Italy has reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties with Kuwait across a range of sectors, including defense, economic investment, health, and civil protection, according to remarks from the Italian ambassador to Kuwait.

The ambassador outlined a recently signed agreement establishing a broad framework for cooperation in areas such as training, joint military exercises, exchange of expertise, and information sharing. He clarified that this accord is not a contract for any specific weapons system but rather sets the stage for future detailed agreements. On Kuwait’s Eurofighter programme, he noted that the final three aircraft, manufactured by Italian company Leonardo, remain in Italy pending delivery, which has been delayed due to regional security concerns.

Economic and commercial collaboration featured prominently in the discussions between the two nations during recent political consultations. Italy aims to enhance bilateral private-sector partnerships, boost Kuwaiti investment in Italy, and attract further Italian investment in Kuwait. Italian firms are already active in Kuwait, providing services and operating through locally established entities, but efforts are underway to expand their presence. Notably, there is growing interest in Kuwaiti investment in Italian small and medium-sized enterprises specializing in food production and distribution. Regions in southern Italy—such as Sicily, Calabria, and Sardinia—possess agricultural expertise relevant to Kuwait’s climate challenges and have potential to contribute to food security efforts.

The ambassador emphasized that trade policy decisions between Italy and Kuwait fall under the purview of the European Union, with the EU currently negotiating a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Kuwait as a preliminary step toward a future free-trade agreement between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). He also commented that consumer boycotts are separate from governmental trade policy and should neither be promoted nor suppressed by authorities.

Health cooperation represents another key area for enhanced partnership. Italy’s expertise spans diabetes care, osteoporosis treatment, rehabilitation, telemedicine, and home care—sectors in which both Italy and Kuwait face challenges related to aging populations. Proposed initiatives include deeper collaboration between medical institutions and universities in both countries.

Civil protection and emergency response cooperation were underscored following a recent visit by Kuwaiti officials to Italy. Kuwait is in the process of developing an integrated national civil protection system to better address emergencies, natural disasters, and climate-related risks. Italy, which operates a coordinated civil protection framework integrated with broader European mechanisms, seeks to share its experience and encourage regional collaboration among GCC countries.

The ambassador praised Kuwait’s resilience amid the recent regional crisis, noting that essential services such as food, energy, and water supply continued without major disruptions. He also highlighted Kuwait’s effective air-defense operations and diplomatic role in promoting dialogue and adherence to international law.

Plans are underway for an Italian business delegation from Assolombarda, representing over 7,000 companies in Lombardy, to visit Kuwait in early October. This visit aims to facilitate direct engagement between Italian and Kuwaiti private sectors.

Regarding visas, the ambassador reported a roughly 50% reduction in the number of Italian visas issued in 2026 compared with the previous year, mostly attributable to the suspension of tourist visas during peak months of the regional crisis. Business, family, and student visas remained stable or increased. Changes to the Schengen visa system require EU-wide consensus rather than unilateral action by Italy.

An Italian firm supplied Kuwait International Airport’s radar system, which was damaged during recent hostilities. While replacement parts have been identified, production timelines are lengthy. Italy also provides defense equipment to Kuwait, including the Skyguard air-defense system currently undergoing upgrades to counter evolving threats like newer drone technologies; this system supplements the Patriot missile batteries in service.

Military cooperation extends to the Kuwait National Guard, with negotiations underway on agreements covering protection of archaeological sites, combating smuggling, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and VIP security. Exchanges of personnel and information are expected under this framework.

Maritime security cooperation is also expanding, with Kuwaiti naval officers participating in training in Italy. Italy is advocating within the EU to broaden naval security missions in the Bab el-Mandeb strait to the Gulf region, though such measures require approval from the GCC states. Overall, nearly 30 Kuwait Air Force members, along with naval and National Guard personnel, are engaged in Italian military training programs of varying durations.

Italian military personnel based in Kuwait perform roles beyond overseeing the Eurofighter contract with Leonardo, providing maintenance, technical support, training, and facility management. The ambassador described Italy’s role in this program as a supervisory one, ensuring contractual compliance and quality standards.

Looking ahead, the ambassador noted the upcoming GCC-European Union summit at the end of October as a key forum for both sides to align efforts to promote regional stability and support diplomatic solutions grounded in international law.