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Arab Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
‘Kuwait-China inked MoUs, projects on steady track'
KUWAIT CITY, June 3: Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Johar Hayat confirmed that the implementation of the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed by Kuwait and China is proceeding steadily. Hayat made the statement to reporters on the sidelines of an official farewell ceremony to mark the end of the tenure of Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Zhang Jianwei. Several senior officials, ambassadors and diplomats; including Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Al- Fassam and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Sabah attended the event. Hayat disclosed that cooperation, consultation and coordination between the governments of the two countries continue on a daily basis -- both with the Chinese leadership and the Chinese ambassador to Kuwait -- and that things are progressing well. Mega Projects He revealed there are six major development projects called the 'Mega Projects,' which are being implemented jointly by the government and the Chinese companies. 'These are government-to-government projects. We are moving forward to implement all the agreements signed with China,' he confirmed. He said His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad and the concerned ministers fully support these projects. He added that daily reports regarding any step taken with China are submitted to the leadership. On the possibility of Kuwait reciprocating China's one-year visa waiver for Kuwaitis, he asserted, 'this is not new. We signed an agreement with China in 2014, exempting holders of Chinese diplomatic, special, official and service passports from visa requirements, while Kuwaitis hold diplomatic and special passports.' He disclosed that His Highness the Crown Prince was informed about the new Chinese initiative during his meeting with the Chinese Premier on the sidelines of the GCC-ASEANChina Summit. He stated that His Highness met with the heads of delegations at the summit, where the Chinese Premier told His Highness: 'Given the daily growth of our strategic relations, we would like to offer this exemption to Kuwaitis for a trial period of one year.' He said Kuwait is studying this matter to have a memorandum of understanding to regulate the exemption for ordinary Kuwaiti and Chinese passports. Regarding His Highness the Crown Prince's visit to Japan, Hayat stressed, 'it was a historic visit that embodied the mutual trust between the leaderships and governments of the two countries. During this visit, bilateral relations were elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic relations.' He believes this will open the door for the two governments to develop their relations and implement the five agreements signed on the sidelines of the visit. He disclosed there are more than 30 memoranda of understanding signed with Japan that will be implemented soon. Addressing those present at the event, Hayat said 'we bid farewell to the Chinese Ambassador after a busy period in serving the bilateral relations between the two countries. I am honored to convey the greetings of Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, whom I represent at this ceremony, as well as the greetings of Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the assistant foreign ministers, and all the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff.' Progress On the other hand, Jianwei stated 'over the past three years, bilateral relations with Kuwait have made tangible progress, especially in the implementation of agreements. We will work with the Kuwaiti side to implement these agreements, especially since we have noted with pleasure that some projects, such as Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, have made significant progress and are now well underway, thanks to the close cooperation between China and Kuwait.' On whether construction has resumed at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, he disclosed 'the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port has entered the design and construction phase, and work will continue, because this is a very large project that requires a feasibility study. The designs are precise. Now, the first phase of the designs has begun. We are optimistic about the future of our cooperation on projects and in other sectors.' About the timing of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, he pointed out 'major projects take time and years to implement. I believe that through close cooperation between the two countries, the project will proceed smoothly.' He also expressed his happiness over China's recent decision to exempt Kuwaiti citizens from entry visas, describing it as good news that refl ects the strength of the relationship.
