KUWAIT: Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia Sman Manan reaffirmed the strong and growing relationship between Cambodia and Kuwait on Sunday, tracing its roots back to 1995 when bilateral ties were first established. During a briefing on Cambodia’s tourism, the ambassador stated that the relationship between his country and Kuwait began through the efforts of Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah, who played a pivotal role in bringing the two countries closer together.
“In 2008, Cambodia opened its embassy in Kuwait, marking a new chapter in diplomatic engagement. That same year, Sheikh Nasser, who served as Prime Minister back then, visited Cambodia, and several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering areas such as manpower, investment, agriculture, and civil aviation,” he said. “In 2009, then-Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen visited Kuwait, resulting in more agreements. To date, 11 MoUs have been signed between the two countries.” However, while the agreements are in place, the ambassador acknowledged that actual trade and investment flows have yet to reach their full potential.
The ambassador noted that over the years, five ambassadors have served in Kuwait, with the current ambassador serving his second term, first in 2015 and again since 2023. His mission focuses on strengthening government-to-government ties, enhancing bilateral trade, attracting Kuwaiti investors to Cambodia, and promoting tourism between the two countries.
Cambodian products and posters explaining the country’s top attractions and culinary delicacies are displayed.
Regarding tourism, the ambassador explained that Cambodian visas for Kuwaitis can be obtained in three ways: Directly from the embassy in Kuwait, online through the official application portal, or upon arrival with arrangements made via a Cambodian travel agency.
The ambassador said that while tourist arrivals from Kuwait remain low, many visitors come for humanitarian work, reflecting Kuwait’s strong charitable reputation in Cambodia. He stressed that Kuwait has sponsored schools, mosques, housing projects, and orphanages, contributing significantly to Muslim communities across Cambodia.
He noted that Cambodia currently has 635 mosques nationwide and a Muslim population of nearly one million, or approximately 5 percent of the population. He assured tourists that halal food is widely available and that the country enjoys complete peace and stability, adding that he is working on establishing a direct flight between the two countries.
The ambassador revealed that 38 Cambodian students are studying Arabic in Kuwait under religious sponsorship programs. He encouraged Kuwaiti investors to explore Cambodia’s opportunities in real estate, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. He announced that Cambodia will inaugurate a new international airport on September 9, capable of accommodating large aircraft, which will make travel and investment easier.
“Our goal is to enhance the bilateral relationship, link our trade and investment sectors, and promote tourism and cultural exchange. Cambodia is open, peaceful, and full of potential for our Kuwaiti friends,” the ambassador said.
Erdogan gifts Amir Turkish-made EV • Leaders hold official talks • Key agreements inked
KUWAIT: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and an accompanying delegation arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday on an official visit. Heading the reception at Kuwait International Airport were HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Also present were HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and senior ministers and state officials.
HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal received a gift from Erdogan at Bayan Palace. The gift, an emblem of Erdogan’s appreciation and pride in the bilateral ties between the two nations, is a Turkish-made Togg electric vehicle. HH the Amir voiced his sincere appreciation for this generous gesture, wishing the President and the Turkish people further progress and prosperity.
HH the Amir held official talks at Bayan Palace with Erdogan, attended by HH the Crown Prince, HH the Prime Minister and senior officials from both sides. Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah said during the talks, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations between Kuwait and Turkey, discussed means of strengthening cooperation in various fields and exchanged views on key regional and international developments of mutual concern.
HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal welcomes President Erdogan before holding official talks.
In the presence of HH the Amir and Erdogan, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef pose after signing an agreement between the two countries.
The meeting reflected the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two countries, affirming their mutual desire to enhance cooperation across all domains in a manner that serves their common interests and promotes regional stability. Preserving the hard-won ceasefire recently achieved in Gaza between the Zionist entity and the Palestinian group Hamas is critically important, Erdogan said Tuesday, according to a statement by the Turkish Communications Directorate. “Emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining the strenuously achieved ceasefire in Gaza, President Erdogan stated that a two-state solution is imperative for lasting peace, and highlighted the significance of the Islamic world’s common stance on this matter,” said the directorate.
The statement also said that Erdogan “stressed Turkiye’s resolve in upholding Syria’s political unity and territorial integrity, and expressed the desire to move forward together with the brotherly Arab states in building a promising future for the Syrian people.” On bilateral ties, Erdogan said the existing cooperation between Turkey and Kuwait in the fields of investment, energy, trade and the defense industry carries strategic importance. “President Erdogan stressed the potential to further enhance the deep-rooted bilateral ties,” the statement said.
“President Erdogan expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s efforts to promote regional stability as the current Chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and remarked that the free trade agreement, still under negotiation between Turkiye and the GCC, would further strengthen Turkiye’s commercial relations with the brotherly Gulf countries,” it added.
HH the Amir then held a banquet in honor of Erdogan and his accompanying delegation. Later, in the presence of HH the Amir and Erdogan, HH the Crown Prince and HH the Prime Minister, a number of agreements were signed at Bayan Palace between Kuwait and Turkey. The agreements include a maritime transport agreement and a memorandum of understanding on the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates; a memorandum on cooperation in the energy sector; and a memorandum on cooperation in the field of direct investment incentives. Erdogan and his accompanying delegation then departed from Kuwait, heading to Qatar. Bidding him farewell at the airport were HH the Crown Prince, HH the Prime Minister and top state officials. – Agencies
KUWAIT: Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan on Tuesday signed a contract with the Turkish company Kozo for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant in South Al-Mutlaa City, along with its complementary works. In a press statement, the Ministry of Public Works said the project is part of the ministry’s development plan and is designed to serve the residents of Al-Mutlaa City.
The plant will produce around 400,000 cubic meters of triple-treated water daily for agricultural and other beneficial uses. The ministry added that the facility represents a pioneering step in the adoption of alternative energy technologies, reflecting Kuwait’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development and environmental conservation. — KUNA
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