07/04/2025
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07/04/2025
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Belgian Ambassador to Kuwait Christian Dooms addresses the press on Monday, announcing the launch of Francophone Month celebrations at the end of April.
KUWAIT CITY, April 7: Belgian Ambassador to Kuwait Christian Dooms said he does not believe that US President Donald Trump’s tariffs will significantly impact the global and Gulf economies, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, due to their limited exposure to the US market. In his statement on the sidelines of a press conference on the launching of Francophone Month at the end of April, Dooms pointed out that Kuwait has small oil exports to the United States, ranging between two to three percent; so the tariffs imposed by Trump will not affect the Kuwaiti economy, while some other Gulf countries will be affected.
Dooms praised the development of Belgian-Kuwaiti bilateral relations, which he described as “excellent”. He said the two countries celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year. He revealed that the Consular Section at the Belgian Embassy issued 2,800 visas last year; indicating the number is expected to increase this year. He added the volume of trade exchange between the two countries amounts to 800 million Euros. Asked about the role of Kuwait and other GCC countries in the current events in the region, he asserted that Kuwait plays an important role in humanitarian work and it is a strong advocate of the Palestinian cause. He stated that “in international forums, Kuwait always insists on the necessity of implementing the two-state solution. It also calls on the international community to recognize Palestine as a full member of the United Nations -- a message that Kuwait repeatedly advocates for in international forums.” He disclosed that an economic delegation, representing 40 Belgian companies, is expected to visit Kuwait at the end of this month for two days. He said the program for the visit will include discussions with Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to conclude commercial contracts, as well as promote Kuwaiti products. He confirmed that political consultations between the two countries will be held in June, while the meeting between the European Union and the GCC countries will be held in October. He is hoping that his country’s foreign minister will attend this meeting.
Regarding cooperation in the field of higher education and the number of Kuwaitis studying at universities in Belgium; Dooms said there are no accurate statistics, stressing that Belgian universities are of high standard and internationally recognized and that studies there are available in English. He also stated that he aspires to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the healthcare sector, as his country is renowned for its expertise in this field. He said “I aspire to see Belgian doctors in Kuwait to share their extensive expertise in treating cancer and diabetes, which are prevalent here.” He added his country suffers from a shortage of nurses; otherwise, he would have preferred to see Belgian nurses in Kuwait. On the military and defense cooperation between the two countries, Dooms disclosed “we do not have a resident military attaché in Kuwait,” explaining that his country has a military attaché in Abu Dhabi, representing all GCC countries.
Dooms praised the development of Belgian-Kuwaiti bilateral relations, which he described as “excellent”. He said the two countries celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year. He revealed that the Consular Section at the Belgian Embassy issued 2,800 visas last year; indicating the number is expected to increase this year. He added the volume of trade exchange between the two countries amounts to 800 million Euros. Asked about the role of Kuwait and other GCC countries in the current events in the region, he asserted that Kuwait plays an important role in humanitarian work and it is a strong advocate of the Palestinian cause. He stated that “in international forums, Kuwait always insists on the necessity of implementing the two-state solution. It also calls on the international community to recognize Palestine as a full member of the United Nations -- a message that Kuwait repeatedly advocates for in international forums.” He disclosed that an economic delegation, representing 40 Belgian companies, is expected to visit Kuwait at the end of this month for two days. He said the program for the visit will include discussions with Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to conclude commercial contracts, as well as promote Kuwaiti products. He confirmed that political consultations between the two countries will be held in June, while the meeting between the European Union and the GCC countries will be held in October. He is hoping that his country’s foreign minister will attend this meeting.
Regarding cooperation in the field of higher education and the number of Kuwaitis studying at universities in Belgium; Dooms said there are no accurate statistics, stressing that Belgian universities are of high standard and internationally recognized and that studies there are available in English. He also stated that he aspires to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the healthcare sector, as his country is renowned for its expertise in this field. He said “I aspire to see Belgian doctors in Kuwait to share their extensive expertise in treating cancer and diabetes, which are prevalent here.” He added his country suffers from a shortage of nurses; otherwise, he would have preferred to see Belgian nurses in Kuwait. On the military and defense cooperation between the two countries, Dooms disclosed “we do not have a resident military attaché in Kuwait,” explaining that his country has a military attaché in Abu Dhabi, representing all GCC countries.
