Since its independence in 1961, Kuwait has maintained strong international relations with most countries, especially nations within the Arab world. Its vast oil reserves give it a prominent voice at the global economic forums and organizations like the OPEC. Kuwait is also a major ally of ASEAN, a regional ally of China, and a major non-NATO ally of the United States.
International disputes In November 1994, Iraq formally accepted the UN-demarcated border with Kuwait which had been spelled out in Security Council Resolutions 687 (1991), 773 (1992), and 883 (1993); this formally ends earlier claims to Kuwait and to Bubiyan and Warbah Island islands; ownership of Qaruh and Umm al Maradim islands are disputed by Saudi Arabia. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia continue to negatotiate a joint maritime boundary with Iran; no maritime boundary exists with Iraq in the Persian Gulf.
On March 17, Kuwait authorities arrested 16 member, 14 Kuwaiti nationals and two Lebanese nationals, who were linked to the banned terrorist organization Hezbollah. According to authorities investigation the members had firearms, ammunition, a weapon described as being used for assassinations, encrypted communication devices, drones, and maps.
Diplomatic relations List of countries which Kuwait maintains diplomatic relations with: #CountryDate123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354—555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100101102103104105106107108109110111112113—114115116117118119120121122123124125126127128129130131132133134135136137138139140141142143144145146147148149150151152153154155156157158159160161162163164165166167168169170171172173174175176177178—179180181182183184185186187188189—190
Bilateral relations Africa Country Formal Relations BeganNotes23 April 1968See Kenya–Kuwait relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 April 1968 when has been accredited first Ambassador of Kuwait to Kenya with residence in Nairobi Mr. Mohammad A. Al-Mishari.
Kenya has an embassy in Kuwait City. Kuwait has an embassy in Nairobi.
Americas Country Formal Relations startedNotes27 April 1965Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 April 1965.
In 1965, official relations between Kuwait and Canada were launched when the US ambassador to Kuwait began to act as a non-resident ambassador to Canada. In 1978, Canada opened its embassy in Kuwait City. Kuwait opened its embassy in Ottawa in 1993.23 July 1975See Kuwait–Mexico relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 July 1975
Kuwait has an embassy in Mexico City. Mexico has an embassy in Kuwait City.1 December 1975Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 1975 Peru has an embassy in Kuwait City. Kuwait is accredited to Peru from Santiago, Chile.22 September 1961Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 September 1961 See Kuwait–United States relations
The United States opened a consulate in Kuwait in October 1951, which was elevated to embassy status at the time of Kuwait's independence 10 years later. Kuwait has an embassy in Washington, D.C. and an consulates-general in Los Angeles and New York City. the United States has an embassy in Kuwait City.
Asia Kuwait, is a member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), which includes, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. These countries, have solid, and unbreakable bilateral relations. Citizens of these countries, may enter other GCC, country with their national ID. GCC citizens are allowed to reside at any other GCC, nation an unlimited period of time. They also follow the same economic plan, and give each other military, and Intelligence support. They also have similar, educational, social, plans. The GCC countries, discuss their foreign policies, as they try to maintain similar foreign policies. These six monarchies are also known as the oil-rich countries of the Middle East.
Kuwait failed to ratify the 2012 GCC Internal Security Pact, which sough to coordinate domestic repression of the political opposition across GCC members. Country Formal Relations BeganNotes 8 July 1994 Armenia has an embassy in Kuwait City. Kuwait has an embassy in Yerevan. 10 October 1994 Azerbaijan has an embassy in Kuwait City. Kuwait has an embassy in Baku.2 September 1971See Bahrain–Kuwait relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 September 1971
Bahrain has an embassy in Kuwait City. Kuwait has an embassy in Manama.22 March 1971See China–Kuwait relations
China and Kuwait established diplomatic relations on 22 March 1971. In 2007, Kuwait exported $2.3 billion worth of goods to China ($2.1 billion of which was oil) and Kuwait imported $1.3 billion of goods from China.
In 2007, Kuwait supplied China with of oil per day, accounting for 2.6% of China's total crude oil imports. Saudi Arabia was China's top supplier with its shipments jumping 69.8 percent to 3.84 million tons (939,000 bbl/d), followed by Angola with 2.06 million tons (503,000 bbl/d), down 27.1 percent. Iran became third, with imports from the country shrinking 35.3 percent to 1.18 million tons (289,000 bbl/d). China is the world's second-biggest oil consumer after the US. Abdullatif Al-Houti, managing director of International Marketing at state-run Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), told KUNA in October that Kuwait is on course for its China-bound crude oil export target of by 2015, but success will heavily depend on the Sino-Kuwaiti refinery project. The two countries have been in talks for the planned refinery in China's southern Guangdong Province. The complex is expected to be on-stream by 2020.News Xinhua, 28 December 2008News Arab Times Online
In July 2018, the State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence signed an agreement with the Government of Kuwait to increase cooperation in the defense industry. China also agreed to increase investment in the Kuwaiti energy sector.
