Belgium is Closing Its Kuwait Embassy by 2026

Brussels says it’s reorganizing, not pulling away.

Publish date: Tuesday، 25 November 2025 Reading time: 1 min read

Belgium is Closing Its Kuwait Embassy by 2026

Belgium is gearing up for a big diplomatic makeover, and yes—its embassy in Kuwait is part of the list set to close. The decision comes under a wide restructuring plan announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, who says the country is updating its global presence for the first time in over a decade.

Between 2026 and 2027, Belgium will shut down eight missions worldwide, including those in Kuwait, Rio de Janeiro, Havana, and Guangzhou. But it’s not a total retreat—five new embassies will open, and around 20 existing posts will get a boost.

What This Means for Kuwait

Even with the closure, Belgium insists the move isn’t a downgrade of its relationship with Kuwait. Instead, consular and diplomatic responsibilities for Kuwait will shift to the Belgian embassy in Riyadh, which will handle everything from political consultations to citizen support. Belgian nationals in Kuwait will get services remotely or through occasional on-ground visits.

Kuwaiti authorities have already voiced concerns and asked Belgium for more clarity. Belgium’s ambassador to Kuwait, Christian Domez, admitted the decision was tough and that a non-resident setup does make cooperation trickier.

Why Belgium Says This Is Necessary

According to Brussels, the shake-up is all about becoming more efficient and future-ready. Closing missions frees up funds for strengthening understaffed embassies and building a new team of “mobile diplomats” who can be deployed during crises or temporary gaps.

New embassies are set to open in Muscat, Tashkent, Tirana, and Windhoek, with an additional permanent observer assigned to the African Union. A special envoy for Syria will also be based in Beirut.

Belgium says the goal is simple: a diplomatic network that’s strategic, flexible, and aligned with today’s fast-changing world.

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Belgium is Closing Its Kuwait Embassy by 2026

What This Means for Kuwait

Why Belgium Says This Is Necessary

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