Egyptians and Kuwaitis ‘one family'

Arab Times

4 days ago

KUWAIT CITY, July 5: Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout emphasized that Egyptians and Kuwaitis are like one family; indicating that what binds Egypt and Kuwait is not just official relations, but also strong public ties built on mutual love and appreciation, making this relationship a model for joint Arab cooperation. In a speech marking the 73rd anniversary of the July 23, 1952 Revolution, Ambassador Shaltout asserted that Kuwaiti-Egyptian relations are continuing to advance under the wise leadership of the leaders of both countries, enhancing the security and stability of the entire region. Present at the event were Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Mishari, a number of officials, ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions in the country.
Shaltout, who is preparing to end his diplomatic mission after four years in Kuwait, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Kuwaiti government and people for the warm welcome and generous hospitality he received throughout his tenure. He affirmed Egypt's keenness to strengthen ties of cooperation to serve the interests of the two sisterly countries. Ambassador Shaltout explained that hard work has borne fruit in the exchange of summit visits. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah visited Egypt in 2024, and then welcomed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Kuwait in April 2025 at the kind invitation of His Highness the Amir.
He added that his mission in Kuwait was both easy and challenging. He explained that the distinguished relations between the two leaderships and peoples pose a challenge for any ambassador to add a new dimension. He stated that the joint efforts resulted in strengthening cooperation between the two sisterly countries. In press statements on the sidelines of the ceremony, Ambassador Shaltout disclosed that the volume of trade exchange between Kuwait and Egypt reached $3 billion annually, while Kuwaiti investments in Egypt amount to approximately $20 billion, making it among the largest foreign and Arab investments in Egypt. Ambassador Shaltout added that the investments achieved in recent years have been the result of economic and legislative reforms in Egypt and the creation of an attractive investment climate. He cited the imminent announcement of new investment projects and upcoming visits by economic delegations from both sides.
Regarding the anniversary, Shaltout narrated that 'on July 23, 1952, the spark of one of the greatest revolutions in modern Egyptian history was ignited, led by the Free Officers who believed in their homeland and their people's right to dignity, freedom and social justice.' He revealed that the July 23 Revolution was not merely a change in the regime, but rather the beginning of a new era that carried the hopes of millions of Egyptians for liberation from colonialism, the building of a strong national army, and the establishment of principles that still live in the conscience of every free Egyptian. He added that the revolution established a stage of national independence, sovereignty, and patriotism that made Egypt a fundamental pillar in supporting national liberation movements in Africa and the Arab world and established the principle of non-alignment.'
Ambassador Shaltout renewed his pledge to continue building and working for a modern Egypt based on justice and active participation, in light of the wise leadership and directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who, along with his people, led the June 30 Revolution toward the new republic. In response to a question about the e-visa, Ambassador Shaltout explained that it is available to all nationalities, valid for five years, and can be applied for electronically for a specific fee that varies depending on the visa duration.
The Egyptian ambassador confirmed that there is close cooperation between Cairo and Kuwait to facilitate the movement of Egyptian workers, provided they are qualified and trained, ensuring their proper integration into the Kuwaiti labor market and protecting them from any violation. He stated that Egypt currently has more than 85 vocational training centers, where workers undergo comprehensive training on Kuwaiti laws and the work environment before traveling, reflecting both countries' commitment to ensuring a safe and organized work environment.
Regarding the new ambassador, Shaltout confirmed that the incoming Egyptian ambassador -- Mohamed Jaber Abu Al-Wafa -- served in Kuwait as deputy head of the diplomatic mission, and has vast experience and knowledge of Kuwaiti society, as well as his distinguished relations with Kuwaiti officials. He affirmed that the latter will continue to develop cooperation between the two countries.