Kuwait and Italy strengthen defence, security and economic cooperation, with a new defence agreement nearing entry into force and both sides exploring investment opportunities in areas including food security and healthcare.
Kuwait and Italy are strengthening cooperation in defence, security, trade and investment, with both countries working to expand bilateral ties across military and economic sectors. Italy is also reaffirming its support for regional stability and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Italian Ambassador to Kuwait Lorenzo Morini said Italy had completed parliamentary ratification of a new defence cooperation agreement with Kuwait, with the remaining formal step being the presidential signature before the ratification is transmitted to Kuwait. Kuwait had already ratified the agreement in June, and Italy expects the pact to enter into force by the end of September.
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The agreement provides a framework for cooperation in areas including military training, joint exercises, exchange of expertise, materials and information. The framework can subsequently support separate agreements covering specific areas of defence cooperation. The ambassador clarified that the agreement itself does not constitute a government-to-government contract for a particular weapons system or military equipment.
Defence cooperation also includes Kuwait’s Eurofighter programme. Italy’s Leonardo is completing delivery of the final three aircraft, although the deliveries have been delayed due to the regional security situation. The aircraft are ready in Italy, with their transfer dependent on improved security conditions, according to the ambassador.
The two countries are also exploring cooperation in counter-drone capabilities and military training. Recent discussions have placed greater focus on security cooperation as Kuwait and Italy address regional security challenges and maritime concerns.
Economic cooperation is another area of focus. Italy is seeking to expand private-sector partnerships with Kuwait, including opportunities in food security, healthcare and investment. Italian regions such as Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia have experience in agricultural production under challenging climatic conditions, which Italy sees as relevant to Kuwait’s food-security requirements.
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Morini also noted that trade policy involving Kuwait is handled at the European Union level. The EU and Kuwait are discussing a Strategic Partnership Agreement, which could contribute to broader economic engagement between the EU, Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The latest developments build on a broader expansion of Kuwait-Italy relations. Italy and Kuwait held their fifth round of bilateral political consultations in September, covering bilateral relations and areas of cooperation.