Latest news with #AhmadAbdullahAl-AhmadAl-Sabah
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
PM stresses implementation of strategic pacts with China
KUWAIT CITY, June 19: His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Thursday urged the concerned ministers to follow up on the implementation of the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between Kuwait and China. This came in a meeting headed by His Highness to follow up on the implementation of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between the governments of Kuwait and China. The 15th meeting of the committee touched on the latest developments of projects included in the agreements between the governments of the two countries on cooperation in the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, the electrical power system, the development of renewable energy, low-carbon green system for waste recycling, housing development, environmental infrastructure for wastewater treatment plants, and free and economic zones. The meeting also discussed expanding cooperation and strategic partnerships, as well as investment and economic opportunities with China, and accelerating the implementation of these major projects in line with the country's development vision. The Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs and member and rapporteur of the Ministerial Committee, Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat, gave a detailed explanation of the cooperation, consultation and coordination existing between the governments of the two countries. The meeting was attended by Head of the Prime Minister's Diwan Abdulaziz Al-Dakheel, Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Mishari, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Al- Mukhaizeem, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr. Meshal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Head of the Fatwa and Legislation Department Counselor Salah Al-Majed, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, and member and rapporteur of the Ministerial Committee Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat. (KUNA)
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Activates Food, Health, And Security Protocols Over Regional Unrest
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: In light of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the Cabinet has looked into the arrangements and measures taken by all ministries and other State institutions to guarantee the abundance of medical and food supplies, as well as the availability of services at all times. The Cabinet took this step in its recently concluded weekly meeting, held at Bayan Palace under the chairmanship of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. During the meeting, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi briefed the Cabinet on the preparations of his ministry to provide hospitals and health centers with all the necessary medicines and medical supplies. Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel presented his ministry's report about food security and stock -- mainly the necessary commodities; and ways to monitor the market movement and ensure the abundant supply of everything, especially food and water. In a related development, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya has announced that his ministry prepared a comprehensive emergency plan to evacuate Kuwaiti citizens who are in the Islamic Republic of Iran due to the current situation in the region. He affirmed that the ministry, as per the directive of the political leadership, is closely monitoring the situation of Kuwaiti citizens in Iran round the clock through the Kuwaiti Embassy in Tehran. He stressed that communication with them is ongoing to ensure their safety and to provide them with necessary guidance. He urged all citizens to comply with the instructions of the embassy and to register in the 'Traveler Emergency' service, emphasizing that the security and safety of Kuwaiti citizens abroad is a top priority in the foreign policy of the country. Also, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Johar Hayat announced a plan to evacuate more than 1,000 Kuwaiti citizens from Iran as quickly as possible. He made the announcement when he attended the Independence Day celebration of the Philippine Embassy on Tuesday. Furthermore, the Government Performance Follow-up Agency (GPFA) on Wednesday held a coordination meeting with several entities; including Kuwait Municipality, Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), Kuwait Warehousing Company, Ministry of Public Works, and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The meeting aimed to follow up the implementation of the decision of the Cabinet regarding the report of GPFA on the allocation of strategic storage areas for the establishment of warehouses and depots for food storage and other essential purposes. GPFA also disclosed that it held a separate meeting with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Kuwait Municipality, Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS), Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company, and Kuwait Supply Company to look into the implementation of the decision of the Cabinet on the construction of multistorey buildings for supply centers. These efforts fall within the commitment of the State to enhance food security by establishing strategic storage facilities to meet various national needs. It can be recalled that in the meeting held on Jan 14, the Council of Ministers asked Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel to submit a quarterly report detailing the progress of the strategic supply centers project. Meanwhile, Director of the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) Dr. Hassan Al- Fajjam recently presided over an extensive meeting with his deputies and senior departmental officials to discuss preventive measures and review the emergency preparedness plan of the authority. The meeting was held in line with government directives in relation to ongoing regional developments. Al-Fajjam reaffirmed that the safety of students and