In July 2019, UN ambassadors of 37 countries, including Kuwait, have signed a joint letter to the UNHRC defending China's treatment of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region.
In June 2020, Kuwait was one of 53 countries backed the Hong Kong national security law at the United Nations. 3 September 1992Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 September 1992. Georgia has an embassy in Kuwait City. Kuwait is accredited to Georgia from its embassy in Yerevan, Armenia.26 March 1962See India–Kuwait relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 March 1962 when India and Kuwait have decided to raise their diplomatic missions to Embassy level.
India and Kuwait enjoy traditionally friendly relations. These are based in history and have stood the test of time. Geographic proximity, historical trade links, cultural affinities and presence of a large number of Indian expatriates continue to sustain and nurture this long standing relationship. India has been a natural trading partner and a destination for higher learning. Until 1961, the Indian Rupee was the legal tender in Kuwait. High level visits from India to Kuwait have included those by Vice President of India Dr. Zakir Husain in 1965, by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1981 and by Vice President of India Shri M Hamid Ansari in 2009. High level visits from Kuwait to India have included those by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah in November 1964, the Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 1980 and again in 1983 (for the NAM Summit), and the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 2006.
According to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior, there are approximately 600,000 Indians, who constitute the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. The Indian community is regarded as the community of first preference among the expatriates in Kuwait. Kuwait views India as a fast-growing economy and a source of highly qualified professional and technical personnel. A large proportion of the Indian expatriates are unskilled and semi-skilled workers. Professionals like engineers, doctors, chartered accountants, scientists, software experts, management consultants, architects; skilled workers like technicians and nurses; semi-skilled workers; retail traders and businessmen are also present in the Indian community.
Of late, there has been an increase in the number of highly qualified Indian experts in hi-tech areas, especially in the software and financial sector in Kuwait. In the field of health, India not only supplies top specialists but also para-medical staff who enjoy high reputation.
The total remittance from Kuwait to India is estimated to be upwards of US$3 billion annually.
Approximately 300 associations exist within the Indian community in Kuwait, representing a variety of regional, professional and cultural interests. Of these, 128 Associations are presently registered with the embassy. Cultural events are organised regularly by these associations through the year, to which leading Indian artistes are often invited.
There are 18 Indian Schools in Kuwait affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi.17 December 1961See Iran–Kuwait relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 December 1961.
Iran and Kuwait signed a demarcation agreement in 1965.
On 13 July 2008, Kuwait's Speaker of the Parliament Jassem Al-Kharafi publicly accused the West of provoking Iran on the nuclear issue. In his interview with state-owned Kuwait TV, Al-Kharafi said, "What is happening is that there are provocative Western statements, and Iran responds in the same way... I believe that a matter this sensitive needs dialogue not escalation, and it shouldn't be dealt with as if Iran were one of America's states."Kuwait and Iean IHT
In 2026, following the start of Operation Epic Fury, Iran attacked Arab States including Kuwait, Kuwait repeatedly condemned the attacks on its territory, on May 1, Kuwaiti Forces exchanged fire with Iranian Forces in Bubiyan Island.
Iran has an embassy in Kuwait City. Kuwait has an embassy in Tehran.10 January 1964See Iraq–Kuwait relations, Kurdistan Region–Kuwait relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1964.
Diplomatic relations severed on 2 August 1990 when then Iraqi president Saddam Hussein sent his forces to occupy the small Gulf emirate and restore diplomatic relations on 2 August 2004. On March 2, 2021, Iraqi official said that Iraq has so far paid $49.5 billion in war reparations to Kuwait.
Mazhar Salih, an adviser to the Prime Minister, told Al-Sabaah newspaper that Iraq's dues now amount to only $2.5 billion.See Israel–Kuwait relations
Kuwait has no diplomatic ties with Israel, and boycotts Israeli products. In January 2014, Kuwait boycotted a renewable energy conference attended by Israel in Abu Dhabi, because Kuwait opposes normalization of ties with Israel.
In December 2008, Kuwaiti lawmakers protested in front of the Kuwait National Assembly Building against Israel during the Gaza War. The Kuwaiti lawmakers burned Israeli flags, waved banners reading, "No to hunger, no to submission" and chanted "Allahu Akbar". Israel launched air strikes against Hamas in the Gaza Strip on December 26 after Hamas launched rockets into the Israeli town of Sderot following the expiration of a six-month ceasefire on December 18. On January 3, 2009, MPs protested in front of the National Assembly again. After Friday prayers on January 8, 2009, Jamaan Al-Harbash and several other MPs urged Arab leaders to take a stronger stand against the Israeli attacks and open Rafah Crossing to end an embargo imposed by Israel on the residents of Gaza.