Japanese envoy hails strong Kuwait ties, encourages Expo engagement
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro praised the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries, stressing that they are witnessing development in various fields. He called for wide participation of Kuwaitis in the Kansai-Osaka Exhibition, scheduled to open on April 13. He made the statement in an event he organized to celebrate the 65th birthday of Japanese Emperor Naruhito, with Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al- Jaber and large number of ambassadors, diplomats and citizens in attendance. He greeted Kuwait, its leadership, government and people on the occasion of the 64th National Day and the 34th Liberation Day, wishing the country further prosperity under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
He also expressed his aspiration to strengthen bilateral relations and consolidate cooperation for the benefit of both countries. He referred to the fourth session of the policy dialogue between the two foreign ministries held in December to discuss various areas of cooperation; in addition to the fifth session of the Japan-Kuwait dialogue on electricity, water and renewable energy policy that was recently held in Kuwait, hoping to transform these dialogues into tangible cooperation projects.
Regarding his tenure in Kuwait since his arrival last November, the ambassador explained that he felt the friendship and mutual trust between the two peoples; stressing that relations between the two countries are not limited to the economy as they extend to the fields of culture and education.
On the Kansai-Osaka Exhibition, he disclosed that it will showcase a variety of items that reflect the latest technologies, culture and Japanese history. He said the Kuwait pavilion named, 'Light of Insight,' will embody the spirit of Kuwaiti hospitality with a blend of tradition and advanced technology. He also expressed his hope to enhance Kuwaiti investments in Japan and develop bilateral cooperation through technology and innovation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
14 hours ago
- Arab Times
Gold price drops to USD 3,310 per ounce
KUWAIT CITY, June 10: Gold prices declined to USD 3,310 per ounce last week affected by strong American labor market data, specialized economic report showed. A report by Kuwaiti Dar Al-Sabaek mentioned that the week started with a high of USD 3,403 an ounce, but gradually decreased due to lack of incentives profit making. American jobs report for the month of May included the addition of 139,00 job, surpassing expectations of 125,000, with unemployment rates remaining at 4.2 percent, supporting strength of the dollar and increasing bond yields. The report stated that trade talks between the United States and China played a role in limiting gold's gains after the two presidents held a phone call that helped calm tensions, followed by the announcement of an upcoming trade meeting in the British capital, London. It indicated that geopolitical tensions in other regions, such as the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and escalating events in the Middle East remain supportive factors for gold prices, in addition to the continuous intensified purchases the precious metal by central banks around the world, in a strategic shift away from dollar-denominated assets. The report noted that global markets are awaiting the release of US inflation data this week, starting with the Consumer Price Index on Wednesday, followed by the Producer Price Index on Thursday, followed by the University of Michigan's Consumer Confidence Survey on Friday. It indicated that this kind of data is pivotal in determining the path of monetary policy by the US Federal Reserve ahead of its meeting scheduled for the 17th and 18th of this month. Locally, the price of 24-karat gold reached KD 32.750 per gram (approx. USD 107), while the price of the 22-karat gram reached KD 30 (approx. USD 98) and the silver kilogram KD 407 (approx. USD 1,329). (KUNA)
Kuwait Times
15 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait officially bans raising foreign flags, sectarian symbols
Kuwait officially bans raising foreign flags, sectarian symbols New amendments aim to 'preserve public order, reinforce the duty of national allegiance' KUWAIT: Kuwait has introduced a new decree law effectively banning the raising of foreign flags and symbols representing religious, tribal, or social groups without prior approval from the Ministry of Interior. This new regulation, published on Sunday in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm, applies to both public and private occasions, including national holidays, celebrations, and regular days. The legislation, Decree Law No 73 of 2025, amends the existing Law No 26 of 1961 concerning the Kuwaiti national flag. Under this amended law, individuals are now prohibited from displaying any foreign national flag unless permission is granted. The only exceptions are during regional and international sports tournaments held in Kuwait and where such displays are in line with international conventions, such as those governing embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions. This decree also extends the ban to flags and symbols that represent religious sects, tribal affiliations, or social