staff in the colleges, institutes and training centers of PAAET remains its highest priority. He stressed the importance of enhancing preparedness levels, boosting readiness, and maintaining continuous coordination with relevant official bodies. The meeting included a comprehensive review of the updated emergency plan, and the associated organizational and administrative procedures; such as ensuring immediate and orderly evacuation, maintaining continuity of education and operations, activating communication and emergency systems, and securing all institutional facilities. He issued a directive on the immediate updating of all officials' contact information, activation of technical support and e-learning platforms as needed; and intensified awareness campaigns on preventive measures for the students and staff. In a related announcement, PAAET confirmed the readiness of designated shelters in its campuses. These facilities meet all safety and emergency standards set by competent authorities and are fully equipped to safeguard the staff and students in case of any emergency. It also affirmed the ongoing coordination with the Civil Defense General Directorate to update shelter locations, verify data, and provide guidance to all educational institutions. Al-Fajjam underscored the need to establish sub-emergency committees in each college and institute. These committees will be directly linked to the Central Operations Unit of the authority to ensure quick response and continuous coordination with vital ministries, particularly the ministries of Interior and Health. He emphasized the importance of institutional discipline and the precise execution of procedures, while commending the commitment and professionalism of the technical and administrative teams. Expressing confidence in the workforce of the authority, he called for collective responsibility and cooperation to guarantee a secure and resilient educational environment. He reaffirmed that public safety remains a strategic priority for PAAET, and that it is closely monitoring developments to ensure full readiness and rapid response. On the other hand, Undersecretary of the National Guard Lieutenant General Eng. Hashem Al-Rifai -- accompanied by Assistant for Operations and Training Major General Dr. Faleh Shujaa -- on Wednesday made an inspection tour at Tahrir Camp, where they were warmly welcomed by Assistant for Administrative Support Major General Engineer Essam Nayef, senior commanders and officers. In a press statement, the National Guard confirmed that Al-Rifai visited the Medical Services Directorate and inspected the building housing the specialized clinics, medical warehouses and the central pharmacy; as well as the Supply and Transport Branch, to determine the strategic stock in the institution. According to the statement, Al-Rifai called for vigilance, activating the plans in force, and taking the highest level of caution in light of the current developments in the region. He was briefed on the smart ambulance system, specifically its role in diagnosing the patient in a step aimed at enhancing the efficiency of emergency response and enabling ambulance teams to record patients' medical data in real time using smart devices inside ambulances to ensure the accuracy and speed of data transfer. He said the smart ambulance system is a strategic step and the fruit of continuous efforts to employ advanced technology and innovation in protecting the personnel. He praised the high level of readiness of the staff and their vital role in protecting the country, maintaining national security, and supporting other State agencies. He cited the unlimited support provided by the leadership of the National Guard to the affiliates -- represented by National Guard Chief Sheikh Mubarak Hamoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Deputy Chief Sheikh Faisal Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al Sabah -- for everything that serves the country under the wise leadership of Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces 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, may Allah protect them. Moreover, Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah received a phone call from Bahraini Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Khaled Al-Jalahma. In a press statement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry disclosed that the two sides discussed the latest developments in the region. Also, the national carrier of Lebanon -- Middle East Airlines (MEA) -- has announced that it changed the departure times of its flights from Beirut to Kuwait on June 18-20 due to emergency changes in certain air routes in the region. In a press statement, the company explained that the flight schedules were revised due to current circumstances and alterations to some air routes, which have resulted in longer flight durations. It stated that flights from Beirut to Kuwait will retain their original flight number of ME 404, but will now depart at 7:50 am instead of the previously scheduled time of 8:40 am on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It added that the revised departure times will follow local time in both Beirut and Kuwait. The company advised all the affected passengers to contact its call center or visit the official website for more information and updated flight details. This exceptional measure is taken amid the regional tension impacting civil aviation, particularly due to the ongoing military confrontation between Israel and Iran, which have led to changes in flight routes in neighboring regional airspace. In latest development, Iran's supreme leader on Wednesday rejected U.S. calls for surrender in the face of blistering Israeli strikes and warned that any military involvement by the Americans would cause 'irreparable damage' to them, in recorded video aired by state TV. It was the second public appearance by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei since the Israeli strikes began, and came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' in a social media post and warned Khamenei that the U.S. knows where he is but has no plans to kill him, 'at least not for now.' Trump initially distanced himself from Israel's surprise attack on Friday that triggered the conflict, but in recent days has hinted at greater American involvement, saying he wants something 'much bigger' than a ceasefire. The U.S. has also sent more military aircraft and warships to the region. Khamenei dismissed the 'threatening and absurd statements' by Trump. 