Latest news with #KarenSasahara
Kuwait Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
US Embassy marks Memorial Day, hails US-Kuwait relations
KUWAIT: The US Embassy in Kuwait, in partnership with the American Business Council – Kuwait (ABCK), marked Memorial Day on Monday, with an evening that honored the sacrifices of US service members and celebrated the enduring US-Kuwait partnership. In her remarks, the US Ambassador to Kuwait Karen Sasahara paid tribute to American service members who gave their lives in defense of freedom, while also reaffirming the enduring strength of the US-Kuwait alliance. 'Our first duty is to remember their sacrifice, and our second is to live up to it — by keeping our country secure, strong and worthy of their trust,' she stated. The remarks highlighted the shared history between the US and Kuwait, particularly during the 1990 Gulf War when both nations' forces fought side by side to liberate Kuwait. The ambassador described this moment as the foundation of a partnership that continues to thrive through military cooperation, economic investment, and cultural exchange. Reaffirming America's commitment to a stable and secure Gulf, Sasahara praised Kuwait's leadership in hosting US forces, investing in American innovation and fostering educational and humanitarian collaboration. 'Our remembrance must guide action,' she said, urging deeper cooperation in missile defense, expanded bilateral trade and continued youth exchanges to preserve the legacy of freedom. Gunnery Sergeant Victor Buendia posted the colors to open the ceremony. US Air Force Colonel Matthew Johnson then offered brief remarks, reflecting on Memorial Day's significance and reaffirming the two nations' shared commitment to regional security and peace. The program featured a screening of an Iraq War documentary that presented first-hand accounts from US, coalition and Kuwaiti figures, underscoring three decades of close cooperation and the sacrifices made by service members stationed in Kuwait and the wider region. Senior Kuwaiti officials, Chief of Mission personnel and members of the ABCK Founder's Club attended the reception, reaffirming the broad scope of US-Kuwait ties, including defense, education, commercial, trade and cultural collaboration.
Arab Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
US Embassy highlights enduring Kuwait alliance
KUWAIT CITY, May 27: The United States Embassy in Kuwait on Tuesday reaffirmed the robust strategic ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to regional security and stability. In a statement, the embassy said it hosted a Memorial Day event on Monday evening in collaboration with the American Business Council-Kuwait (ABCK). The event featured remarks by US Ambassador to Kuwait Karen Sasahara and US Air Force Colonel Matthew Johnson, both of whom emphasized the symbolic importance of Memorial Day and the enduring partnership between Kuwait and the United States. Ambassador Sasahara and Colonel Johnson highlighted the significance of the occasion in honoring the sacrifices made by American service members and reaffirming the joint dedication of both nations to peace and security in the region. The event included a documentary screening focusing on the Liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. The film featured firsthand accounts from American, coalition, and Kuwaiti participants, reflecting more than three decades of military cooperation and sacrifice in Kuwait and the wider Gulf region. Senior Kuwaiti officials, members of the US diplomatic mission, and representatives from ABCK attended the event, underscoring the strong bilateral relations that extend beyond defense to include education, commerce, and cultural exchange. The US Embassy's statement emphasized that the longstanding partnership between Kuwait and the United States continues to be a cornerstone of regional stability, strengthened through ongoing collaboration across multiple sectors.
Arab Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
US Embassy highlights strength and growth of Kuwait-US strategic partnership
KUWAIT CITY, May 27: The United States Embassy in Kuwait on Tuesday reaffirmed the robust strategic ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to regional security and stability. In a statement, the embassy said it hosted a Memorial Day event on Monday evening in collaboration with the American Business Council-Kuwait (ABCK). The event featured remarks by US Ambassador to Kuwait Karen Sasahara and US Air Force Colonel Matthew Johnson, both of whom emphasized the symbolic importance of Memorial Day and the enduring partnership between Kuwait and the United States. Ambassador Sasahara and Colonel Johnson highlighted the significance of the occasion in honoring the sacrifices made by American service members and reaffirming the joint dedication of both nations to peace and security in the region. The event included a documentary screening focusing on the Liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. The film featured firsthand accounts from American, coalition, and Kuwaiti participants, reflecting more than three decades of military cooperation and sacrifice in Kuwait and the wider Gulf region. Senior Kuwaiti officials, members of the US diplomatic mission, and representatives from ABCK attended the event, underscoring the strong bilateral relations that extend beyond defense to include education, commerce, and cultural exchange. The US Embassy's statement emphasized that the longstanding partnership between Kuwait and the United States continues to be a cornerstone of regional stability, strengthened through ongoing collaboration across multiple sectors.
