The Omani Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Dr. Saleh bin Amer Al-Kharousi, has praised the steadily rising cooperation between Oman and Kuwait throughout a number of sectors, significantly within the financial sphere, which has witnessed vital progress in recent times.
Talking at a press convention on the event of Oman’s fifty fifth Nationwide Day, which might be celebrated on Nov 20, Ambassador Al-Kharousi famous that bilateral commerce between the 2 nations reached roughly $5 billion final yr, reflecting a rise of practically 120 % in comparison with the earlier yr.
He highlighted Kuwait as one of many prime traders in Oman, with direct investments totaling $1.362 billion this yr, inserting Kuwait first within the Gulf area, first within the Arab world, and third globally after the UK and america.
The ambassador emphasised that financial relations have skilled notable progress, with commerce within the first six months of this yr totaling $2.3 billion, doubling over the previous 5 years. He described Kuwaiti-Omani relations as deeply rooted and fraternal, noting that each nations’ leaderships have taken political, financial, and cultural steps this yr to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
On the political entrance, Ambassador Al-Kharousi pointed to key milestones, together with the go to of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to Oman on October 14, throughout which he met with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral ties and exchanging views on regional and worldwide points. He additionally famous that on August 11, the Amir acquired Omani Inside Minister Hamoud Al-Busaidi, who delivered a verbal message from Sultan Haitham.
Economically, the ambassador highlighted the Duqm Refinery Challenge, collectively managed by the Kuwait Petroleum Worldwide Firm and Oman’s OQ Group. The venture efficiently handed lender reliability assessments, enabling using over $4 billion in shareholder ensures. The refinery has additionally exceeded its design capability, rising manufacturing from 230,000 barrels per day to 255,000 barrels, and exporting over 4.1 million tons of merchandise to international markets.
He added that in early 2025, agreements have been signed for the upkeep of a number of Kuwaiti oil tankers by the Dry Dock Firm in Oman’s Duqm Financial Zone in coordination with Kuwait Oil Tankers Firm.
Ambassador Al-Kharousi additionally famous ongoing bilateral cooperation in governance, together with the fourth digital assembly of senior officers from each nations’ international ministries on Could 18, and the enforcement of memoranda of understanding in competitors safety, client safety, and different agreements signed throughout 2023 and 2024.
Within the tourism sector, the Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism launched a marketing campaign in Kuwait in January 2025 beneath the slogan “Oman… The Tackle of Magnificence.” In keeping with Oman’s Nationwide Statistics Middle, Kuwaiti guests reached 33,154 by the tip of September, with projections of round 50,000 by December.
In funding, Omani Housing and City Planning Minister Dr. Khalfan Al-Sha’ili met Kuwaiti enterprise leaders on Could 22 to debate alternatives in Oman’s city growth sector.
Culturally, Oman would be the visitor of honor on the forty eighth Kuwait Worldwide Ebook Truthful, highlighting the Sultanate’s heritage and achievements and honoring former Minister and Adviser Mohammed bin Al-Zubair Al-Ali because the cultural determine of the version.
Different initiatives embrace participation in Oman’s thirtieth cultural season on the Home of Islamic Antiquities and collaboration in regional literary and creative occasions, together with theater exchanges and media visits, strengthening cultural ties between the 2 nations.
Ambassador Al-Kharousi concluded by noting ongoing efforts to advertise tourism, tradition, and media collaboration, emphasizing the depth and energy of Omani-Kuwaiti relations throughout all ranges.