'Wise individuals who know Iran, its people, and its history never speak to this nation with the language of threats, because the Iranian nation is not one to surrender,' he said in the low-resolution video, his voice echoing. 'Americans should know that any military involvement by the U.S. will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them.' Iran followed a similar sequence in releasing Khamenei's statement before the video was aired, perhaps as a security measure. His location is not known and was impossible to discern from the tight shot that showed only beige curtains, an Iranian flag and a portrait of Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei's immediate predecessor who died in 1989. An Iranian diplomat had earlier Wednesday warned that U.S. intervention would risk 'all-out war.' Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei did not elaborate, but thousands of American troops are based in nearby countries within range of Iran's weapons. The U.S. has threatened a massive response to any attack. Another Iranian official said the country would keep enriching uranium for peaceful purposes, apparently ruling out Trump's demands that Iran give up its disputed nuclear program. The latest Israeli strikes hit one facility used to make uranium centrifuges and another that made missile components, the Israeli military said. It said it had intercepted 10 missiles overnight as Iran's retaliatory barrages diminish. The U.N. nuclear watchdog said Israel struck two centrifuge production facilities in and near Tehran. The Israeli military said it also carried out strikes in western Iran, hitting missile storage sites and a loaded missile launcher.
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti Cabinet reviews security, economic projects in weekly meeting
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers held its weekly session on Tuesday at Bayan Palace under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister. Following the meeting, Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Badah Al-Mutairi issued a statement summarizing the session's key discussions and decisions. The Cabinet began by extending heartfelt congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the people of Kuwait on the advent of the Hijri New Year 1447 AH. Ministers offered prayers for continued prosperity and blessings for Kuwait and the Arab and Islamic nations. The meeting reviewed messages addressed to His Highness the Amir from leaders of friendly and allied countries, focusing on enhancing bilateral ties and strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. In line with its commitment to monitor regional developments and bolster national preparedness, the Cabinet examined the minutes of the Ministerial Committee for Food, Drug, and Water Security. Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi briefed the ministers on the Ministry's pharmaceutical and medical stockpiles, confirming readiness to supply hospitals and health centers with essential medications and supplies over sustained periods. Commerce and Industry Minister Khalifa Abdullah Al-Ajil Al-Askar presented a visual report on Kuwait's strategic food reserves, market surveillance, and cooperative society monitoring to ensure the stable availability of food items and bottled water. Cabinet members also discussed overall readiness measures taken by ministries and government agencies in light of regional conditions. Ministers affirmed the continued delivery of essential services and supplies, as well as efforts to maintain national security and stability. On the development front, Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Mohammed Al-Mashaan provided a detailed update on the new Kuwait International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) project, including its infrastructure, access roads, service buildings, and aircraft facilities. T2 has earned a Gold Rating from the U.S. Green Building Council under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, signaling international recognition of its sustainability standards. The Cabinet expressed gratitude to Dr. Al-Mashaan, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and all involved in the T2 project. Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Abdullatif Hamed Al-Mishari offered a presentation on the Northern Economic Zone and Islands Project, emphasizing Bubiyan and Failaka Islands. The project is seen as a pivotal driver of non-oil revenue and a means to expand private sector engagement in industry, commerce, and tourism. Further, senior officials from the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), and its General Reserve Sector discussed plans for a new Entertainment City. The initiative, aimed at enhancing Kuwait's tourism appeal and economic activity, will involve collaboration with leading international companies for investment and operations. As part of its commitment to combating terrorism and its financing, the Cabinet reviewed a recommendation from the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs concerning an amendment to Law No. 106 of 2013. The proposed decree-law, approved by the Cabinet, will be submitted to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final endorsement. The Council also acknowledged the Civil Service Commission's circular designating Thursday, June 26, 2025, as a public holiday in observance of the Hijri New Year. Official work will resume on Sunday, June 29, 2025, with exceptions granted for agencies providing essential services. The session concluded with a review of various items on the agenda. The Cabinet approved several matters and referred others to the relevant ministerial committees for further evaluation and procedural completion.