Kuwait Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
US Ambassador welcomes Trump's Gulf visit, highlights strong US-Kuwait food security ties
Kuwait affirms food security, safety as key to sustainable development KUWAIT: US Ambassador to Kuwait Karen Sasahara on Tuesday welcomed the visit of former US President Donald Trump to the Gulf region, describing it as a continuation of his longstanding relationships with Gulf leaders. 'We are pleased with President Trump's visit to the region. He has had deep-rooted relationships with Gulf leaders since his first term,' she said. Her remarks came on the sidelines of the Fourth Annual Food Safety and Nutrition Summit, jointly organized by the US Department of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition and the US Embassy. The two-day summit is being held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with broad participation from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Ambassador Sasahara said Trump's renewed engagement with Gulf partners reflects the strength of ongoing bilateral and regional dialogue. 'President Trump is now resuming those relations through very important discussions on bilateral and regional matters. We are looking forward to the progress these talks will achieve,' she added. The ambassador emphasized the robust economic ties between the United States and Kuwait, particularly in the field of agriculture. She noted that bilateral trade in agricultural goods reached $275 million in 2024, while total US agricultural exports to the GCC amounted to $3.6 billion. 'Our embassy team has worked closely with Kuwaiti government institutions and local farmers to address food security challenges and explore how US technologies can contribute to sustainable solutions,' she said. Sasahara described agriculture and food not only as economic sectors, but also as bridges that bring nations together. She highlighted the summit's goal of enhancing cooperation and exchanging best practices in food safety and nutrition. Minister of Health Ahmad Al-Awadhi US Ambassador Karen Sasahara 'The United States exported more than $191 billion in agricultural products last year,' she said, pointing to Washington's leadership in agricultural innovation and its call for long-term investments in biotechnology, improved seeds, and fertilizers. She also noted that the US and GCC share common public health concerns, particularly the rise in obesity and chronic diseases. 'We are committed to working with our regional partners to raise nutrition standards and improve public health outcomes,' the ambassador said. For his part, Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi underscored the critical importance of food safety and nutrition in achieving sustainable development. 'Ensuring access to safe and adequate food and advancing nutrition systems are fundamental pillars for sustainable progress,' he said in his opening remarks. Dr Al-Awadhi stressed that Kuwait remains committed to aligning its efforts with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those targeting hunger eradication and sustainable agriculture. He cited Kuwait's National Food Security Strategy, enhanced import regulations, and updated guidelines for school canteens as examples of recent initiatives. Citing World Health Organization (WHO) data, the minister warned of the human toll of unsafe food, noting that more than 600 million people suffer from foodborne illnesses annually, leading to over 420,000 deaths — including 125,000 children under the age of five. 'These figures highlight the urgent need to strengthen food safety systems and raise awareness, particularly to protect vulnerable groups like children,' he said. He also addressed the global rise in obesity, pointing to WHO statistics indicating that over one billion people are currently obese. 'Childhood obesity rates have quadrupled since 1990, and in 2024, over 15 million children under five were classified as overweight,' he said. Dr Al-Awadhi called for increased investment in food inspection and laboratory capabilities across the region, and praised international partnerships, particularly with the United States and UN agencies, in developing resilient food safety systems. The summit aims to serve as a platform for regional and international stakeholders to collaborate on policy, innovation, and public health approaches that enhance food security and nutrition outcomes across the Gulf. — KUNA
Arab Times
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
US envoy reflects on Kuwait's National and Liberation Days
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 24: American Ambassador to Kuwait Karen Sasahara said the National Day and Liberation Day are two occasions representing pivotal moments in the history of Kuwait. 'More than three decades ago; Kuwaiti, American and coalition forces worked together to liberate Kuwait, establishing a partnership that has grown stronger over time. We honor the courage and sacrifice of those who fought and gave their lives for Kuwait's freedom and sovereignty,' Sasahara added. She affirmed that the 'United States of America is proud to have led the coalition that came to Kuwait's aid. It remains committed to the steadfast partnership. Over the decades, our defense cooperation has continued and strengthened.'