Arab Times
16-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Cabinet assesses notable diplomatic outcomes, affirms strategic alliances
KUWAIT CITY, April 16: The Kuwaiti Cabinet held its weekly meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Bayan Palace, chaired by Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shereeda Abdullah Al-Moushejri provided a briefing on the meeting's key outcomes. The Cabinet was updated on the state visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Kuwait from April 14 to 15, 2025, during which official talks were held with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including trade, investment, energy, healthcare, education, and tourism. The two sides issued a joint statement emphasizing their determination to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in multiple sectors. The joint statement highlighted the importance of finalizing the demarcation of the Kuwaiti-Iraqi maritime border, ensuring compliance with international law, and protecting Kuwait's sovereignty. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to Security Council Resolution No. 833 (1993) and the Maritime Navigation Agreement in Khor Abdullah. The statement also reiterated Kuwait's support for the return of Kuwaiti property, including national archives, and humanitarian efforts regarding missing persons and prisoners. In addition, the statement emphasized that the Dorra gas field lies entirely within Kuwait and Saudi Arabia's maritime territories, rejecting any claims to the area by other parties. The Cabinet was also briefed on the recent visit of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya to Antalya, Türkiye, where they led the Kuwaiti delegation at the Fourth Antalya Diplomatic Forum, held under the patronage of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Al-Fassam presented updates on the outcomes of the joint annual meetings of Arab financial institutions and the 16th session of the Council of Arab Finance Ministers, which were hosted in Kuwait. Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, and other senior officials attended the meetings. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef emphasized the importance of deeper Arab economic cooperation, youth empowerment, and support for small and medium enterprises, aligning with Kuwait's ongoing commitment to development initiatives. Additionally, the Cabinet heard a briefing from Minister of Information, Culture, and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Badah Al-Mutairi on Kuwait's participation at Expo Osaka 2025. The Minister reported on the opening of Kuwait's pavilion, under the theme 'Lighthouse of the Future,' highlighting the country's contributions to arts, culture, innovation, and youth development. The exhibition runs for six months, with participation from 158 countries. Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Saud Al-Omar presented updates on the implementation of the Kuwait-Google Cloud framework agreement, which aims to enhance digital government services while ensuring data security. He also shared details about the launch of the 'Newborn Journey' service on the unified government app Sahel. This service streamlines processes for newborn registration, including issuing a civil number, birth certificate, and civil ID. The Cabinet praised Minister Al- Omar and his team for their efforts in advancing digital government initiatives, which aim to simplify procedures and improve public service efficiency. Finally, the Cabinet reviewed and approved several agenda items and referred others to relevant ministerial committees for further study and action.(KUNA)
Arab Times
13-03-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait strengthens economic ties with UK and Airbus leader
KUWAIT CITY, March 13: Kuwaiti Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noora Al-Fassam discussed Wednesday economic cooperation with UK Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Lewis and President of Airbus in Africa and Middle East Gabriel Semelas. During the meeting, they also tackled a set of economic issues that contribute to achieving Kuwait's development goals during the coming period, the Ministry of Finance said in a press release. (KUNA)
Arab Times
10-03-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Finance minister and Indian ambassador discuss ways to improve investment opportunities
KUWAIT CITY, March 10: The Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Noura Al-Fassam, met with Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Swaika, to discuss the strong bilateral relations between the two friendly nations and explore ways to enhance them in the future. In a press statement released on Sunday, the Ministry of Finance noted that the meeting included a discussion on various financial and investment topics aimed at serving the mutual interests of both countries.
Zawya
19-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait Airways plans to expand fleet, details yet to be disclosed
KUWAIT CITY - Following the announcement that Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Al-Fassam made on Monday about the completion of Terminal Two at Kuwait International Airport in 2027; sources revealed that the Board of Directors of Kuwait Airways, headed by Abdul Mohsen Al-Faqan, is currently preparing to increase its air fleet, which currently consists of 33 aircraft, but refused to disclose the upcoming increase, indicating that the study on the specific number is still under discussion. Sources revealed that the existing Kuwait Airways fleet has a variety of aircraft, including the most luxurious equipped with advanced technology. Sources also confirmed that the incumbent Board of Directors is focusing on the implementation of the Kuwaitization policy, as it has been working hard to hire the largest number of Kuwaitis since assuming responsibility in September 2023. Moreover, the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) recently announced that the number of Kuwaitis employed at Kuwait Airways still does not meet the desired percentage as per the Kuwaitization policy. It stated that the total number of employees in Kuwait Airways as at the end of December 2024 reached about 5,234 -- 1,120 of whom are Kuwaiti citizens (118 females and 1,002 males); while the total number of non-Kuwaiti workers reached 4,114 (2,787 males and 1,327 females). Sources revealed the board has not been questioned about these figures, but Board Chairman Abdul Mohsen Al- Faqan always stresses the need to strike a balance in favor of national personnel through the continuous publication of recruitment advertisements. In order to achieve this, Kuwait Airways recently opened the registration door in the training system for Kuwaiti highschool graduates who do not have experience in preparation for their appointment in the future and the course period extends to six months, sources disclosed. Sources pointed out that Kuwait Airways does not only appoint Kuwaitis, but it also promotes those who deserve it. For this reason, it recently promoted several Kuwaiti staff to pilot after completing the training and meeting the conditions, sources added. Sources clarified that non-Kuwaiti appointments may seem higher primarily due to the unwillingness of some citizens to be appointed to the position of flight attendant or air hostess due to the long travel; especially since the airline's destinations cover all continents -- Europe, Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East.
