The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), coinciding with the official visit of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah (may God protect him) to Japan.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Fund stated that this step aligns with both parties' efforts to expand developmental cooperation, exchange expertise, and enhance integration in implementing sustainable development projects that support the development goals of developing countries.

Signing Ceremony Under High-Level Patronage

The MoU was signed in Tokyo under the patronage and presence of:

• His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah (may God protect him)

• Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba

The signatories were:

• Abdullah Al-Yahya, Kuwait’s Foreign Minister and Chairman of KFAED’s Board of Directors (representing the Fund)

• Shuhei Hara, Vice President of JICA (representing the agency)

Key Objectives of the MoU

The agreement establishes a framework for technical cooperation and joint efforts between the two sides in:

1. Financing economic and social development in developing countries

2. Bilateral coordination in responding to humanitarian crises and natural disasters

3. Exchange of information and technical expertise

Validity and Scope

The MoU is valid for five years (renewable) and is expected to focus on specific activities aligned with both parties’ objectives, particularly in developing countries where both operate.

Areas of Cooperation

The agreement covers:

• Knowledge-sharing on poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, and sustainable growth

• Consultations on development policies, sectoral issues, and operational coordination in partner countries

• Joint support for eligible projects, including parallel financing and technical assistance in priority sectors such as:

  • Climate change

  • Global food security

• Exchange of publications, studies, and participation in joint forums, seminars, and workshops

Strengthening Kuwaiti-Japanese Relations

The signing reflects the deepening Kuwaiti-Japanese partnership and reaffirms both nations’ commitment to enhancing international cooperation in support of sustainable development and a more stable, equitable future for developing nations worldwide.

A Landmark Visit

The Crown Prince’s visit to Japan also witnessed the signing of multiple agreements and cooperation MoUs between Kuwait and Japan, underscoring the two friendly nations’ determination to expand bilateral collaboration across vital fields.