Kuwait and Saudi Arabia strengthen economic and planning cooperation
Decree No. 131 of 2026 was issued approving a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Government of the State of Kuwait and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of economics and planning, signed in Riyadh on November 10, 2025, according to what was published in the official gazette “Kuwait Al-Yawm,” issued today, Sunday.
Article One of the decree stipulates approval of the attached memorandum, the text of which is included in the decree, and its implementation from the date of its publication in the official gazette.
The MoU aims to establish a framework for cooperation between the two sides in the field of economics and planning, thereby strengthening the existing relations between the two countries and supporting the exchange of expertise, knowledge, and studies based on mutual interests and in accordance with the systems and laws in force in both countries.
The memorandum encourages cooperation in several areas, most notably medium- and long-term economic planning, economic studies and modeling, economic policies, economic plans and their governance, as well as economic knowledge and media, and the development of economic leadership.
Cooperation also covers the green economy, the circular economy, and the digital economy, as well as achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, in addition to any other field agreed upon by both parties.
The memorandum specifies a number of means to implement cooperation, including the exchange of information, expertise, and studies; exchanges of visits between experts and specialists; and the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops, as well as any other means agreed upon by both parties.
The MoU allows both parties to conclude independent programs within its framework, specifying the agreed activities, the methods of participation of each party, and the relevant provisions and timeframes, including financial aspects and any other arrangements that may be necessary.
It also stipulates that each party shall appoint, in writing, a coordinator who will serve as the main point of contact between the two sides to follow up on and oversee the implementation of the memorandum, with the requirement to notify the other party in writing of any changes to the coordinator.
The memorandum affirmed that its provisions do not give rise to any rights or obligations governed by international law, nor do they affect the obligations, rights, and privileges of the two parties arising from international treaties and agreements to which one or both parties are signatories.
Regarding financial matters, each party shall bear the financial costs incurred in implementing its obligations under the memorandum, according to its available resources.
The memorandum includes provisions for protecting intellectual property rights resulting from any activity conducted within its framework, in accordance with the systems and laws in force in both countries and relevant international agreements.
Both parties committed to using the information and documents exchanged between them solely for the purposes specified, and not to transfer them to a third party without the written consent of the party that provided them. This commitment remains in effect even after the termination of the memorandum’s implementation.
In the event of any dispute regarding the interpretation or implementation of the memorandum, it shall be settled amicably through diplomatic channels and through consultation between the two parties in a manner that serves their mutual interests.
The memorandum enters into force from the date of the last mutual notification between the two parties via diplomatic channels, confirming the completion of the necessary internal procedural requirements.
The duration of the memorandum is three years, and it is automatically renewed for similar periods unless one party notifies the other in writing via diplomatic channels of its intention to terminate it or not renew it at least six months prior to the specified termination date.
The memorandum may also be amended by mutual written agreement of both parties, with the amendment entering into force in accordance with the procedures stipulated for the entry into force of the memorandum.
In the event of the termination or expiration of the memorandum, its provisions shall remain applicable to projects and programs established under it, unless the two parties agree otherwise.
