Portuguese business delegation to visit Kuwait this month
MADRID, Feb 8: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Portugal, Hamad Al-Hazeem, announced on Saturday that a delegation of Portuguese businessmen and company owners will visit Kuwait from February 18 to 21. The visit aims to enhance economic, investment, and trade relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Al-Hazeem told KUNA that the Kuwaiti embassy in Lisbon, in collaboration with the Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, the Portuguese Industries Federation, and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized the visit. The initiative reflects both nations' mutual desire to boost their economic and trade connections. It also aligns with the embassy's ongoing efforts to create new communication channels and open broader avenues for cooperation, showcasing Kuwait's major development projects and its achievements across various sectors.
The ambassador emphasized that this initiative is central to the mission of the Kuwaiti diplomatic mission and is fully supported by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which views such efforts as pivotal in elevating bilateral relations with Portugal.
In a similar statement to KUNA, Dr. Luis Felipe Menezes, President of the Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, explained that the visit would include business meetings with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as interactions with local authorities and businessmen. Dr. Menezes described the initiative as a key step toward strengthening economic, trade, and cultural ties between the two nations. He expressed his gratitude for the support and continuous efforts of Ambassador Al-Hazeem in deepening cooperation.
The Portuguese mission will comprise more than 12 companies from various sectors, including civil construction, cybersecurity, tourism, security services, and legal consultations.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Portugal. In 2023, Kuwait hosted the first round of Kuwaiti-Portuguese political consultations, aimed at strengthening cooperation and enhancing ties in various areas.
Hashtags
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
Have your say: Kuwait invites feedback on new postal rules
KUWAIT: The way mail and parcels are handled in Kuwait is about to get a regulatory makeover. A new draft ministerial decision would require all postal service providers to be licensed, introducing stricter standards for operations, transparency, and accountability. The draft law, recently published by Kuwait's Ministry of Communications, aims to bring the country's postal services in line with international standards while addressing concerns over service quality and consumer protection. Under the proposed rules, any company or individual involved in delivering letters, documents, or parcels will need to obtain an official license from the Ministry. Public consultation open For the next two weeks, the ministry is collecting input from citizens, business owners, and professionals. Comments can be submitted via the ministry's website or through QR codes shared on its social media platforms. 'This is a real opportunity to unify efforts toward a modern, efficient postal environment,' said Acting Undersecretary Mishaal Al-Zaid. 'Every opinion contributes to issuing legislation that reflects the sector's needs and supports the national economy.' This participatory approach reflects Kuwait's wider efforts to implement smart governance and transparent policymaking, he added. Who needs a license? Under the draft law, no company or individual may carry out postal services—including letter, parcel, or document delivery—without a license from the ministry. Only Kuwaiti or GCC nationals are eligible to apply, while foreign companies may operate in Kuwait under existing strict regulatory conditions and with official approvals. The resolution applies to a broad range of postal services. Regular mail is defined as mail weighing up to two kilograms. Express mail includes items between 500 grams and 30 kilograms. Registered mail refers to trackable items up to two kilograms, while parcels may weigh up to 30 kilograms. The resolution also covers any value-added postal services related to delivery or logistics operations. Key obligations Licensed companies must operate under their own brand identity and are prohibited from presenting themselves as official government postal entities. They are expected to maintain transparent financial and operational records and ensure the confidentiality of mail is respected at all times. All licensees must cooperate with ministry inspections and provide access to records and facilities upon request. License holders are also liable for any loss, damage, or delay in the delivery of postal items, unless the issue arises due to a sender's error or an event classified as force majeure. Mail privacy The resolution places strong emphasis on protecting mail privacy. It is illegal for any licensee or employee to open or inspect mail contents without proper legal authority. Disclosing the contents of mail or giving unauthorized individuals access to postal records and systems is strictly prohibited. Violations are regarded as serious breaches of trust, and companies will be held fully accountable for any misuse of sensitive data. The law also sets clear boundaries on what materials can be handled. It is forbidden to transport hazardous, flammable, or radioactive materials unless they are legally permitted and properly packaged in accordance with international safety standards. Narcotics and toxic substances are also prohibited, except when transported for approved medical or scientific purposes. Additionally, any materials that violate Islamic values, threaten public order, or are banned under local customs or security regulations are not allowed in the postal system. Under the resolution, a licensee's legal responsibility begins at the moment a postal item is received and continues until it is successfully delivered and verified. This means that courier companies and logistics operators must ensure proper handling, secure transit, and timely delivery. If a package is lost or mishandled, the company will be held liable—unless the loss is due to force majeure or the fault of the sender. Safeguarding sovereignty Licenses are valid for a period of one calendar year and may be renewed upon application. However, the Ministry reserves the right to revoke a license under specific circumstances. These include ceasing operations for more than six months, failure to pay regulatory fees, submission of false information during the licensing process, or leasing the license to another party. In the case of minor violations, the Ministry may issue warnings or suspend the license temporarily rather than revoke it outright. The ministry emphasized that holding a license does not confer the legal status of a national postal authority, nor does it entitle a company to international postal privileges. This distinction is intended to safeguard Kuwait's sovereignty over its official postal system while enabling competitive, well-regulated private sector participation.