He pointed out that his country, which is a NATO headquarters in Brussels, has no heavy military industries, but this does not preclude cooperation with Kuwait within the Istanbul Initiative. He stressed that he is making every effort to reach an agreement to operate direct flights between Kuwait and his country, indicating he has yet to receive confirmation on this matter. He had earlier received pledges from Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways that they could open direct flights to Belgium next year. He believes that direct flights will help increase the number of Kuwaiti tourists to Brussels and other Belgian cities, and will also facilitate Belgian visits to Kuwait, which boasts of beautiful landmarks, especially the rich Kuwaiti cuisine. He said the Belgian community in Kuwait does not exceed 60 people, expressing his great admiration for Kuwaiti traditions, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan and visits to diwaniyas.
He praised the role of Kuwaiti women, considering their involvement in all aspects of social and economic life in Kuwait. He expressed his astonishment at what is happening in Gaza; calling on the international community to continue pressuring the Israeli government to implement international law, abide by international and humanitarian treaties, and resume the ceasefire as soon as possible. He expressed his sympathy for all civilian victims in the Gaza War. On what is required of the international community to stop the conflict, he said “the international community must be more active. Why all this shyness and hesitation in taking steps to resolve the crisis and humanitarian tragedy?
Other humanitarian disasters have been ongoing for more than a year and have yet to end, which is unacceptable.” He added the United States always stands with Israel, which makes it more difficult to reach a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue. He then emphasized the importance of adhering to the Arab Peace Initiative.
On the failure of the Francophonie Organization to issue any joint statement regarding the events in Gaza, he clarified “the Francophonie Organization is not a political organization that issues political statements or opinions on these issues.” He explained that each member-state adopts a different position, which prevented the issuance of a unified statement. He affirmed that Belgium is open and friendly and has direct relations with the Palestinian Authority, citing the humanitarian aid that his country has provided to Palestine.
Dooms added the Belgian Embassy in Kuwait will organize cultural programs to celebrate Francophone Month this year, indicating the program of celebrations will begin on Sunday. He highlighted the presence of a large number of embassies of member-states of the International Organization of La Francophonie in Kuwait; expressing his pride in the 500,000 Kuwaitis who have learned French, and hundreds of them speak it fluently. He lauded Kuwait’s support for the International Organization of La Francophonie, even if it is not a full member. He hoped that Kuwait will join the organization as a full member.
He praised the role of Kuwaiti women, considering their involvement in all aspects of social and economic life in Kuwait. He expressed his astonishment at what is happening in Gaza; calling on the international community to continue pressuring the Israeli government to implement international law, abide by international and humanitarian treaties, and resume the ceasefire as soon as possible. He expressed his sympathy for all civilian victims in the Gaza War. On what is required of the international community to stop the conflict, he said “the international community must be more active. Why all this shyness and hesitation in taking steps to resolve the crisis and humanitarian tragedy?
Other humanitarian disasters have been ongoing for more than a year and have yet to end, which is unacceptable.” He added the United States always stands with Israel, which makes it more difficult to reach a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue. He then emphasized the importance of adhering to the Arab Peace Initiative.
On the failure of the Francophonie Organization to issue any joint statement regarding the events in Gaza, he clarified “the Francophonie Organization is not a political organization that issues political statements or opinions on these issues.” He explained that each member-state adopts a different position, which prevented the issuance of a unified statement. He affirmed that Belgium is open and friendly and has direct relations with the Palestinian Authority, citing the humanitarian aid that his country has provided to Palestine.
Dooms added the Belgian Embassy in Kuwait will organize cultural programs to celebrate Francophone Month this year, indicating the program of celebrations will begin on Sunday. He highlighted the presence of a large number of embassies of member-states of the International Organization of La Francophonie in Kuwait; expressing his pride in the 500,000 Kuwaitis who have learned French, and hundreds of them speak it fluently. He lauded Kuwait’s support for the International Organization of La Francophonie, even if it is not a full member. He hoped that Kuwait will join the organization as a full member.
By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
