The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and Sweden, represented by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Development Cooperation today, marking a significant step toward strengthening international development partnerships.
The newly signed MOU establishes a comprehensive framework to enhance cooperation between the two institutions in countries of mutual interest, where both KFAED and Sida seek to implement development projects and programs. The agreement focuses on advancing social, economic, and sustainable development, as well as infrastructure development, while promoting the exchange of technical expertise and ensuring full respect for each institution’s policies, mandates, and strategic priorities.
The MOU was signed in Kuwait City during an official visit by Sida’s Director General. The agreement was endorsed by Dr. Jakob Granit, Director General of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, and Mr. Waleed Al-Bahar, Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.
Under the terms of the MOU, KFAED and Sida aim to coordinate their development cooperation through a set of clearly defined activities aligned with their respective operational policies. Particular emphasis is placed on countries where both institutions maintain active development programs, ensuring greater effectiveness and impact of joint efforts.
One of the core objectives of the agreement is the early identification of development projects that qualify for support from both institutions. This support may take the form of project financing and/or technical assistance, in accordance with the policies and operational methodologies of each organization.
The MOU also provides for regular consultations between KFAED and Sida to coordinate operations and activities in areas suitable for joint engagement. These consultations will take place in shared partner countries and are intended to enhance alignment and efficiency. The agreement explicitly highlights Ukraine and Syria among the countries where coordinated development efforts may be pursued, without limiting cooperation exclusively to these locations.
Strengthening cooperation in priority development sectors is a central pillar of the MOU. These sectors are expected to include, but are not limited to:
- Agriculture and food security
- Water supply and sanitation
- Education
- Health
By focusing on these critical areas, the two institutions aim to contribute to sustainable development outcomes and address pressing humanitarian and development challenges in partner countries.
In addition to project coordination and sectoral cooperation, the MOU emphasizes the exchange of information and promotion of knowledge-sharing. Both KFAED and Sida will seek to benefit from each other’s experience, institutional resources, and technical expertise, thereby strengthening their overall development impact.
The signing of this MOU reflects a shared commitment by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and Sweden’s Sida to deepen international development cooperation, enhance coordination in the field, and support sustainable and inclusive development in regions facing complex economic and social challenges.
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