Dutch envoy ends tenure, hails Kuwait energy partnership

Kuwait Times

07-08-2025

KUWAIT: As he prepares to conclude his five-year tenure, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kuwait Laurens Westhoff shared his reflections on the evolving Dutch-Kuwaiti relationship, emphasizing strong political cooperation, energy partnerships and enduring hospitality.
'I arrived five years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the first things I realized was how effectively the Kuwaiti government managed the crisis,' he said. 'But for me as a diplomat, it came with challenges. I rely on face-to-face contact. And for the first year and a half, that wasn't possible.' Despite the early difficulties, the ambassador described his time in Kuwait as 'fantastic and fruitful,' highlighting decades of strong bilateral ties that were marked in 2024 with the celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
He explained: 'We've worked to enhance every aspect of our relationship, including political dialogue both here and in the Netherlands,' adding that one of the key achievements during his tenure was initiating a new area of collaboration focused on energy transition. 'We partnered with Kuwait University, KFAS, and KISR and connected them with Dutch experts to explore how a country so reliant on oil can diversify into solar and hydrogen energy. It was a meaningful step toward sustainable cooperation,' he said.
The ambassador praised the Kuwaiti people's openness and warmth, describing it as one of the most memorable aspects of his experience. 'Everywhere you go, you are met with open arms,' he said. 'That genuine hospitality is something truly special and honestly, it spoils you. It's a unique trait that shows Kuwaitis' openness to dialogue and cooperation with others.'
He noted the similarities between Kuwait and the Netherlands as smaller countries surrounded by powerful neighbors, which strengthens their shared emphasis on diplomacy and mutual understanding. 'We both know the value of dialogue and cooperation in maintaining regional and international relations. That common ground builds strong ties between us.'
Ambassador Westhoff highlighted that the Netherlands is the largest European investor in Kuwait, with direct investments totaling approximately KD 488 million.
'Dutch companies are active in oil-related industries, logistics, IT, agribusiness, and infrastructure including Kuwait's airport project. We also hope to see more Dutch involvement in Kuwait's domestic investment plans.'
In 2024, bilateral trade between the two nations reached €2.4 billion, with Dutch exports to Kuwait at €845 million, primarily in agricultural products, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and livestock. Imports, mainly crude oil, amounted to €1.6 billion.
He noted that the Netherlands see interest from Kuwaiti families in sectors such as health and education, though student numbers remain modest due to language and system differences.
On defense cooperation, the ambassador noted that the Kuwaiti Navy trains occasionally in the Netherlands, and there have been senior-level visits, including the Undersecretary of Defense visiting two years ago.
In terms of cultural and people-to-people exchange, approximately 14,000 Kuwaiti visitors travel to the Netherlands annually, a number that remains stable. 'We know Kuwaitis enjoy our weather and appreciate what the Netherlands offers, from museums to heritage sites. It's a convenient and enriching travel destination,' he said.
The ambassador emphasized the importance of continuing to capitalize on Kuwait's new economic vision. 'There's a lot of potential with Kuwait's current investment push. My successor will find fertile ground to strengthen Dutch-Kuwaiti business ties.'
He also spoke warmly of Kuwaiti traditions, particularly the concept of the diwaniya. 'The diwaniya is a beautiful tradition. The open-door hospitality inspired me and my wife to consider introducing a version of it in our town in the Netherlands,' he said. The ambassador announced that his successor will arrive in early September. 'He's a career diplomat with experience in the region. He has Indian roots. Born in Suriname and raised in the Netherlands, he brings a diverse and international perspective. I'm confident he'll continue strengthening our bilateral ties.'