Al-Jarallah: Media plays vital role in bridging gaps
He also affirmed the importance of the media in presenting a realistic and balanced image of bilateral relations and supporting cultural dialogue between the two countries. Meanwhile, Al-Jarallah warmly welcomed the Chinese guest, while emphasizing the Kuwaiti press' commitment to strengthening cooperation with diplomatic missions, and supporting every initiative that contributes to deepening regional and international understanding and rapprochement. He praised the effective role of the Chinese Embassy in this context. Also present at the meeting were Managing Editor of Al- Seyassah Faisal Al-Matni and Managing Editor of Arab Times Marlon Aquino Malinao. They exchanged views on the importance of media and diplomatic integration in effectively conveying cultural and political messages to diverse societies.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
an hour ago
- Kuwait Times
Somalia donors losing faith as Al-Shabaab insurgency surges
Govt faces a perfect storm of declining global support and demoralized army NAIROBI: Despite billions of dollars in international support, Somalia's army has melted in the face of a months-long offensive by the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgency, and donors are running out of patience. Using hundreds of fighters and a vehicle packed with explosives for a suicide attack, Al-Shabaab retook the town of Moqokori on July 7, the latest in a wave of defeats this year for the government. It has given them a strategic geographical position to launch attacks into the Hiiraan region, but it was also a powerful symbolic victory over a local clan militia that had been the government's 'best fighting force' against Al-Shabaab, according to Omar Mahmood of the International Crisis Group. Somalia's government has been battling the Islamist militant group since the mid-2000s and its fortunes have waxed and waned, but now faces a perfect storm of declining international support, a demoralized army and political infighting. The government relied on local militias, known as 'Macwiisley', for a successful campaign in 2022-23, taking some 200 towns and villages from Al-Shabaab. But the insurgents' counter-offensive this year has seen them regain some 90 percent of their lost territory, estimates Rashid Abdi of Sahan Research, a think tank. Towns that were supposed models of stabilization, like Masaajid Cali Gaduud and Adan Yabal, have fallen. Three bridges along the Shebelle River, crucial to military supply lines, have been destroyed. 'The whole stretch from the north-west to the south-west of Mogadishu is now controlled largely by Al-Shabaab,' Abdi told AFP. The Macwiisley campaign collapsed, he said, because the government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, known as HSM, 'was extremely inept at working with the clans', empowering some and not others based on political favoritism rather than military needs. 'The mobilization went well when the president came from Mogadishu to start the first phase of the offensive (in 2022). Everybody was heavily involved in the fighting... assisting the national army,' Mohamed Hassan, a local militia member in Hiiraan, told AFP. 'It's no longer the same because the leadership are no longer involved and there seems to be disorganization in how the community militias are mobilized,' he added. The Somali National Army has done little to stem the insurgents, unsurprising for a force 'still in development mode while trying to fight a war at the same time,' said Mahmood, the analyst. Its most effective arm, the US-trained 'Danab' commando unit, is better at killing militants than holding territory, and has suffered demoralizing losses to its officer corps, added Abdi. 'We are beginning to see an army that is not just dysfunctional, but losing the will to actually fight,' he said. The problems stem from the wider chaos of Somali politics, in which a kaleidoscope of clan demands have never resolved into anything like a national consensus. The government has vowed a renewed military push, but President Mohamud's focus has been on holding the country's first-ever one-man, one-vote election next year. That 'will not happen', said a Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. Even in Mogadishu, where security is strongest, 'any polling station would get bombed,' he said. 'It's unfortunate that attention was shifted towards insignificant political-related matters which do not help security instead of focusing on strengthening the armed forces,' ex-president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed recently told reporters. Al-Shabaab has not launched a full assault on the capital, but has repeatedly demonstrated its presence. Pot-shots targeting the airport are at an all-time high, said the diplomat, and Mohamud narrowly survived an attack on his convoy outside the presidential palace in March. The group also controls much of the economy. 'It out-taxes the state. Its business tentacles spread everywhere,' said Abdi. 'It is one of the wealthiest insurgencies in Africa.' Meanwhile, the government's foreign backers are losing patience. The European Union and United States have poured well over $7 billion into Somali security — primarily various African Union-led missions — since 2007, according to the EU Institute for Security Studies. The previous AU mission ended in December, but had to be immediately replaced with a new one — with the quip-generating acronym AUSSOM — because Somali forces were still not ready to take over. — AFP
Arab Times
an hour ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait and Peru building bridges across continents
