58. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland's trading relationship with Kuwait; and the steps being taken to improve this relationship. [56284/26]

Ireland enjoys positive bilateral relations with Kuwait, including positive bilateral trade.

In 2024, the latest year for which goods and services trade statistics are available, Ireland traded €1.6 billion in Goods and Services with Kuwait, which was a 956% increase in trade over the previous 10 years.

On 22 July 2026, I spoke by phone with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, His Excellency Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and I noted the potential for further economic cooperation.

Ireland is also active in its support to strengthening the EU’s ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Kuwait, in a wide range of policy areas. Most recently, I joined my EU colleagues in a meeting with GCC Ministers in Brussels on 13 July 2026. Ireland supports the negotiation of Strategic Partnership Agreements (SPAs) with each of the GCC countries, which would further facilitate our trade with the countries in the Gulf region.

My officials also maintain regular contact with Kuwait, including though our non-resident Ambassador, based in Abu Dhabi, and through our engagement with Kuwait’s Embassy in Dublin.

I will continue to support the development of our trade relations with Kuwait at a bilateral and EU level.