Swiss Ambassador: Crown Prince's Visit to Bern a Key Milestone in Strengthening Bilateral Relations - Sarmad

Switzerland’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Tiziano Palmieri, confirmed on Tuesday that the official visit of His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, to Bern, represents a significant milestone in strengthening and expanding bilateral relations across several strategic sectors, and caps the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Palmieri stated that Kuwaiti-Swiss relations represent a solid and long-standing friendship, rooted in history and oriented toward the future, noting that both countries share fundamental values of peace, dialogue, and established humanitarian traditions.

He added that bilateral relations are witnessing development in several areas, particularly economic ties, through business forums, tourism initiatives, and the expansion of direct flight routes. He also praised the strong human bonds between the two peoples, noting that many Kuwaiti families consider Switzerland a “second home.”

He clarified that the Crown Prince’s visit to Bern presents an opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation in several strategic sectors, following initiatives such as the “Swiss-Kuwaiti Business Days” and the launch of new seasonal direct flights to Zurich, which contribute to boosting trade and private sector investments.

He pointed out that the visit will also help consolidate shared humanitarian cooperation, citing a joint development project in Sudan implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with co-financing from the development agencies of both countries.

He recalled key milestones in Kuwaiti-Swiss relations over the past six decades, noting that the 1990 Iraqi invasion and occupation of Kuwait marked a crucial moment demonstrating Swiss solidarity with Kuwait.

He stated that Swiss authorities then extended the residency of hundreds of Kuwaiti families and organized schooling for their children, considering these actions instrumental in cementing relations of trust and mutual respect between the two countries.

He noted that the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in Bern in 2016, with the Kuwaiti delegation led at that time by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, may God protect him, who is leading the Kuwaiti delegation to Switzerland today.

He also referred to the visit of former Swiss President Alain Berset to Kuwait in December 2023 to offer official condolences following the passing of the late Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, describing it as a “genuine and sincere gesture of friendship” that was highly appreciated.

He mentioned that former Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis visited Kuwait in October 2025 to open the new Swiss Embassy, considering the establishment of the embassy a significant investment and a sign of confidence in the future of bilateral relations.

He clarified that the 60th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations began in 2026 with an official visit by Swiss President Guy Parmelin to Kuwait last February.

Regarding current areas of cooperation, he said that cooperation between the two countries has focused in recent years on three main areas: humanitarian aid and development, trade, investment, and scientific research, as well as air connectivity and tourism.

In this context, he pointed to the signing of a cooperation agreement between Kuwaiti company KDD and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich), as well as the contribution of both countries as donors to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

He added that travel and cultural exchange have seen notable development, with Kuwait Airways operating three direct weekly flights to Zurich during the summer season, in addition to existing flights to Geneva and Milan. He noted that the introduction of a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa has helped facilitate travel.

He expressed the Swiss government’s support for fully waiving visa requirements for Kuwaiti passport holders, clarifying that any decision on this matter is subject to the procedures established by the European Union.

Ambassador Al-Milli affirmed that the future of Kuwait-Swiss relations is “very promising,” anticipating growth in economic partnerships and tourism. He also expressed his hope for the return of Swiss companies to Kuwait to participate in major public infrastructure projects.

He further emphasized the importance of both countries, as small trade-dependent nations, continuing their joint efforts to promote dialogue, peace, and justice amid global challenges and instability, noting that humanitarian cooperation is poised to expand in the coming period.