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Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait signs military deal with France, holds talks with CENTCOM
Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah meets with US Central Command Commander Gen Michael Kurilla. KUWAIT: Kuwait's defense and security institutions stepped up regional coordination on Thursday with back-to-back high-level meetings and agreements involving the United States and France. In separate engagements, the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and National Guard both held talks with international counterparts to strengthen joint efforts on military training, intelligence sharing, and regional stability. The Kuwait National Guard signed a memorandum of understanding with the French Gendarmerie to boost coordination in military and security fields, including joint training and the exchange of expertise. The agreement was signed by Lt Gen Hashem Al-Rifaie, Undersecretary of the National Guard, and Olivier Gauvin, French Ambassador to Kuwait. Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah meets with US Central Command Commander Gen Michael Kurilla. According to a statement from the National Guard, Al-Rifaie emphasized the Kuwaiti leadership's commitment—under His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah—to deepening ties with France across multiple sectors. Al-Rifaie conveyed the National Guard's appreciation and highlighted the 'long-standing, distinguished historical relations' between Kuwait and France. Separately, Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces, met with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen Michael Kurilla to discuss 'a number of issues of mutual interest,' according to a statement from the Kuwaiti General Staff. The meeting, held at Lt Gen Al-Sabah's office, covered regional and international developments, and ways to expand bilateral military cooperation. The two sides also 'exchanged views on evolving security challenges in the region and how to strengthen joint military action to achieve regional security and stability,' the statement said. Both leaders praised the deep-rooted partnership between Kuwait and the United States, which they said reflects 'decades of collaboration and continuous coordination.' They stressed the importance of 'continued coordination and intensified joint efforts to face security challenges.' — KUNA
Arab Times
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Interior Ministry steps up security at Husseiniyas during Muharram
KUWAIT CITY, July 6: In line with the Ministry of Interior's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of Husseiniyas and mourning gatherings during the holy month of Muharram, Acting Undersecretary Major General Ali Mesfer Al-Adwani carried out an inspection tour on Saturday across several locations throughout the country. The tour aimed to assess the implementation of the Ministry's security and organizational plans. Major General Al-Adwani reviewed the procedures in place to secure Husseiniyas and verified the readiness and field deployment of security personnel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public safety, facilitating smooth traffic movement, and ensuring orderly site arrangements in accordance with approved protocols. During the visit, the Acting Undersecretary also inspected the support units from the Kuwait National Guard and the General Fire Force. He received a briefing on the operational capabilities of the mobile firefighting unit and commended its state of preparedness and its vital role in enhancing both security and preventive measures. Major General Al-Adwani reaffirmed that the directives of His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, call for continued vigilance and enhanced coordination among all relevant authorities to safeguard citizens and residents during the religious observances. He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation shown by Husseiniya officials and organizing committees, highlighting their role in facilitating the Ministry's security efforts during this important period.
Kuwait Times
19-06-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait National Guard showcases ‘smart ambulance' aimed at improving emergency response
KUWAIT: Lieutenant General Hashem Al-Rifai conducts a field inspection on Wednesday of key logistical and medical facilities at Tahrir Camp. KUWAIT: Lieutenant General Hashem Al-Rifai, Undersecretary of the Kuwait National Guard, conducted a field inspection on Wednesday of key logistical and medical facilities, underscoring the guard's state of readiness amid heightened regional tensions stemming from the ongoing war between the Zionist entity and Iran. Al-Rifai was accompanied by Assistant Undersecretary for Operations and Training, Major General Dr Faleh Shujaa, during the visit to Tahrir Camp, where they were received by Assistant Undersecretary for Administrative Support, Major General Engineer Issam Nayef, along with senior officers and commanders. In a statement issued by the National Guard, Al-Rifai inspected the Medical Services Directorate, including the specialty clinics complex, medical warehouses, and the central pharmacy, as well as the Logistics and Transport Branch, where he reviewed the National Guard's strategic stockpiles of essential supplies. Calling for vigilance and heightened readiness, Al-Rifai stressed the importance of fully implementing existing operational plans. 