereby opening broader horizons for bilateral cooperation.
Al-Kharousi stated that he is leaving Kuwait with mixed feelings, blending pride in what has been achieved during his years of service with sadness at leaving a country that has become part of his life.
He added, “I feel proud of the joint achievements realized over the past six years, which witnessed mutual visits at the level of the leaderships of both countries and extensive cooperation across various sectors. I also feel sorrow at parting with this beloved country where I lived through the most beautiful memories, but this is the nature of diplomatic work.”
He affirmed that Kuwait would remain the most prominent milestone in his professional career, expressing confidence that his successor would build upon the achievements made, thereby strengthening the close ties between the two countries.
In response to a question regarding the level of bilateral relations, Al-Kharousi stated that Omani-Kuwaiti relations are “strong and evolving from good to better,” noting that efforts to develop them are guided by a forward-looking vision and direct support from the leaderships of both countries.
He clarified that this trend has been reflected in the growth of economic ties, pointing out that Kuwait ranks third among the largest direct foreign investors in Oman, following the United Kingdom and the United States, while the volume of bilateral trade continues to achieve healthy growth rates.
Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi affirmed that his attendance at the farewell diwan for the Omani Ambassador was in appreciation of the solid fraternal relations between Kuwait and the Sultanate of Oman, as well as the efforts made by Dr. Saleh Al-Kharousi to enhance bilateral cooperation.
He said that the large turnout at the event embodies the depth of relations between the two countries, which extend beyond the official level to encompass close popular and human bonds, emphasizing that Ambassador Al-Kharousi, throughout his tenure, was among his family and brothers in Kuwait and was beloved by all.
Deputy Minister of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Mishaal Al-Sabah praised the role played by the Omani Ambassador during his posting in Kuwait, affirming that he significantly contributed to strengthening fraternal relations and joint cooperation between the two countries.
Adding, while addressing Ambassador Al-Kharousi, he said: “You have done enough and more; words fall short of thanking you for the sincere efforts you have made throughout your years of service in Kuwait,” wishing him continued success and achievement in his future assignments.