Arab Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Lawsuits in Kuwait get a fee-lift
KUWAIT CITY, June 5: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah presided over the weekly meeting of the Cabinet, during which a decree-law amending certain provisions of Judicial Fees Law No. 17/1973 was approved. This amendment is the first in more than five decades. It aims to limit the growing number of vexatious cases, ensure the seriousness of the right to litigation, and promote alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration and conciliation. The amendment includes the increase of fees and rates imposed on lawsuits with a specified or unspecified claim value. It stipulates a five percent rate if the claim value is up to KD30,000; 3.5 percent if the claim value exceeds KD30,000 up to KD150,000; 2.5 percent if the value ranges between KD150,000 and KD500,000; 1.5 percent if the claim value ranges between KD500,000 and KD5million; and one percent if the claim value exceeds KD5 million. It raised the fees for orders on petitions and requests from KD5 to KD10; KD50 for urgent lawsuits and enforcement issues — up from KD3; court lawsuit fees increased to KD100, including the request to appoint an expert; KD150 for enforcement issues — up from KD30; KD100 for requests to dismiss a judge, expert and arbitrator; KD500 for a request to refer a property to a sales judge; the fee for warnings for each party increased from 500 fils to KD5; cost of stamp duty increased from 500 fils to KD1; and requests to expedite lawsuits, suspension and cancellation are subject to a fee of KD5. Article One of the Decree-Law stipulates the replacement of a number of articles of the Judicial Fees Law with new texts. Article Two states that if the lawsuit includes multiple claims of known value — whether original or reserve, and arising from a single legal cause; the assessment shall be based on their total value. However, if they arise from different legal causes, the assessment shall be based on the value of each one separately. Article Five states that if it is impossible to estimate a claim, it shall be deemed unvalued. The following claims, in particular, shall be deemed unvalued: claims for the authenticity of a signature, claims and objections submitted to the judge of urgent matters, original forgery claims, requests for enforcement of arbitrators' rulings and appeals against such orders, requests for orders to implement foreign court rulings, requests to dismiss judges, experts and arbitrators, requests and orders on petitions submitted to the Execution Department and appeals against them, claims for easements, claims for interpretation and correction of rulings, claims for review of endowments, claims for entitlement to residency in endowment sites or their eviction, and claims for eviction of rented premises. It also stipulates that if a claim includes multiple original claims or original and reserve claims — all of which are unvalued — a fee shall be imposed on each of them separately. If these claims are related, a single fee shall be imposed on them. Under the decree, a fixed fee is imposed on the following lawsuits: personal status lawsuits of all types, partition lawsuits between partners, appeals against orders on petitions, and the list of fees and expenses. Fees are also collected for each lawsuit that has been in effect for one year from the date of its cancellation and has not been renewed from the date of cancellation, or from the date of the expiration of the penal or consensual stay and has not been resumed. A fee of KD5 is imposed for a request to renew a lawsuit from cancellation, shorten its hearing date, or expedite it from the penal or consensual stay. The applicant is obligated to pay this fee regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit. A new fee of 10 percent of the value of the fee due is collected for the lawsuit when it is re-filed within three months from the date of the judgment, as if it never existed, or by abandoning it; provided that the subject of the lawsuit or its litigants do not change. The exemption request shall be submitted to the Clerks Department of the Court of First Instance, accompanied by the supporting documents or a copy thereof. The Clerks Department shall notify the Judicial Fees Department of the request and its documents, so that it may submit its report. A committee of three judges shall be formed to decide on the request in the absence of the parties and without pleading unless the committee deems it necessary to attend. The committee shall have a secretary who will attend its sessions and record its minutes. The committee's decision shall be issued by a majority vote of its members, including the reasons for the decision and the basis upon which the exemption was based. The exemption from fees shall be personal and shall not extend to the heirs of the exempted person or their replacement. The committee referred to in the previous article may, during the course of the case or after judgment therein, based on a request from the Judicial Fees Department or the opposing party in the case, annul the exemption decision if it is proven that the justified incapacity has ceased. The Court Clerks Department shall notify the circuit hearing the case of the annulment decision. If the fee-exempt opponent is required to pay the fees, he must first be requested to pay them. If it is impossible to collect the fees from him, it is permissible to recover them from the concerned party if the state of his inability is no longer in accordance with the previous article. A fee of KD5 is imposed on warnings