The Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna, Talal Al-Fassam, stated today, Thursday, that the State of Kuwait and Austria share solid relations built on a 60-year partnership characterized by understanding, development, and mutual cooperation in various fields.  

This came during an interview conducted by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) with Ambassador Al-Fassam on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the State of Kuwait and Austria. He emphasized the depth of bilateral relations and the efforts of both countries to expand them into broader horizons of cooperation, particularly in the political and economic spheres.  

He explained that the relations between the two countries are based on "foundations of mutual respect and fruitful cooperation in various fields, which prompted the State of Kuwait to open an embassy in Vienna in 1985, giving bilateral relations a strong push towards development on both political and economic levels."  

He pointed to the continuous coordination between the two countries on international issues, whether through UN organizations or the Gulf-European dialogue, noting the "distinguished relations" between the State of Kuwait and the European Union due to the alignment of views on many international issues.  

Regarding the historic stances between the two countries, he recalled Austria's "honorable stance" during the Iraqi invasion in 1990 and the important role played by Heinz Fischer, who was then President of the Austrian National Council (Parliament), and former President Kurt Waldheim in amplifying Kuwait's voice in international forums and supporting UN resolutions that affirmed Kuwait's right to restore its sovereignty.  

He stressed that this stance "will remain immortal in the memory of Kuwaitis and adds momentum to the distinguished bilateral relations between the two countries."  

On the most prominent areas of current cooperation, he pointed to the signing of five memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements over the past two years, affirming that they reflect the desire of both countries to enhance cooperation and joint coordination.  

On the political front, Ambassador Al-Fassam reviewed efforts to strengthen cooperation in this field and highlighted the memorandum of understanding that was activated to solidify political consultations when the State of Kuwait hosted the first round of consultations between the two countries.  

Regarding economic cooperation, Ambassador Al-Fassam said, "A memorandum of understanding on development funds has been signed, along with a visit by an Austrian trade delegation to Kuwait last year, while preparations are underway for another delegation visit this year to enhance trade relations."  

He added that this cooperation offers "unlimited opportunities," especially in light of the (New Kuwait 2035) vision, which provides an attractive investment environment, emphasizing efforts to encourage mutual investments and expand the partnership base between business leaders and economic institutions in both countries.  

In the same context, he noted that he held discussions with the governor of Upper Austria and the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, focusing on the technology, renewable energy, health, and education sectors. He also explored investment opportunities in food security and tourism with officials in the state of Salzburg in western Austria, in addition to cooperation with (Burgenland Energy) to explore partnership prospects in the renewable energy sector.  

Ambassador Al-Fassam affirmed the State of Kuwait's keenness to develop relations with Austria in various fields, pointing to the signing of memoranda of understanding in the fields of (health) and (consular cooperation), in addition to an agreement on the mutual exemption of entry visas for holders of diplomatic and special passports.  

Regarding the academic aspect, he mentioned that last year witnessed the launch of the first cooperation program between the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute of Kuwait and the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna, which includes a specialized training program for Kuwaiti diplomats, in addition to opening communication channels with Austrian scientific institutions and universities to benefit from their expertise in advanced research and scientific fields.  

He added that there are other areas of cooperation, including tourism and sports, as these two sectors are witnessing "notable development" in both countries, alongside promising signs of enhanced cultural cooperation.  

On the most significant milestones in Kuwaiti-Austrian relations over the past six decades, Ambassador Al-Fassam affirmed that the relations have gone through important phases since their establishment in 1965, further strengthened by the opening of embassies in Kuwait and Vienna, which contributed to increased interaction and cooperation in various fields.  

Ambassador Al-Fassam expressed his pride in the evolution of Kuwaiti-Austrian relations over 60 years, affirming his aspiration for more fruitful cooperation between the two countries in the future, serving the interests of the two friendly peoples.