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

- The visit represents an opportunity to enhance cooperation in several strategic sectors and contribute to consolidating shared humanitarian collaboration.

The Swiss Ambassador to Kuwait, Tiziano Palmieri, stated on Tuesday that the official visit of His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah, to Bern, marks an important milestone for enhancing and expanding bilateral relations in several strategic fields, and caps the celebrations of the two countries marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Ambassador Palmieri told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that Kuwaiti-Swiss relations represent a solid and long-standing friendship, rooted in history and oriented toward the future, noting that the two countries share fundamental values of peace, dialogue, and entrenched humanitarian traditions.

Administration

Cultural News

He added that bilateral relations are witnessing development in several areas, particularly economic ones, through business forums, tourism initiatives, and the expansion of direct flight routes, while praising the strong human ties between the two peoples, especially as 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, noting that it follows initiatives such as the "Swiss-Kuwaiti Business Days" and the launch of new seasonal direct flights to Zurich, thereby contributing to the enhancement of trade and private sector investments.

He pointed out that the visit will also help consolidate shared humanitarian cooperation, citing the 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 Iraqi invasion and occupation of Kuwait in 1990 constituted an important 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 consolidating 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, explaining that the Kuwaiti delegation at that occasion was led by His Highness the Crown Prince, 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 Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, describing it as a "genuine and sincere gesture of friendship" that received high appreciation.

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 an important investment and a sign of confidence in the future of bilateral relations.

He clarified that the celebrations for the 60th anniversary 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 stated that cooperation between the two countries has focused in recent years on three main areas: humanitarian aid and development, trade and investment, and scientific research, in addition to air connectivity and tourism.

In this context, he pointed to the signing of a cooperation agreement between Kuwait’s KDD Company 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 issuance of a five-year multiple-entry Schengen visa has facilitated travel.

He expressed the Swiss government’s support for fully waiving visa requirements for Kuwaiti passport holders, clarifying that the decision-making process 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 international challenges and instability, noting that humanitarian cooperation is poised to expand in the coming period.