Latest news with #TubaNurSönmez
Kuwait Times
09-07-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Turkish Embassy joins Kuwait's Healthy City initiative to promote recycling, sustainability
'We want to be an active and responsible part of the society we live in' KUWAIT: The Turkish Embassy in Kuwait took part in a community recycling event on Monday, held under the Healthy City Project in partnership with the Asimah Governorate and Dahiyat Abdullah Al Salem. The initiative aims to raise environmental awareness and foster a culture of sustainable living in Kuwaiti neighborhoods. Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait Tuba Nur Sönmez said the Embassy's participation reflects a broader commitment to supporting local initiatives and contributing positively to the host society. 'We want to be an active and responsible part of the society we live in. Kuwait is a unique example of a society that takes environmental responsibility seriously,' she said. 'From neighborhoods to local associations — even housewives — people are doing their part to care for the environment.' Participants sort recyclable materials during the Healthy City recycling initiative in Dahiyat Abdullah Al Salem. - Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Sönmez expressed appreciation to the organizers for introducing the Embassy to the neighborhood's recycling facility and the larger effort coordinated by the Dahiyat Abdullah Al Salem Healthy City coalition. 'This initiative is not just about recycling; it's about a mindset of responsibility,' she said. 'We were proud to join hands with the Governorate and the Healthy City team to show our support to those already working hard to protect the environment.' The ambassador highlighted the importance of practicing the full '3Rs' of sustainability — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — starting with individual awareness and daily habits. 'Recycling is just the third step. First, we must reduce what we consume — especially plastics, glass, metals and paper. Then we need to reuse whatever we can before we even think of recycling,' she explained. 'Plastic waste in particular is a growing challenge in Kuwait. We must all take this seriously — not just for today, but for the generations to come.' She stressed that environmental responsibility must start at home and be taught early, especially in schools. 'It begins with individuals — teaching children from a young age how to care for the environment. But it also requires institutional support, and we're grateful to see that local authorities and the Healthy City Coalition are playing an active role.' The ambassador also linked these values to Turkey's foreign policy and its domestic efforts in environmental leadership. 'In Turkey, we grow up learning to respect and protect the environment. It's part of how we live — and also how we engage globally,' she said. She added that the Turkish Embassy in Kuwait practices waste separation and recycling internally and will now contribute monthly to the Healthy City initiative by delivering its sorted waste for proper reuse and recycling. 'We're happy to now be part of this local cycle of responsibility. From now on, we will bring our recyclable materials every month to contribute to the community effort,' she said. The ambassador encouraged others in Kuwait's diplomatic and expatriate communities to join the movement. 'I invite every embassy and every foreign resident in Kuwait to become part of this important journey. Together, we can make a real difference.' The Healthy City Project is a long-term initiative under Kuwait's Ministry of Health and local municipalities to promote healthy, sustainable urban environments. Dahiyat Abdullah Al Salem is one of Kuwait's pioneering neighborhoods recognized for community-led environmental and public health programs.
Arab Times
26-05-2025
- Arab Times
Turkish cuisine healthy, roots embedded in history
KUWAIT CITY, May 26: The Turkish Embassy in Kuwait hosted a special reception at the Marina Hotel on Monday, as part of the Turkish Cuisine Week held annually from May 21-27, in cooperation with the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) -- an affiliate of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Sadiq Marafi attended the event, along with many members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the culinary sector, well-known chefs, travel agents, social media influencers and media professionals. Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait Tuba Nur Sönmez delivered a speech at the event; affirming the importance of Turkish cuisine among world cuisines, considering its rich history, focus on health and sustainable features. She touched on the shared cultural values between Turkiye and Kuwait, particularly in hospitality and culinary arts. She expressed her confidence that such activities contribute to deepening the friendly relations and cultural ties between the two countries. The event featured a presentation highlighting the evolution of Turkish culinary culture throughout history, its regional diversity, and the traditional techniques used in food preparation. Attendees were also allowed to taste a selection of carefully prepared Turkish dishes, drinks and desserts, as well as their detailed recipes and preparation methods. The event included a special exhibition featuring photographs and recipes of Turkish cuisine, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the richness of Turkish culinary heritage. The highlight of the evening was a Turkish folk dance performance by students from the Turkish-Kuwaiti School, which mesmerized the audience. The evening concluded with a raffl e for round-trip tickets to Turkiye, provided by Pegasus Airlines.
Arab Times
07-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Signs Historic Railway Contract with Turkish Firm
KUWAIT CITY, April 7: In a significant step toward regional connectivity, Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan signed a major railway development contract today in the presence of Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait Tuba Nur Sönmez. The agreement with Royapi Turkey, an international consulting firm, covers a comprehensive study, detailed design, and tender document preparation for the first phase of Kuwait's railway network. This strategic project aligns with the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) vision to establish a 2,177-kilometer transnational railway network connecting all member states from Kuwait to Oman. The network will serve both passenger and freight transportation needs across the region. The Kuwaiti segment of this ambitious project will feature a 111-kilometer track running from Shadadiya (site of the main Kuwait Railway Station on a 2 million square meter plot) to Nuwaiseeb. Minister Al-Mashaan emphasized that the contract signing followed all proper procedures, including approval from the Central Agency for Public Tenders and the Audit Bureau. "With the design phase now underway, we will proceed to the implementation tender upon its completion," the Minister stated, marking a crucial milestone in Kuwait's infrastructure development.
Arab Times
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
‘Turkiye, Kuwait share culture, traditions'
KUWAIT CITY, March 17: On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, the Turkish Embassy in Kuwait hosted a Ghabga event at its premises on March 16th, 2025. In her welcoming speech, Ambassador Tuba Nur Sönmez emphasized the shared culture and traditions observed by Turkish and Kuwaiti people during Ramadan, such as sharing meals, the strength of 'togetherness,' and engaging in acts of charity. Ambassador Sönmez also highlighted ongoing humanitarian tragedies across the world, including the genocide in Gaza, the war in Ukraine, and the crisis in Sudan. She touched upon the situation in Syria and commemorated the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, calling for constructive engagement for peaceful solutions and creating a world where everyone can practice their faith in harmony. Following her speech, a video showcasing the spirit of Ramadan in Türkiye was screened, presenting the cultural heritage of the country. The evening continued with a performance by four talented Turkish artists: Ms. VediaUlak on the 'ney,' Mr. Fatih Şanver on the 'qanun,' Mr. Onur Gunduzer on the 'guitar,' and Mr. Hasan Tamer on the 'baglama.' Their selections of traditional Turkish folk, art, and Sufi music resonated deeply with the audience. A commemorative group photograph was taken to mark the occasion. Guests at the event indulged in delicacies from traditional Turkish cuisine, including sweets and desserts. A cultural pre-dawn drummer presented traditional roaming, usually performed before suhoor in the streets, adding to the festive atmosphere. Attendees also participated in a quiz show about Türkiye and were presented with special gifts. Ambassador Tuba Nur Sönmez was accompanied by dignitaries from the State of Kuwait, including Deputy and Assistant Ministers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the diplomatic corps, cultural envoys, high-level Kuwaiti officials, CEOs, and representatives of companies and NGOs