Arab Times
an hour ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Cabinet directs repeal of law 2/2015 over unequal housing opportunities
KUWAIT CITY, June 12: The Council of Ministers on Wednesday directed the Minister of State for Housing Affairs, Abdulatif Al-Meshari, to take the necessary steps to repeal Law No. 2 of 2015 concerning housing welfare, citing disparities in eligibility that undermine the principles of justice and equal opportunity. The decision was made during the Cabinet's weekly meeting held at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The move followed a presentation by Minister Al-Meshari, who also serves as Minister of Municipal Affairs, in which he outlined the adverse consequences of the 2015 legislation that amended Law No. 47 of 1993 on housing welfare. Al-Meshari explained that the law granted preferential treatment to a specific segment of citizens—those who had obtained loans from the Kuwait Credit Bank to build or purchase homes, and subsequently sold their properties and repaid the full loan amount between 1992 and 2015. These citizens became entitled to new housing opportunities on a usufruct or rental basis. However, the law excluded individuals who sold their homes after 2015 or who sold government-allocated housing units during the same timeframe. This exclusion, the minister said, resulted in unequal access to housing welfare, contradicting the state's social objectives and its commitment to fairness among all citizens. At the start of the meeting, the Cabinet reviewed messages sent to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from leaders of several brotherly and friendly nations, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in various fields. Marking the conclusion of the 1446 AH Hajj season, the Cabinet extended its congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, as well as the Saudi government, for the successful management of this year's pilgrimage. The Council praised the Kingdom's exceptional organizational efforts, security measures, and healthcare services provided to pilgrims. The Cabinet also expressed its gratitude to the head and members of the Kuwaiti Hajj Mission for their efforts in ensuring comprehensive services for Kuwaiti pilgrims. During the session, His Highness the Prime Minister reassured the Cabinet of the health condition of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah following recent medical examinations, wishing him continued health and strength in serving the nation. In another development, the Cabinet tasked the Civil Service Commission (CSC) with formulating a mechanism to improve job discipline and curb unauthorized employee absences, particularly around official holidays. The proposed measures will be reflected in performance evaluations, promotions, and rewards systems, with the CSC expected to report back within two weeks. The Cabinet also reviewed recommendations from the Ministerial Committee for Public Services concerning initiatives and donations by individuals, companies, and cooperative societies aimed at beautifying key roads and public spaces across Kuwait. The Cabinet approved the acceptance of these contributions. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved two major donations: one from Mr. Abdullah Saleh Al-Shalfan for the renovation of the Emergency Department at Al-Amiri Hospital, and another from Kuwait Finance House for the rehabilitation of the tenth wing of the Addiction Center. The Council expressed deep appreciation to all donors for their generous contributions, which reflect a spirit of giving and support for the state's ongoing efforts to enhance services for citizens and residents. The session concluded with the Cabinet reviewing various agenda items, approving several, and referring others to relevant ministerial committees for further study and implementation.
Kuwait Times
9 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Zionists hit Syria after projectiles fired, hold Al-Sharaa responsible
Zionists hit Syria after projectiles fired, hold Al-Sharaa responsible Violence coincides with efforts to ease tensions CAIRO: Zionist entity has carried out its first airstrikes in Syria in nearly a month, saying it hit weapons belonging to the government in retaliation for the firing of two projectiles towards Zionist entity and holding interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa responsible. Damascus said Zionist airstrikes caused 'heavy human and material losses', reiterating that Syria does not pose a threat to any regional party and stressing the need to end the presence of armed groups and establish state control in the south. Zionist entity had not struck Syria since early May - a month marked by US President Donald Trump's meeting with Sharaa, the lifting of US sanctions, and direct Syrian-Zionist contacts to calm tensions, as reported by Reuters last week. Describing its new rulers as jihadists, Zionist entity has bombed Syria frequently this year. Zionist entity has also moved troops into areas of the southwest, where it has said it won't allow the new government's security forces to deploy. The projectiles Zionist entity reported fired from Syria were the first since longtime Syrian ruler Bashar Al-Assad was toppled. The military said the two projectiles fell in open areas. Defense Minister I Katz said he held the Syrian president 'directly responsible for any threat and fire toward the Zionist entity'. A Syrian foreign ministry statement said the accuracy of the reports of shelling towards Zionist entity had not yet been verified. 'We believe that there are many parties that may seek to destabilize the region to achieve their own interests,' the Syrian foreign ministry added, as reported by the state news agency. A Syrian official told Reuters such parties included 'remnants of Assad-era militias linked to Iran, which have long been active in the Quneitra area' and have 'a vested interest in provoking retaliation as a means of escalating tensions and undermining current stabilization efforts'. Several Arab and Palestinian media outlets circulated a claim of responsibility from a little-known group named 'Martyr Muhammad Deif Brigades,' an apparent reference to Hamas' military leader who was killed in an airstrike in 2024. Reuters could not independently verify the statement. The Syrian state news agency and security sources reported strikes targeting sites in the Damascus countryside and Quneitra and Daraa provinces. Local residents contacted by Reuters said shelling targeted agricultural areas in the Wadi Yarmouk region. They described increased tensions in recent weeks, including reported incursions into villages, where residents have reportedly been barred from sowing their crops. A Zionist airstrike also hit a former Syrian army base near the city of Izraa, a Syrian source said. Zionist entity has said its goals in Syria include protecting the Druze, a religious minority with followers in both countries. Zionist entity, which has occupied the Syrian Golan Heights since the 1967 Middle East war, bombed Syria frequently during the last decade of Assad's rule, targeting the sway of his Iranian allies. The newly-appointed US envoy to Syria said last week he believed peace between Syria and Zionist entity was achievable. Around the same time that Zionist entity reported the projectiles from Syria, the military said it intercepted a missile from Yemen. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said they targeted Jaffa with a ballistic missile. The group says it has been launching attacks against Zionist entity in support of Palestinians during the war in Gaza. — Reuters