In 2025, Kuwait and Peru proudly celebrate 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, a golden milestone that reflects decades of cooperation, shared values, and a sincere desire to build bridges between two distant yet increasingly connected nations. Diplomatic ties were formally established in 1975, and over the years, both countries have worked to deepen cooperation in a range of areas. The Embassy of Peru in Kuwait originally opened in 1989 but had to close due to the war. It was officially reopened in 2011, marking a renewed phase of engagement and presence in the Gulf region. This year has already seen notable developments. In April 2025, the Foreign Minister of Peru paid an official visit to Kuwait, meeting with His Highness the Crown Prince and several senior authorities. The visit reflected the importance Peru places on strengthening bilateral ties, not only politically and economically, but also in strategic areas such as food security, where both countries see significant potential for cooperation. Economically, the relationship continues to grow. According to the United Nations COMTRADE database, Kuwait imported goods worth approximately 6.27 million US dollars from Peru in 2023. With Peru's dynamic and diverse economy, particularly in agriculture, mining, and clean energy, and Kuwait's strong financial institutions and investment appetite, the groundwork is in place for deeper trade and investment opportunities. Cultural exchange has also become an important part of the relationship. In 2023, Peru and Kuwait signed a cultural cooperation agreement, supported by the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters of Kuwait. These partnerships have paved the way for artistic dialogue, mutual learning, and cultural diplomacy that brings the people of both countries closer together. It's also worth noting that, according to recent estimates, between 150 to 200 Kuwaiti citizens visit Peru each year, a modest but meaningful number that refl ects growing interest in tourism and cultural exploration. As Kuwait and Peru look ahead to the next chapter, the relationship is anchored in shared ambition, openness, and trust. The 50th anniversary is not just a commemoration of the past but a celebration of the future, one filled with opportunity, understanding, and continued friendship across continents
Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Arab Times
New US Tariffs Could Tank Oil Market - What It Means for Kuwait!
KUWAIT CITY, July 23: A number of oil and economic experts shed light on whether or not the tariffs that America imposed on the European Union and many other countries around the world affect oil prices; as well as the repercussions for the Kuwaiti economy and other countries in the region that rely primarily on oil as a primary source of income, and the action that the Kuwaiti government must take to avoid the repercussions of any looming global economic crisis. The experts stressed the need for the Kuwaiti government to fully prepare for dealing with the repercussions of the increased US tariffs on most countries. They also emphasized the importance of reducing reliance on imported goods by expanding industry, agriculture and all other sectors related to economic growth. Oil expert Kamel Al-Harami asserted that the Trump-like increase in US tariffs on imports from European Union countries and many other countries will impact global inflation, resulting in higher commodity prices. 'This could continue for at least two years until the world adjusts to these conditions. Higher prices will lead to a decline in purchasing power in European Union countries and those affected by the tariff increase, with the expected result being a drop in the price of a barrel of oil -- ranging from $65 to $70,' he explained. He said Kuwait should use the proceeds from the sale of its stake in two companies to cover the budget deficit, while investing these funds in investment projects with good financial returns for the State budget. At the same time, he warned against becoming accustomed to borrowing. Economic expert Ahmed Al-Sadhan believes that the United States' imposition of tariffs on the European Union will inevitably lead to a decline in trade between the two sides, which will in turn lead to global economic instability. 'One of the negative repercussions of this move is the global commodity price hike, which negatively affects the economies of importing countries, including Kuwait and other Gulf states; particularly through increased import costs and a decline in global demand for oil. If the global economy slows down due to these tariffs, oil prices will decline because of low global demand,' he explained. He suggested that in order to avoid these economic crises in light of the escalating economic conflict among the United States, the European Union and other countries, Kuwait must diversify its imports, support local industry, expand its trade partnerships, and stop total dependence on oil in the long term. Dr. Manal Al-Kandari said that Trump's announcement of a new 30 percent tariff on European Union countries has intertwined global and regional economic dimensions. 'This could lead to a decline in European exports to the US, which will result in higher prices of European products in the US market, and a decline in demand for such products. She pointed out that this will cause enormous economic damage to European companies, especially the export-dependent industries like automobiles, aircraft, electronics and technology industries, ultimately leading to an economic recession in the European Union countries. She explained that the repercussions of this recession will spill over to global markets, including Kuwait, other Gulf states and Arab countries; considering this potential recession could reduce the European Union countries' consumption of oil, gas and all petroleum derivatives they import from Kuwait and other Gulf states. 'This is especially true given that trade between Kuwait and the European Union is steadily increasing. The trade between Kuwait and the rest of Europe is significant, as international data issued by the European Statistical Office (Eurostat) showed that Kuwaiti exports to the European Union some years ago amounted to 3.5 billion euros ($3.6 billion), compared to imports of 5.5 billion euros ($5.8 billion). Therefore, a European economic recession will affect the Gulf and Kuwaiti economies,' she added
