NCCAL chief underlines Kuwait-EU cultural ties
The forum, held for the first time, was organized by the EU Delegation to Kuwait under the patronage of Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, in celebration of Kuwait's designation as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025. Al-Jassar noted the continued presence of EU archaeological teams working in Kuwait as a prime example of effective cooperation, emphasizing their contributions to unearthing and preserving the country's rich heritage.
Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-Jassar with Anne Koistinen, EU Ambassador to Kuwait. – KUNA photos
EU-Kuwait Culture Forum.
Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-Jassar
Anne Koistinen, EU Ambassador to Kuwait
He also highlighted the growing number of Kuwaiti students pursuing higher education in European countries, acquiring valuable expertise to support national development efforts. In addition, Al-Jassar pointed to successful architectural collaborations, including landmark projects in Kuwait designed by European architects, as further evidence of the strength of cultural ties. 'This forum reflects Kuwait's commitment to reinforcing cultural exchange with nations around the world, particularly the European Union,' he said.
EU Ambassador to Kuwait Anne Koistinen lauded Kuwait's cultural and civilizational legacy, describing it as a 'valuable traditional treasure.' She emphasized the depth of cooperation in various fields such as architecture, the arts, and human sciences, as well as shared museum initiatives between Kuwait and the EU. Koistinen praised the forum as a tangible demonstration of deep-rooted and expanding cultural collaboration, noting that Kuwait and the EU are set to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations in early 2026.
Prominent figures from both sides participated in the forum, engaging in dialogue on preserving cultural heritage and exploring new avenues of cooperation. Discussions included initiatives such as the European Capitals of Culture, best practices in heritage conservation, cultural innovation, the role of museums, and community engagement in cultural activities. The event also served as a platform to explore strategies to elevate EU-Kuwait cultural relations to a more strategic level, aligning with both sides' aspirations to foster long-term partnerships grounded in mutual respect and shared cultural values. — KUNA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
2 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Arab nations condemn Zionist PM's provocative, annexation remarks
Kuwait reiterates support for Palestine • Gaza death toll mounts KUWAIT: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday strongly condemned statements by Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the annexation of Arab territories, rejecting what it described as expansionist and provocative rhetoric that flagrantly violates the principles of international law and the UN Charter. The ministry stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of Arab states. In a statement, the ministry said Kuwait denounces such remarks, which expose the true intentions of the occupying entity and its plans to undermine the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. It called on the international community to exert maximum pressure to confront these statements and to warn against their grave repercussions, which threaten state sovereignty, peoples' rights and regional stability. Relief aid to Gaza Meanwhile, Kuwait's third relief plane in the second humanitarian airlift arrived Thursday at Marka Military Airport in Jordan carrying 10 tons of food supplies destined for Gaza. The shipment, part of Kuwait's urgent national relief campaign, was prepared by Kuwaiti charitable societies and handed over to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization for delivery to Palestinians in the besieged Strip. Officials from the Kuwaiti Embassy in Jordan and the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization received the cargo, as the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) continues coordinating with both parties to ensure the uninterrupted flow and safe entry of aid into Gaza. Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to delivering humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people by air and land, revealing that preparations are underway to send additional aid by sea to bolster relief efforts. Speaking to KUNA, Al-Yahya said these operations are carried out under the directives of the political leadership and follow-up by Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah to ensure aid reaches Gaza as swiftly as possible. He noted that the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, KRCS, and other state institutions are working around the clock to provide humanitarian, medical, and relief support to the people of Gaza. So far this week, three aid planes have departed as part of Kuwait's humanitarian air bridge, each carrying 10 tons of essential supplies in coordination with Jordanian, Egyptian, and Palestinian authorities. Also, Arab nations have slammed comments by Netanyahu apparently expressing support for the idea of an expanded 'Greater (Zionist entity)', calling the remarks a threat to their sovereignty at an especially tense time for the region. The term Greater (Zionist entity) refers to a biblical interpretation of the nation's territory during the time of King Solomon, encompassing not only the present-day Palestinian territories of Gaza and the occupied West Bank, but also parts of modern Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Ultra-nationalist Zionists have called for these territories to be occupied. Asked on Tuesday by i24NEWS interviewer Sharon Gal if he subscribed to such a 'vision', Netanyahu said 'absolutely', adding, 'If you ask me what I think, we're there.' He then pivoted to a comment about the founding of Zionist entity and the 'great mission' of ensuring its continued existence. Zionist neighbor Jordan condemned the prime minister's remarks as a 'dangerous and provocative escalation' and 'a threat to the sovereignty of states'. A spokesman for its foreign ministry went on to reject what he called Netanyahu's 'inflammatory' rhetoric and 'delusional claims'. Egypt also said that it had 'requested clarification