Kuwait City: The visit by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa to Kuwait holds significance for both nations as they aim to enhance their historic ties towards constructive cooperation. President Al-Sharaa is set to meet with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, engaging in talks that reflect the strength of their diplomatic relationship and Kuwait's support for Syria's unity and sovereignty.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the diplomatic ties between Kuwait and Syria were established on October 24, 1963, when Syria opened its first embassy in Kuwait. This was reciprocated by Kuwait opening its embassy in Damascus shortly thereafter. However, relations were suspended between 2012 and 2024 due to security concerns in Syria, leading to Kuwait closing its embassy in Damascus on March 15, 2012, and advising its citizens to return home.
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya's visit to Damascus on December 30, 2024, marked a renewal of ties. As chair of the GCC ministerial council, Minister Al-Yahya expressed support for Syria's security and stability, urging non-interference in its internal affairs. On the same day, Kuwait launched its first air bridge to deliver relief aid to Syria, overseen by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, to address the needs of Syrians during a critical transitional period.
Over the years, senior officials from both countries have exchanged visits to strengthen ties across various domains. Numerous accords, agreements, and MoUs have been signed, while the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development has provided loans and grants to Syria since 1969. Syria contributed to Kuwait's liberation in 1991 by joining the international coalition against the Iraqi invasion.
Since the Syrian conflict began in 2011, Kuwait has consistently called on the UN Security Council to address war crimes and ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians. Kuwait organized three donor conferences for Syria in 2013, 2014, and 2015, covering 90% of the needed humanitarian pledges. In February 2016, Kuwait co-chaired the fourth humanitarian conference in the UK, focusing on aid delivery to those most affected by the war.
Kuwait participated in the EU-led conference in Brussels in March 2025, with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani present. Through KFAED, KRCS, and various charities, Kuwait has provided assistance to displaced Syrians within Syria and in neighboring countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkiye.
In recent months, Kuwait's Foreign Ministry has issued several statements advocating for Syria's unity and stability, urging international aid during this critical period. Kuwait condemned Israeli aggression on Syrian borders in December 2024 and similar airstrikes in May. Kuwait welcomed the US and EU's decisions to lift sanctions on Syria in May, signaling hope for a brighter future for the country.