'We must maintain the highest levels of caution and readiness in light of the events unfolding in the region,' he said, referencing regional volatility as the war between the Zionist entity and Iran enters its sixth day with over 200 confirmed deaths reported by Tehran and 24 by the Zionist entity. During the tour, the delegation reviewed the 'Smart Ambulance' system, where medical teams demonstrated the vehicle's advanced diagnostic tools and real-time data logging capabilities. The system enables ambulance teams to record patient information instantly using smart devices, aimed at improving emergency response speed and accuracy. Al-Rifai praised the innovation as a strategic step forward: 'The Smart Ambulance system is a strategic initiative and the result of ongoing efforts to integrate advanced technology and innovation in protecting the personnel of the National Guard and ensuring their safety.' He also commended the guard's high level of preparedness and its critical role in defense, national security, and inter-agency support. Al-Rifai concluded by affirming the unwavering support of the National Guard leadership, represented by His Highness Sheikh Mubarak Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chief of the National Guard, and His Highness Sheikh Faisal Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of the National Guard. He emphasized their commitment to the welfare of all Guard personnel and their readiness to serve the country under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. — Agencies
Kuwait Times
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
KNG celebrates graduation of new officer cadets
KUWAIT: The Kuwait National Guard celebrates the graduation of a new class of officer cadets. KUWAIT: The Kuwait National Guard on Tuesday celebrated the graduation of a new class of officer cadets, including medical officers, medical support officers, biomedical engineering officers, field officers holding university degrees, graduates of King Khalid Military College, and warrant officer cadets promoted to second lieutenant. Lieutenant General Hashem Al-Rifai hands one of the graduating cadets a plaque. In a press statement, the National Guard said the ceremony took place at the Martyrs' Hall in Al-Sumoud Camp, under the patronage of the Chief of the National Guard, Sheikh Mubarak Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and in the presence of National Guard Undersecretary, Lieutenant General Hashem Al-Rifai. During the ceremony, the newly commissioned officers took an oath to defend the homeland and to sacrifice everything in its service. Lt Gen Al-Rifai conveyed congratulations from Sheikh Mubarak Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Deputy Chief of the National Guard Sheikh Faisal Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to the graduates, expressing his pride in welcoming a new group of officers to the ranks of the National Guard to support their fellow servicemen. He affirmed that loyalty and belonging to the homeland are among the most precious values one can hold. 'Our goal is to defend this noble land and to ensure security and safety for its citizens under wise leadership,' he said. Commander of the National Guard Training Institute, Brigadier General Khaled Munawar, emphasized the implementation of the guard's strategic plan 'Homeland Protection 2030' through advancements in military, administrative, and technical fields. He highlighted efforts to develop personnel both academically and militarily to perform their duties with excellence and competence. Brig Gen Munawar urged the graduates to learn from the experience of those who came before them and to adhere strictly to the orders and instructions of their superiors, stressing the importance of upholding the principles and values of Islam. — KUNA
Arab Times
04-06-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Amir Congratulates Kuwaitis, Expats on Eid Al-Adha
KUWAIT CITY, June 4: The Amiri Diwan on Wednesday relayed Eid Al-Adha greetings from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Kuwait's citizens and residents, wishing them a happy Eid amid amity, security and safety. The Amiri Diwan seizes this blessed opportunity to convey Eid Al-Adha greetings to His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. His Highness the Amir also wished both Arab and Muslim worlds a blessed Eid, security and stability, praying to Allah Almighty to protect Kuwait and its people and to grant them security and safety. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Wednesday a message of congratulations on Eid Al-Adha from His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. In the message, His Highness the Crown Prince expressed his honour to send sincere congratulations to His Highness the Amir on this occasion, praying sincerely to Allah to protect His Highness the Amir and wishing him perpetual well-being. His Highness the Crown Prince also wished success to His Highness the Amir in leading the dear country to make further progress and prosperity. His Highness the Crown Prince asked Allah to repeat this blessed occasion on Kuwait, and Arab and Muslim nations with progress, goodness and development. Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir sent a message of thanks to His Highness the Crown Prince for these good and sincere feelings. His Highness the Amir prayed to Allah Almighty to maintain security and safety as well as prosperity to the dear homeland, and wished success to all nationals for making further progress and accomplishments for the sake of the homeland. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah also received on Wednesday congratulatory cables on Eid Al-Adha from His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. His Highness the Amir also received cables from His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwait National Guard Chief Sheikh Mubarak Humoud Al-Sabah, His Highness Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. In their cables, their Highness expressed best wishes and prayers on the blessed occasion, wishing many returns. In turn, His Highness the Amir thanked them for their kind words and sentiments. