Bilateral relations Switzerland–Kuwait
Switzerland and Kuwait have stepped up their bilateral relations in recent years, notably within the context of several high-level visits. Relations primarily focus on business, international cooperation and peace policy, with particular attention also paid to the issue of regional stability.
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland is further developing its dialogue with Kuwait on peace, security and international humanitarian law, particularly through the ICRC's regional office. With regard to sustainable development, it is promoting exchanges on best practice among donor states and the use of development funds in line with international standards. Switzerland is leveraging the opportunities created by Kuwait's economic reforms, strengthening bilateral economic relations and promoting investment. This is underpinned by a comprehensive body of treaties, including a free trade agreement between EFTA and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), an investment protection agreement and a double taxation agreement.
Economic cooperation
Kuwait is Switzerland's sixth-largest trading partner in the Middle East. Trade in goods between the two countries reached a volume of CHF 649 million in 2024, CHF 631 million of which resulted from Swiss exports. Bilateral economic relations are based on the EFTA–GCC free trade agreement, an investment protection agreement and a double taxation agreement. The Swiss–Kuwaiti Business Platform was launched in November 2023. Seventeen Swiss firms are present in Kuwait, and around 450 Swiss companies sell their products in the country.
Country Cockpit, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)
Arab-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Researchers and artists who are citizens of Kuwait can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. SERI has also designated the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland as the Leading House for the Middle East and North Africa and tasked it with developing academic cooperation between Switzerland and the countries of the MENA region.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Young professionals, State Secretariat for Migration SEM
Peacebuilding and human security
Switzerland is stepping up exchanges on peace and security policy, and is initiating discussions with the ICRC's regional office based in Kuwait to promote international humanitarian law in the Gulf region.
Cultural exchanges
Switzerland regularly takes part in celebrations to mark the International Day of La Francophonie and Italian Language Week. It also organises various cultural events.
Swiss nationals in Kuwait
There were 85 Swiss citizens living in Kuwait at the end of 2026.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland recognised Kuwait as a state in 1961. The accreditation of a Swiss ambassador in Kuwait (based in Beirut at the time) and the opening of a Kuwaiti consulate in Geneva in 1966 marked the beginning of bilateral diplomatic and consular relations. The two states celebrated 60 years of bilateral relations in 2026.
Kuwait, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
Dodis, Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland
Links
- Switzerland and Kuwait
- Treaty database
- Country Cockpit, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
- Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)
- Arab-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
- Young professionals, State Secretariat for Migration SEM
- Kuwait, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
- Dodis, Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland
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