Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have signed four agreements covering economic planning, public-private partnerships, scientific innovation and broadcasting, widening institutional cooperation between the neighbouring Gulf states.The memoranda of understanding were concluded after the third meeting of the Saudi-Kuwaiti Coordination Council in Riyadh, co-chaired by Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.
The ministers reviewed bilateral relations and examined ways to expand cooperation across economic, investment, security and development sectors. They also discussed regional and international developments and efforts to strengthen coordination on issues affecting Gulf stability.
The agreements establish frameworks for government agencies, research institutions and private-sector organisations to exchange expertise and develop joint programmes. The measures support the economic diversification strategies pursued by both governments as they seek to reduce reliance on hydrocarbon revenues and increase investment in technology, infrastructure and knowledge-based industries.
The memorandum on economy and planning provides for cooperation in medium- and long-term development planning, economic studies, policy governance and leadership development. It also covers the green, circular and digital economies, areas that have become central to diversification programmes across the Gulf.
Officials will be able to exchange information on economic modelling, public policy design and methods for monitoring national development plans. Workshops, conferences and exchanges between specialists are expected to provide the main channels for implementing the arrangement.
A second memorandum focuses on public-private partnerships, which both countries are using to attract private capital into infrastructure and public services. Cooperation will include the exchange of expertise on partnership models, procurement procedures, project evaluation and the allocation of financial and operational risks.
Saudi Arabia has expanded the role of private investors under Vision 2030 through privatisation, infrastructure concessions and investment partnerships. Kuwait has also sought to use partnership structures to deliver major projects while limiting pressure on public finances and improving operational efficiency.
The agreement could help both governments standardise practices and create opportunities for companies to participate in projects across their markets. Areas with potential for wider private-sector involvement include transport, utilities, housing, healthcare, renewable energy and digital infrastructure.
The science, technology and innovation memorandum is intended to encourage collaboration between universities, research centres, government agencies and businesses. It provides a structure for joint research, specialist exchanges and innovation programmes that could support the commercialisation of new technologies.
Artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, cybersecurity and biotechnology have gained prominence in Gulf development strategies. Stronger research links could allow Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to pool expertise, improve access to laboratories and funding, and develop projects suited to regional economic and environmental needs.
The fourth memorandum covers cooperation in radio and television. It is expected to facilitate programme exchanges, joint productions, technical training and collaboration between public broadcasting organisations.
Media cooperation has formed part of the council’s wider cultural and social agenda. Earlier committee-level discussions examined initiatives involving culture, tourism, health, sport, scientific research and social development, creating a pipeline of proposals for consideration at ministerial meetings.
Prince Faisal received Al-Yahya at the Foreign Ministry’s headquarters before the council session. The two sides signed the meeting minutes alongside the four memoranda, formally recording the decisions and implementation priorities agreed by participating committees.
Al-Yahya said Kuwait looked forward to hosting the council’s fourth meeting, signalling an intention to maintain regular high-level engagement. The council operates through specialised committees that prepare initiatives and monitor progress between ministerial sessions.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait share close political, economic and social ties, reinforced by their membership of the Gulf Cooperation Council and their common land border. They also jointly manage petroleum resources in the Partitioned Zone, making energy coordination an important element of the relationship.
Bilateral engagement has expanded as Gulf governments place greater emphasis on regional investment, supply-chain resilience and economic integration. Saudi Arabia’s large domestic market and investment programme offer opportunities for Kuwaiti financial institutions and companies, while Kuwait’s capital resources and established investment networks can support projects in the kingdom.
The council mechanism gives both sides a structured route for turning political commitments into sector-specific programmes. Its committees cover political and consular affairs, defence and security, investment, environment, infrastructure, culture, media and social development.
Topics
Spotlight