Kuwait targets Middle East’s financial hub by 2035 —Envoy

The State of Kuwait has disclosed its future target of emerging as the Middle East’s regional financial, commercial, and cultural centre by the year 2035.

This was according to the country’s ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Salim Khalifa Almuzayen, on Monday, at the celebration of the 64th National Day and the 34th Liberation Day anniversary of the State of Kuwait.

Seeking global participation in its Vision 2035, the envoy stated that the State of Kuwait adopts the principle of moderation in its foreign policy, with clear features and frameworks in its diplomatic relations.

According to Almuzayen, Kuwait, since its inception, has operated under a constitution that encourages inclusive participation in decision-making. This, he said, has been a source of pride and honour to the country.

“On this occasion, we would like to refer to the democratic system that has distinguished my country since its inception, based on a constitution that provides people participation in decision-making, with a clear commitment from the political leadership, which is a source of pride and honour for Kuwaitis.”

On the bilateral ties between Kuwait and Nigeria, the envoy commended the “excellent and historical bilateral relations, which date back to the 60s of the last century,” adding that the Al-Sabah School, built in Kaduna State during that period, not only buttressed the depth of their relations but also indicated prospects for future cooperation.
He said: “I would like to commend the excellent and historical bilateral relations between the State of Kuwait and the friendly Federal Republic of Nigeria, which extend back to the 60s of the last century, as the Al-Sabah School, which was built in Kaduna State in that era, reflected the depth of these historical relations and showed further prospects for developing new horizons for cooperation in various areas between the two friendly countries.”

The envoy also announced that about 200,000 pupils and students will benefit from the “Reaching Out-of-School Children” project, funded by the country in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

“In this context, I would like to mention the ambitious and pioneering project funded by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, with distinguished partners and UNICEF in Kaduna State, named the ‘Reaching Out-of-School Children’ Project, which aims to assist over 200,000 students,” he said.

Representing Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Senior Counselor, Middle East and Gulf Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adeolu Okenla, noted that since the establishment of diplomatic contact between the two countries in 1971, and subsequent resident diplomatic representation in January 1981 following the appointment of a Chargé d’Affaires for the Nigerian embassy in Kuwait, relations between both countries have advanced to the level of ambassadorial representation, including cooperation across political and economic spheres.

The Nigerian government also commended the State of Kuwait for its contribution towards regional peace and development, especially within the Gulf Cooperation Council.

“Nigeria commends the State of Kuwait for its contribution to regional peace and development in the Middle East region, especially within the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes member states such as the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman.

“The free education policy of Kuwait, from primary school to the university level, which has raised the country’s total adult literacy rate to 96.46 per cent, is highly commendable, along with other achievements,” Okenla stated.