Kuwait and Kazakhstan have agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and food security after holding a second round of political consultations between their foreign ministries in Kuwait City on October 30.

The Kazakh delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Issagaliyev, while Kuwait was represented by Nawaf Abdulatif Al-Ahmad, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs.

The talks covered the current state and future direction of bilateral relations, with a focus on high-level contacts, trade, investment and food security. Kuwaiti officials signalled interest in increasing mutual visits, and both sides reaffirmed plans to convene the Fourth Meeting of the Kazakhstan–Kuwait Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.

Representatives of Kuwaiti government bodies and financial and investment institutions who took part in the consultations expressed interest in expanding economic ties with Kazakhstan. The Kazakh side, for its part, presented the country as a reliable long-term food security partner for Kuwait and said it was ready to increase supplies of agricultural and food products. Particular attention was paid to broadening investment cooperation with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and other Kuwaiti financial institutions.

The two delegations also reviewed the legal framework underpinning relations and agreed to step up work on bilateral documents so they can be finalised and prepared for signature more quickly.

To strengthen direct business links, Issagaliyev proposed setting up a Kazakhstan–Kuwait Business Council, as well as organising a visit to Kuwait by a Kazakh business delegation and a showcase of Kazakh products.

The sides further exchanged views on regional and international issues and cooperation within multilateral organisations. They agreed to maintain regular dialogue between the two ministries and to hold the next round of consultations in Astana.