factions. This measure is described as a move intended to protect national unity and public order within the country. Ministers have been tasked with enforcing the law, which took effect immediately upon its publication in the official gazette. Stiff penalties introduced The new regulations come with a series of escalating penalties, with fines ranging from KD 1,000 to 10,000. Unauthorized display of foreign flags is punishable by up to six months in prison and a fine ranging from KD 1,000 to 2,000. Displaying sectarian or tribal flags or symbols carries a heavier sentence of up to three years in prison and fines of KD 2,000 to 10,000. Improper use of the Kuwaiti national flag, such as using it for commercial advertising or in a damaged state, is also penalized with up to one year in prison and fines between KD 300 and 2,000. All violations may result in confiscation of the flags or symbols, and repeat offenders will face doubled to public harmonyThe decree aims to close existing regulatory gaps regarding the display of foreign and symbolic flags. According to the law's explanatory memorandum, the legislation was introduced in response to repeated incidents where foreign and sectarian flags were displayed during public events and private gatherings — actions that officials warned could disrupt public harmony and weaken national identity.'The raising of certain foreign flags within the country during official celebrations may compromise public order,' the memorandum stated. It added that the law seeks to 'preserve public order, protect society, reinforce the duty of national allegiance, and safeguard national unity.'The government clarified that the law does not override existing international treaties that allow foreign embassies and diplomatic missions to display their national flags on their premises and vehicles.
Kuwait Times
15 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait renews push for Northern Economic Zone
Kuwait renews push for Northern Economic Zone Prime Minister meets officials, experts to discuss private sector participation, zone's legal foundation KUWAIT: In a renewed drive to advance one of Kuwait's most ambitious development projects, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait, chaired a strategic meeting at Bayan Palace focused on the Northern Economic Zone— of which Silk City is a prominent part. The meeting brought together senior officials and experts from the Northern Economic Zone project team to review initial features of the zone's strategic plan. Discussions emphasized enhancing private sector participation through a flexible legislative framework and competitive incentive structures targeting industrial, commercial, and tourism sectors. The legal foundation for establishing the zone was also addressed, with officials stressing the need to preserve full Kuwaiti sovereignty while creating an investor-friendly environment. Reviving Silk City Silk City, or Madinat Al-Hareer, has been decades in the making. Originally proposed in the 1980s as a residential project in Subiya, the initiative evolved into a sweeping urban and economic development plan that includes Subiya, Boubyan Island, and nearby northern areas—covering over 250 square kilometers. Though envisioned as a hub for trade, innovation, and regional connectivity, the project has faced repeated delays due to geopolitical instability and shifting political priorities. Chinese involvement A key driver in the latest iteration of the Silk City project is Kuwait's growing partnership with China, particularly under the framework of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As early as 2018, high-level Kuwaiti delegations—including representatives from the Silk City Development Authority—visited Beijing and met with China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the China Development Bank, and top Chinese construction and tech firms such as Huawei, Alibaba, CGGC, and CCCC. These meetings led to several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) around infrastructure investment, e-commerce, and digital development, positioning Silk City as a potential cornerstone of China's regional logistics and digital trade ambitions. The project's inclusion in Kuwait Vision 2035—a national strategy to diversify the economy beyond oil—further deepened its alignment with China's strategic interests in the Gulf. However, the road has not been smooth. Political opposition within Kuwait and debates over the role of foreign stakeholders as opposed to Kuwait's private sector have contributed to delays. The project has largely been on hold since 2019. A turning point Despite these challenges, the government appears determined to move the project forward. The first phase of Silk City, listed on the New Kuwait 2035 website, includes the activation of the China-Kuwait agreement on master planning and the development of special legislation for a competitive economic zone governed by independent institutions. Officials at Tuesday's meeting, including Abdulaziz Dakhil Al-Dakhil, Head of the Prime Minister's Diwan, and Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Abdulatif Hamed Al-Mashary, reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to transforming the northern region into a hub for trade, innovation, and international investment. — Agencies
