Kuwait city: Minister of Public Works Dr. Nora Al-Mashaan lauded the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA) and Abu Dhabi Ports Group (AD Ports), highlighting it as a testament to the strong and brotherly relations between Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Dr. Al-Mashaan, who also serves as the KPA Chairperson, emphasized that the MoU reflects the commitment of both nations' leadership to foster cooperation in key sectors, particularly in ports and logistical services. The agreement aims to establish an institutional framework for exchanging expertise, transferring knowledge, and developing skills, which is expected to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen Kuwaiti ports' competitiveness. This initiative aligns with Kuwait's sustainable development goals and its ambition to become a significant regional logistical hub.
Dr. Al-Mashaan described the MoU as a foundational step towards a strategic partnership that will result in programs and practical projects benefiting both countries. The collaboration signifies an enhanced level of integration and cooperation.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Trade, underscored Kuwait's position as a vital trade partner for the UAE, being the second-largest commercial partner globally and the largest in the Arab and Gulf regions. He noted that Kuwait's non-oil exports to the UAE were valued at 8.38 billion dirhams (USD 6.10 billion) in the first nine months of the current year, marking a 6.7 percent increase from the same period last year. The MoU focuses on developing container operations at Kuwait's Al-Shuaiba Port.
Sheikh Khaled Salem Al-Sabah, KPA Director General, reaffirmed that the MoU aligns with the leadership's vision to strengthen ties with the UAE and KPA's strategy to enhance its operations and logistical tasks. This will support external trade, activate supply chains, increase exports and imports, and attract direct investments.
Under the agreement, Abu Dhabi Ports Group will conduct technical, environmental, and financial studies, while KPA will provide the project site and facilitate the necessary licenses for execution. Captain Mohammad Jumaa Al-Shamsi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, expressed confidence in the collaboration, citing the group's extensive expertise in logistical solutions and port development as key to ensuring the project's success.