Belgium delays Kuwait embassy closure until 2027 amid economic ties
Belgium has delayed its decision to close the embassy in Kuwait until 2027. The announcement came on February 11, 2026, following talks between Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The embassy will remain fully operational while officials review the diplomatic relationship.
The postponement follows a broader diplomatic review launched in November 2025. Belgium is restructuring its global network, closing or downgrading missions in cities like Sarajevo, Havana, and Rio de Janeiro. At the same time, it plans to strengthen ties in Oman, Albania, and Namibia, while appointing new representatives to the African Union and for Syria.
Economic links between Belgium and Kuwait have grown significantly in recent years. Bilateral trade rose from €1.2 billion in 2021 to €1.8 billion in 2025, driven by Belgian chemical exports and Kuwaiti oil imports. Foreign direct investment also increased, from €450 million—mostly Kuwaiti funds in Belgian real estate—to €720 million, with major contributions from the Kuwait Investment Authority in 2023 and 2024.
Kuwait's strategic role in the Gulf and its economic influence have played a part in the reconsideration. The country hosts over 500 Kuwaiti-owned fuel stations and has invested heavily in Belgian petrochemical sectors. While financial pressures were not the main reason for the potential closure, Belgium is reassessing its global priorities.
The embassy in Kuwait will continue operating as usual during the review period. A final decision on its future is expected in 2027. The outcome will depend on Belgium's long-term diplomatic and economic strategy in the Gulf region.
