Kuwait: HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah affirmed that Kuwait continues to place great emphasis on strengthening its foreign relations, which have reached new heights under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Speaking at a reception hosted by the Swiss Embassy to mark the inauguration of its new headquarters in Qadsiya, he praised the deep-rooted Kuwaiti-Swiss relations, describing them as a model of friendship and cooperation. The event was attended by Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and Swiss Ambassador Dr Tiziano Balmelli.

Delivering his speech in French, Sheikh Nasser recalled Kuwait’s long-standing commitment to diplomacy since its independence, noting that HH the Amir is guiding the country wisely through a sensitive regional period — extending Kuwait’s hand of friendship to nations both East and West. He commended HH the Amir’s continued support for bolstering bilateral relations with Switzerland in line with Kuwait’s strategic vision.

HH Sheikh Nasser reflected on the historic foundations of Kuwaiti-Swiss relations, established on June 16, 1966, when he was appointed Kuwait’s first Consul General to Switzerland, serving in Geneva for two years before becoming Ambassador to Tehran in 1968. He also recalled his education in Switzerland, where he was inspired by the Swiss values of order, discipline and excellence.

Highlighting Switzerland’s global role, Sheikh Nasser described the country as more than just a center for finance and wealth management — it stands as a beacon of neutrality, diplomacy and innovation. He said Switzerland has long served as a trusted mediator in international and regional issues, earning its reputation as the “global protective state”. Its neutrality and humanitarian principles have made it a preferred channel for dialogue among nations, particularly in the Gulf region.

He noted that Switzerland has facilitated communication and mediation in over 200 cases since World War II, including indirect talks on Yemen, Syria and Iran held in Geneva. The country’s concentration of international organizations, particularly the United Nations offices in Geneva, enables direct diplomatic engagement without intermediaries.

Sheikh Nasser also lauded Switzerland’s achievements in high-tech industries, pharmaceuticals, watchmaking and humanitarian work — notably through the International Committee of the Red Cross, guided by its philosophy of “neutrality armed with humanity”. He praised Switzerland’s medical and tourism sectors, which attract many Kuwaiti visitors and investors, as well as its robust legal and financial systems, recognized globally for transparency and anti-corruption efforts.