Italian-GCC Diplomatic History
​
Part 2: Kuwait

DIPLOMATIC relations between the State of Kuwait and the Italian Republic have steady evolved over the years and are marked by conceptions of mutual respect, economic cooperation and strategic cultural exchanges. Italy first recognised Kuwait’s independence in 1961 though the pair only established their first diplomatic bonds, in 1964. Since then, their relationship has expanded and both maintain embassies in each other’s capitals which foster political, security and trade relations.

​

Italy is among Kuwait’s major trading allies in the European Union (EU), as evidenced by the major bilateral trade volumes between the two states. And, Italy actively participated in some of Kuwait’s most important infrastructure projects; contributing to the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway [1] and the Kuwait International Airport Expansion project to name a few.[2]

​

In terms of exports from Italy to Kuwait, they mostly involve machinery (like aircrafts, nuclear reactors and boilers), vehicles and furniture, food products and daily edible goods; such as cereal, flour, starch, vegetable, fruit, eggs and honey.[3]

​

Italy Exports to Kuwait:

​

​

​

 

 

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                   

       

​

 

Exports from Kuwait centre around petroleum products notably: oil, petrochemicals, rubbers and plastics, which is the main element in relation to its value (around the $5.0 M). The last major export dates back to April this year and is valued at 47546 Million €.[4]

​

Kuwait Exports to Italy:

 

 

 

 

​

​

​

​

 

​

​

​

 

​

​

​

Italy’s expertise in various sectors, such as fashion and design, also supports Kuwait’s vision for its own economic diversification. Indeed, Italian technologies and business models support Kuwait’s vision to reduce dependency on oil and develop non-oil sectors, including renewable energy, technology, healthcare, and tourism. Many steps to improve trade have been effectively supported by new tools with the goal of reducing trade obstacles and fostering investment.

​

And, it not only business that sets the tone in the Italy-Kuwait relationship—the importance of cultural exchanges should not be overlooked as they are the glue that binds their friendship and reinforces their mutual trust. Italy’s deep cultural heritage which includes art, music and culinary traditions, has a magnetic pulse for a growing influx of Kuwaiti tourists and students, leading to a blossoming of academic collaboration. It is not a one way street and a large and growing number of Italians have settled in Kuwait and call it home—the Gulf state has its own cultural attributes which many Italians can relate to and find deeply comfortable. Their educational exchange — both formally (re: through universities) and informally (through cultural exchanges) — has produced multiple benefits in terms of reinforcing their bilateral relations and in mutually contributing to each of their intellectual and creative capacities while generating prosperity. 

​

Kuwait and Italy maintain a special political cooperation, often coordinating on regional and international issues. In the sphere of regional security, Kuwait and Italy are connected by a common goal: safeguarding and promoting peace in the Middle East. This is nothing new. In the aftermath of Iraq’s unprovoked invasion and occupation of Kuwait in 1990/1991, Italy broke its post-WWII policy of non-engagement and fought alongside its coalition allies to liberate Kuwait from Saddam Hussein’s forces. In fact, the mission, code named Operation Locusta in Italian (re: Operation Locust in English) was the first use of Italian air power since 1945. Italy deployed 8 Tornado IDS multirole fighter-bombers to join the UN-backed, US-led coalition.[5] Italy undertook 226 sorties to compel Iraq’s redeployment out of Kuwait. It lost only a single aircraft during the full 42 days of war.[6]

​

Now, as then, Italy and Kuwait share a sense of purpose and undertake efforts that extend beyond their borders. Most notably, their collaboration has covered a range of regional issues, including the complexities of the Syrian crisis, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the global fight against terrorism. As a demonstration of their lasting engagement, Kuwait and Italy have actively cooperated in international arenas such as the United Nations, trying to use their influence to support the peaceful resolutions of conflicts and highlight the crucial role of regional cooperation in promoting lasting stability.

​

The partnership between Kuwait and Italy has great potential for further advancement, paving the way for regional stability and prosperity. By capitalising on their individual strengths, both can continue to reinforce their existing relations, fostering mutual cooperation. The enhanced political and commercial links between Kuwait and Italy have produced a solid base for diplomatic engagements and joint initiatives, exemplifying their shared commitment to regional stability, economic growth and humanitarian efforts. By exploring new avenues in politics and trade, Kuwait and Italy are ready to foster an even more fruitful and comprehensive cooperation in the following years.

​

​

(28/06/2023)

​

Notes

​

[1] A causeway in Kuwait that could collaborate with the Italian Assossation Trevi Foundations Kuwait. (https://www.trevikuwait.com/viewdoc.asp?co_id=4295)

[2] SMEC; designer for tender design and preparation for the expansion of the Kuwait International Airport. (https://sandbox.smec-cloud.net/au/project/kuwait-international-airport-expansion/)

[3] Trade economics. (https://tradingeconomics.com/italy/exports/kuwait)

[4] (https://tradingeconomics.com/country-list/exports?continent=europe)

[5] Code name given to the contribution of the Italian Air Force in the Gulf War. Next, the testimony of the Italian Deputy Commander of the operation. (https://www.difesa.it/SMD_/COVI/Pagine/Il_Vice_Comandante.aspx)

[6] (https://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/2015/09/25/25-anni-di-locusta/)