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah exchanged on Wednesday congratulations on Eid Al-Adha with Arab and Muslim leaders. In his cables, His Highness the Amir prayed to Allah Almighty to return this blessed occasion on Arab and Muslim nations with goodness, blessings, and further stability and security. Kuwait's Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al- Sabah extended his warmest greetings on Wednesday to the nation's political leaders ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha. Expressing his well wishes to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah, in addition to His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti defense minister wished the nation continued development and prosperity, according to a statement. Vowing to do his 'utmost' to protect the nation's 'security and stability,' the minister wished Kuwait's political leaders health and success as they continue to oversee national development, ultimately ensuring that such growth remains on an upward trajectory under their leadership. On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, several ambassadors and diplomats extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the leadership of Kuwait -- represented by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, as well as the Kuwaiti people. They affirmed the significance of the holiday and the strong bilateral relations between their respective countries and Kuwait. The envoys pointed out the shared values embodied by Eid Al-Adha; such as tolerance, solidarity and human fraternity, as well as the importance of deepening mutual understanding and cooperation in all fields. Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan to Kuwait Zubaydullah Zubaydov stated that 'it is a great pleasure and honor for me, on behalf of all accredited members of the diplomatic corps, to extend my warmest congratulations and sincere wishes to His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, and the generous Kuwaiti people on this blessed occasion. As we share in the joy of these virtuous days with Kuwait's leadership and people, we ask Almighty Allah to bless His Highness with good health and well-being, and Kuwait with ongoing progress and prosperity under his wise leadership. May peace, security, and harmony prevail across the Arab and Islamic nations.' He then reaffirmed the strong ties between Tajikistan and Kuwait, and expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all sectors. European Union (EU) Ambassador Anne Koistinen said 'I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, the friendly Kuwaiti people, and Muslims around the world, including those in the EU, on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. I also offer my warmest congratulations to all pilgrims this year.' She added that 'celebrating Eid Al-Adha for the third consecutive year in Kuwait has deepened my appreciation for the values this occasion reflects like charity, compassion and human connection. Eid Mubarak!' French Ambassador Olivier Gauvin expressed the same; indicating 'I extend sincere congratulations to everyone celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Kuwait, France and around the world. It is an honor to celebrate my first Eid Al-Adha in Kuwait -- a nation where these celebrations reflect a deep culture of generosity, hospitality and solidarity.' He pointed out that the occasion offers a valuable opportunity to reinforce the bonds between societies; wishing everyone a joyful and peaceful Eid filled with good health and well-being. Chargé d'Affaires of the Ukrainian Embassy Mykola Dzhedgora stated 'on behalf of the Ukrainian Embassy, I extend our warmest congratulations to His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, and all Muslims in Kuwait and around the world, including Ukraine.' He confirmed that Ukraine respects Islamic culture and traditions as a meaningful part of its national heritage, adding that Ukrainian Muslims play an important role in defending the country's sovereignty and unity. Mexican Ambassador Eduardo Peña Haller added 'on behalf of the government and people of Mexico, I am honored to offer our warmest congratulations to the leadership and people of Kuwait on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. We wish His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, His Highness the Prime Minister, and the generous Kuwaiti people continued health, prosperity and stability.' He highlighted the spiritual essence of the occasion as he concluded, 'Eid al-Adha represents generosity and unity. It serves as a reminder of the values of compassion, peace and solidarity. We hope it brings joy to Kuwaiti families and strengthens the bonds of friendship between our two nations.' His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah received a congratulatory phone call from Bahrain King Hamad bin Issa Al-Khalifa, on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. During the call, King Hamad prayed Allah to repeat this blessed occasion the two countries, Arab and Muslim nations with progress, goodness and development. In turn, His Highness the Amir thanked King Hamad for this kind gesture, wishing the Kingdom and its people blessed Eid, security and stability. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah received a congratulatory phone call on Wednesday from Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. During the call, Sultan Haitham prayed Allah to repeat this blessed occasion the two countries, Arab and Muslim nations with progress, goodness and development. In turn, His Highness the Amir thanked Sultan Haitham for this kind gesture, wishing the Sultanate and its people blessed Eid, security and stability. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah on Wednesday received a call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, congratulating him on Eid Al-Adha. During the phone conversation, the Iranian president wished His Highness the Amir good health and the State of Kuwait further development and prosperity under His Highness the Amir's wise leadership. His Highness the Amir, in turn, thanked the Iranian president for this good gesture, congratulated him on this happy occasion, and wished him wellness and his friendly country more progress and prosperity.
