ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kuwait on Wednesday agreed to broaden cooperation in defence, trade, investment, energy, labour and other vital sectors, while reinforcing institutional linkages through sustained and regular high-level engagement.
The understanding was reached during wide-ranging talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and visiting Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
The two sides undertook a comprehensive review of Pakistan-Kuwait relations, with a particular focus on expanding economic collaboration and identifying new avenues of mutual benefit.
As part of efforts to translate commitments into practical outcomes, Pakistan and Kuwait agreed to establish joint working groups in key areas, including trade and investment, energy, agriculture and food security, information technology, education and health.
The two countries also decided to hold periodic meetings to monitor progress and ensure the timely implementation of agreed initiatives.
Dar underscored the importance of maintaining regular high-level contacts between the two countries, highlighting the significant potential for increased trade, investment and sector-specific cooperation.
Foreign Minister Al-Sabah reaffirmed Kuwait’s resolve to further strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan across multiple fields.
He also praised the valuable role played by the Pakistani community in Kuwait’s development and economic progress.
During a separate meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Kuwaiti foreign minister was warmly received as the premier conveyed his best wishes to Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.
The prime minister recalled the deep-rooted, historic and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Kuwait, noting that the two countries had consistently stood by each other in challenging times.
He expressed Pakistan’s commitment to further expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, information technology, maritime affairs and human resource development.
The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Kuwait and other Gulf countries amid ongoing regional tensions, condemning attacks against them. He said Pakistan was continuing to play its role as an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator in efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
The Kuwaiti foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives and thanked the country’s leadership and people for their support during difficult periods.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in advancing dialogue and diplomatic efforts to address regional challenges.
The two sides also reviewed developments in defence cooperation, with Dar welcoming Kuwait’s recent ratification of the Pakistan-Kuwait Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in June 2023.
Describing the agreement as a significant milestone in bilateral defence relations, Dar said it would strengthen institutional ties between the armed forces of Pakistan and Kuwait and further enhance collaboration in the defence sector.
The foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments, reaffirming their commitment to continued coordination at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.
Both sides agreed to maintain consultations and exchange delegations in the coming period to further advance discussions on bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Sharif also renewed his invitation to the Kuwaiti Crown Prince to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.
The two countries expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Kuwait relations and reiterated their determination to further expand cooperation in areas of shared interest.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026