Latest news with #Al-Mudhaf
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait, Chad seek stronger trade ties
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs Nayef Al-Mudhaf confirmed that the annual trade exchange between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of Chad currently amounts to approximately KD80,000. In a press statement, Al-Mudhaf expressed his aspiration that this amount will increase in the future; while affirming the two sides' commitment to strengthen trade cooperation. He indicated that Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has so far provided eight loans to the Republic of Chad ( a total of more than $110 million) to support infrastructure projects. Regarding cooperation in recruiting Chadian workers, Al-Mudhaf explained that there is no such agreement yet; but Kuwait is prepared to look into the matter if the Chadian side wishes to do so and will work hard to complete it. He pointed out the tremendous efforts exerted by Kuwaiti charitable organizations to support Sudanese refugees, stressing that these efforts will expand with the support and follow-up of the Chadian Embassy. He also revealed that the coming period will witness discussions with the Chadian ambassador to Kuwait to discuss opportunities to increase Kuwaiti investments in Chad and present these opportunities to Kuwaiti investors wishing to expand there. He wished the Republic of Chad further progress and prosperity. On the other hand, Chadian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr. Taher Al-Nazif Khater said the relationship with Kuwait is deeply rooted; dating back to the independence of the two countries in the early 1960s. 'It continues steadily and confidently; refl ecting the importance that the leaders of both countries -- President of the Republic Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah – put in the relationship. The two parties are keen on strengthening this relationship and developing it to a broader level. The coming period will witness mutual visits to study projects for fruitful cooperation and partnership agreements that will benefit the people of both countries. Kuwait is a strategic partner and a central and pioneering friend that supports development in Africa, especially in Chad.' He recalled the role of KFAED, which supports numerous development projects in Chad; praising the great humanitarian work carried out by Kuwaiti charitable societies in various humanitarian fields in his country.
Arab Times
30-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait-Benin ties 5 decades strong
KUWAIT CITY, July 30: Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs Ambassador Nayef Al-Mudhaf said the relationship between Kuwait and Benin spans more than 50 years, characterized by strong ties and fruitful cooperation in many areas. In a statement to the press when he attended the recent celebration of the 65th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Benin, Al-Mudhaf disclosed that the two countries signed 11 agreements, including the skilled labor agreement; in addition to the existence of a joint committee, ongoing political consultations, and other agreements that support the frameworks of bilateral cooperation. Al-Mudhaf disclosed that the Republic of Benin opened its embassy in Kuwait in 2009, while Kuwait opened its embassy in Cotonou in 2012, a manifestation of the strength of bilateral relations. He confirmed that coordination is underway to arrange the visit of the Benin Foreign Affairs Minister to the State of Kuwait, which will be announced in due course. Regarding the domestic worker agreement, Al-Mudhaf explained that it is still under negotiation between the two sides, hoping that an agreement will be reached soon. He added that the number of Benin citizens in Kuwait exceeds 10,000, and most of them are domestic workers. He pointed out that Kuwait, through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), has so far provided 14 development loans to the Republic of Benin, a total of around KD42 million. He asserted this reflects the depth of the development partnership between the two countries. On the other hand, Ambassador of the Republic of Benin to Kuwait Prof. Baderou Dine Aguemon pointed out that the 65th anniversary of his country's independence is a glorious national occasion to celebrate not only freedom and sovereignty, but also the collective commitment of Benin to move toward a more prosperous, peaceful, and internationally cooperative future. He emphasized that the new Republic of Benin is open and ambitious, ready to forge fruitful strategic partnerships with sisterly and friendly countries, especially Kuwait. He said the Beninese Embassy in Kuwait is ready to serve the community and provide the necessary support to anyone wishing to learn about the opportunities available in his country, urging everyone to contact the embassy whenever necessary. He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled for their support and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. He appreciated the warm welcome and the joint efforts to develop cooperation between Benin and Kuwait. He added that cooperation between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of Benin is a model worthy of emulation in terms of relations between the Arab world and sub-Saharan Africa, stressing that the future holds broad prospects for a constructive partnership that serves the aspirations of the two friendly peoples.
Arab Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Visas on arrival ... Sierra Leone envoy woos Kuwaiti tourists, businessmen
KUWAIT CITY, April 29: Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Nayef Al-Mudhaf said the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) is currently reviewing the domestic and civil labor agreements with Sierra Leone. He affirmed that Kuwait will submit a copy of the proposed agreement to the Sierra Leonean government for deliberation and consensus on its stipulations, in preparation for its official implementation. In a press conference organized by the Embassy of Sierra Leone on the occasion of the National Day, Al-Mudhaf revealed that Kuwait has finalized a similar agreement with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; and it is engaged in discussions with the Republic of Kenya and other African nations in this regard, consistent with the policy of the State to expand its civil and domestic labor sources. He elaborated that Kuwait has, in recent years, commenced the recruitment of skilled professionals from certain African nations, whose competence in the country has been substantiated. On the standardization of labor recruitment costs, Al- Mudhaf explained that pricing variations are contingent upon the legislative frameworks of each country. 'Nonetheless, Kuwait employs comprehensive agreement formats, resulting in considerable convergence in price levels. It also complies with international accords on labor practices,' he stressed. He added that Kuwait remains amenable to proposals from those seeking to engage in such agreements for the benefit of all concerned parties. Concerning bilateral relations with Sierra Leone, Al- Mudhaf confirmed the continuous contributions of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) to support development projects in Sierra Leone. He revealed the fund has granted 11 loans totaling around $83 million to boost vital sectors like infrastructure and water treatment. He said Kuwait and Sierra Leone have executed seven substantive cooperation agreements, encompassing various areas; such like economic and trade, establishment of a joint commission, political consultations, air transport services and education. He added other agreements are under negotiation and are being finalized, indicating that dialogues are being conducted to strengthen coordination in different fields, like reciprocal visits to fortify bilateral relations. Meanwhile, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Kuwait Haja Ishata Thomas confirmed that her country appreciates the strong bilateral relations with Kuwait. She described these relations as 'substantial, enduring and mutually advantageous throughout more than three decades of collaboration.' She lauded the constructive role of Kuwait, through KFAED, in assisting her country, especially during difficult times like the Ebola outbreak in 2014 and the 2017 landslide, as well as its contributions to the funding of water infrastructure, medical facilities, and road systems. She affirmed the allocation of land in the capital, Freetown -- for the construction of the new Kuwaiti embassy, reflecting the two nations' dedication to deepen their diplomatic relationship. She encouraged Kuwaiti investors to capitalize on the promising investment opportunities in her country, underscoring the economic reforms that have positioned her nation as an appealing investment destination in West Africa. She revealed the Sierra Leonean government offers incentives like tax relief, simplified administrative procedures and profit repatriation. She also mentioned the abundant natural and cultural resources in her country; such as pristine beaches, tropical rainforests and historical monuments. She invited Kuwaiti nationals and residents to visit Sierra Leone, disclosing that visas are issued upon arrival or through the Sierra Leonean Embassy in Kuwait. Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