on this matter', characterizing it as tantamount to a 'rejection of the option of peace in the region'. Netanyahu's remarks come in the midst of a 22-month war between Zionists and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip that has repeatedly spilled over into the wider Middle East and provoked frequent condemnation of Zionist entity from across the Arab world. On Thursday, Iraq's foreign ministry condemned the comments, saying they revealed Zionist entity's 'expansionist ambitions' and were 'a clear provocation to the sovereignty of countries'. Gaza mediator Qatar also decried Netanyahu's statements calling them 'absurd' and 'inflammatory'. The allusion to an expanded Zionist entity also comes as far-right members of Netanyahu's cabinet demand the conquest of Gaza and annexation of the West Bank, where the government recently approved a rash of new settlements considered illegal under international law. Saudi Arabia on Wednesday voiced 'its total rejection of the ideas and plans for colonization and expansion adopted by the occupation authorities', reiterating 'the historical and legal right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state'. In February, Netanyahu in a television interview provoked an outcry from Arab countries after he suggested a Palestinian state could be established on Saudi land. In Tuesday's sit-down, the premier also revived calls to 'allow' Palestinians to leave Gaza, telling broadcaster i24NEWS that 'we are not pushing them out, but we are allowing them to leave'. Past calls to resettle Gazans outside of the war-battered territory, including from US President Donald Trump, have sparked fears of displacement among Palestinians and condemnation from the international community. Zionists kill 17 in Gaza Gaza's civil defense agency said at least 17 people were killed Thursday in Zionist airstrikes as the military intensified its bombardment of Gaza City. The dead included six civilians who had been waiting for humanitarian aid, said civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal. 'The occupation forces are intensifying their raids in the Zeitun area' of Gaza City, he said. The military has yet to comment. 'For the fourth consecutive day, the area has been subject to a military operation, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries,' said Bassal. 'Since dawn today, we have received 28 calls from families and residents of this neighborhood, some of whose children have been killed. 'Many people cannot leave these areas due to artillery fire,' the spokesperson added. - Agencies
Kuwait Times
2 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Municipal sweep targets illegal property modifications in Kuwait
Use of parking basements as storage remains top violation in residential buildings KUWAIT: Kuwaiti municipal authorities are stepping up inspections of residential and investment properties, targeting violations that officials say threaten public safety and distort the city's urban landscape. Among the most common violations found are converting basements — originally designed for parking or building services — into makeshift storage areas, said Ibrahim Ayad Al-Azmi from the municipality's Engineering Audit and Follow-up Department. 'These spaces are meant to serve residents, either as parking or service facilities, but we're finding them packed with furniture, chemicals, paints, and even food products stored without refrigeration,' he told KTV news channel. 'All of this violates safety regulations.' Al-Azmi warned that such storage practices heighten fire risks, especially when flammable materials are involved. Even food storage poses hazards, he said, due to lack of cooling and fire safety systems. A KTV news report last week showed a basement designated for car parking in an investment property used for storing construction materials, including wood panels and ceramic doors. 'Wood in particular poses serious risks in case of fire, making it difficult for firefighters and municipal authorities to protect residents,' Suleiman Al-Otaibi, an engineer from the same department at the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Municipality, told a KTV reporter at the scene. 'The misuse of the basement also affects the building's residents, forcing them to park their cars in the street or the sidewalk, causing congestion.' Al-Azmi said the parking situation puts extra pressure on traffic authorities, who must issue citations for illegal parking, 'and compromises safety for everyone.' The municipality is working closely with the General Fire Force to address the problem. 'About 80 percent of owners respond to warnings and remove violations immediately to avoid penalties,' Al-Azmi said. The remaining 20 percent either apply for corrective permits or are ordered to remove the modifications entirely. The basement issue is part of a wider set of violations the municipality regularly encounters in both private housing and investment properties. Private residential areas are low-density zones reserved for single-family housing, primarily intended for Kuwaiti citizens, where land is distributed through the country's housing welfare program. In contrast, investment housing areas feature multi-unit buildings — such as apartments, duplex villas, and studios — designed for rental or ownership across all floors. In private housing, the most common infractions include exceeding the permitted building size, adding extra floors and dividing properties into multiple rental units — sometimes renting them for single men — which Al-Azmi said can pose social and security concerns. The issue was glaring in Sabah Al-Salem, where Mubarak Al-Kabeer Municipality officials uncovered a rooftop converted into six apartments for single men. 'Older properties frequently have such rooftop encroachments, with unauthorized partitions made from light materials,' said Saqer Al-Enezi, another municipal official. In investment housing, basement conversions top the list, along with unlicensed construction of extra apartments in ground-floor parking areas. Al-Azmi also pointed out a common violation: barricading sections of government-owned desert lots to use for private parking. The practice reflects a shortage of designated spaces for tenants, even though law requires each apartment in investment properties to have at least one parking spot, Al-Azmi reminded.
Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Shrimp Season Revitalizes Markets: Strong Catch and Stable Supply
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 16: With the conclusion of the second week of the shrimp fishing season in Kuwait's economic waters, the Kuwaiti fishing fleet has successfully landed approximately 214 tons of shrimp, 50 tons of various local fish, and 221 tons of imported fish, thereby revitalizing local markets and strengthening the country's fish stocks. Hamoud Al-Hamdi, Shift A Supervisor at Sharq Fish Market, explained that since the start of the fishing season on August 1, the Kuwaiti fleet has caught around 214 tons of local shrimp, 90 percent of which is the Umm Al-Nairah variety. Its prices have ranged between KD 45 and KD 65 per basket, with each basket weighing 23 kilograms. Approximately 50 tons of various Kuwaiti fish were supplied to the market, including around 4.75 tons of Zubaidi fish, with prices ranging between KD 35 and KD 130 per 10-kilogram lot. The prices for Kuwaiti Hamour ranged from KD 20 to KD 65, Balool from KD 11 to KD 18, and Sha'um from KD 25 to KD 66. Regarding imported fish, Al-Hamdi explained that around 52 tons of imported shrimp were brought in over the past two weeks. This included jumbo shrimp priced between KD 85 and KD 110 per basket, and Umm Al-Nairah priced between KD 40 and KD 76 per basket. Approximately 221 tons of imported fish were supplied to the markets. This included Hamour (grouper) priced between KD 17 and KD 58 per basket, Balool priced between KD 4 and KD 21 per basket, and Sha'um ranging from KD 12 to KD 40 per basket. Local fish prices: Umm Al-Nairah shrimp: KD 45-65 per basket; Zubaidi fish: KD 35-130; Balool fish: KD 11-18; Hamour fish: KD 20-65; Sha'um fish: KD 25-66. Imported fish prices: Jumbo shrimp: KD 85-110 per basket; Umm Al-Nairah shrimp: KD 40-67 per basket; Zubaidi fish: KD 35-107; Hamour fish: KD 17-58; Balool fish: KD 4-21; Sha'um fish: KD 12-40. In related news, Vice President of Kuwait Fishermen Union Jaber Al-Ali affirmed that the union is working diligently to provide all types of fresh fish and shrimp on a daily basis, in accordance with the fishing seasons set by the Fisheries Sector at the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR). Al-Ali made the statement during a symposium conducted by union for students attending the 'Blue Pioneer' summer camp, organized by the Regional Organization for the Protection of Marine Environment. He confirmed the commitment of the union to protect the marine environment through its vital role in educating fishermen. He stressed that the members of the union are licensed fishermen using trawls, nets, traps, integrated 'lanjat' and trawlers. He disclosed that the shrimp fishing season in the economic waters of Kuwait started on Aug 1, while the season in regional waters will begin early next month. He said all vessels in the Kuwaiti fishing fleet continue their operations to ensure marine food security for consumers in the country. He asserted that the union, in cooperation with PAAAFR, is regulating the fishing process and maintaining fish stocks in accordance with the laws. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of PAAAFR, particularly its full support and cooperation with the union in achieving the sustainable development of marine resources. He said this collaboration serves the interests of both fishermen and consumers; as per the directives of Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Al- Mukhaizeem. He acknowledged as well the cooperation of the Coast Guard General Department with the union, stating that the department ensures maritime security. He praised the efforts of Director General Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah and the contributions of various government agencies involved in supporting the fishing sector like the Ministry of Finance, Environment Public Authority, Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, and Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
