Kuwait city: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s official visit to Kuwait on Tuesday underscores the enduring and robust partnership between Turkiye and Kuwait, as he engages in discussions with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to explore new avenues for collaboration across multiple domains.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the bilateral ties between Kuwait and Turkiye have remained steadfast over six decades, characterized by mutual respect, shared interests, and coordinated efforts on key regional and global issues. The relationship, underpinned by historical, cultural, and religious bonds, dates back to 1969 when diplomatic relations were first established, leading to the opening of embassies in 1970.
Turkiye played a crucial role during the Iraqi invasion of 1990, taking a strong stance against the aggression and supporting Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Following Kuwait’s liberation in 1991, both nations continued to exchange visits at various levels, further solidifying their relationship.
In October 2020, President Erdogan visited Kuwait and met with the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to express condolences after the passing of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. More recently, the visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Ankara on May 7, 2024, marked a milestone with the signing of several significant agreements, including memorandums of understanding in areas such as strategic dialogue, free zone collaboration, housing, infrastructure, and investment promotion.
In recognition of efforts to strengthen ties, President Erdogan awarded His Highness the Amir with the “Order of the State” Medal. In September 2025, at the 79th UNGA in New York, the Representative of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, met with President Erdogan to discuss further enhancing bilateral relations.
Kuwait demonstrated support for Turkiye following the failed coup attempt in 2016, affirming its backing of the Turkish people and their democratically elected government. The Kuwaiti-Turkish Committee has held meetings, with the first on October 24, 2021, and the second on April 8, 2011, to advance cooperation.
Economic ties have also flourished, with agreements for economic, industrial, and technical cooperation inked in 1983, and an investment encouragement deal in 1988. Regular meetings of the joint economic committee and a high-level joint committee have facilitated the signing of nearly 68 agreements, covering investment, infrastructure, and development for Kuwaiti investments in Turkiye.
Defense partnerships have been promoted, with Kuwait signing a USD 367 million agreement in June 2023 for the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle. Humanitarian cooperation remains a cornerstone of the relationship, exemplified by Kuwait’s emergency assistance following the February 2023 earthquake and support for Turkiye’s efforts to aid Syrian refugees.
Kuwait and Turkiye continue to forge a strategic partnership based on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to regional stability and prosperity.