and notifications — other than notification of the statement of claim, judgment and other notifications related to the progress of a dispute before the court — for each person notified. A fee of 500 fils is collected for each page of the copy of the judgment requested from non-litigants. The same fee is imposed for each page requested by the litigants after they obtained the first copy. A fee of KD1 is imposed on certificates and copies of the lawsuit papers requested by the litigants or others regarding the progress of the lawsuit or the judgment therein. It also stipulates that the courts shall adjudicate in lawsuits and requests for which the fee is paid in advance, or for which a temporary exemption is established. No lawsuit or request may be initiated before this fee is paid. If it is found that it has not been paid, the court shall grant the plaintiff an appropriate period for payment. If he does not pay within that period without an acceptable excuse, the lawsuit is deemed null and void. The provisions of Article 123 of the Civil and Commercial Procedures Law shall apply to orders to assess fees and the appeals against them. Without prejudice to the rules of exemption from court fees, the plaintiff is obligated to pay the fee until a final judgment is issued against the other party. The explanatory memorandum states that Law No. 17/1973 regarding judicial fees was issued more than 50 years ago; and it has not been amended despite the economic and social changes in recent years, including the rise in inflation rate and the level of per capita income, which led to an increase in the prices of goods and services. It added that the increasing level of public culture and trust in the judiciary have encouraged citizens to resort to the courts as a safe haven for resolving their disputes. This has led to a steady increase in the number of cases brought before them; hence, litigants have to endure the pain of waiting for resolution.
Arab Times
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait targets exam cheating with prison terms, hefty fines
KUWAIT CITY, June 5: Minister of Education Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei praised the Cabinet's approval on Wednesday of a draft bill amending the Penal Code and criminalizing cheating and exam leaks. He called the legal amendments 'a turning point' for educational justice. He expressed gratitude to His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al- Sabah and other Cabinet members for their roles in this development, which reflects the political leadership's commitment to safeguarding the futures of students. The draft law explicitly outlaws the printing, selling, or leaking of exam questions and answers for intermediate and secondary schools, mainly when intended to facilitate cheating or undermine the examination process. Al-Tabtabaei emphasized that such actions threaten Kuwait's educational reputation and that legal action would be taken against offenders. The Cabinet's approved amendments add two articles to the Penal Code: Article 259 bis, which punishes leaking exam materials with imprisonment of up to five years and fines ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 dinars, and Article 259 bis (a), which penalizes altering exam answers or grades with up to seven years in prison and fines between 5,000 and 10,000 dinars. This initiative aims to protect the integrity of education and ensure fair assessments for all students. Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti Council of Ministers, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, convened its weekly session on Wednesday at Bayan Palace, reviewing significant local, regional, and international developments while approving major legal and institutional reforms. At the outset, the Cabinet extended Eid Al-Adha greetings to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the people and residents of Kuwait. It also congratulated the Crown Prince on the first anniversary of assuming office, praising his national achievements and leadership. As part of its legislative agenda, the Cabinet approved two draft decree-laws. The first introduces Articles 259 bis and 259 bis (A) to Penal Code No. 16 of 1960, criminalizing acts related to cheating and manipulation in intermediate and secondary school exams. Violations are punishable by imprisonment of up to seven years and fines ranging from KD 1,000 to KD 10,000. The second draft law amends Judicial Fees Law No. 17 of 1973, aiming to discourage frivolous lawsuits and promote alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and conciliation. These measures seek to preserve the integrity of the educational system and improve the effectiveness of the judiciary. The Cabinet commended the recent speech delivered by His Highness the Crown Prince at the Second GCC–ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where he represented His Highness the Amir in his capacity as President of the Gulf Cooperation Council. In his address, His Highness emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation and building strategic partnerships rooted in mutual respect, sustainable development, and integration. Highlighting the combined economic strength of the GCC and ASEAN — with a total GDP nearing USD 6 trillion — His Highness called for enhanced cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and food security, especially through sustainable agricultural investment. The Cabinet also praised the Crown Prince's participation in the GCC–ASEAN–China Tripartite Summit, where he welcomed the launch of the 2023–2027 strategic dialogue action plan. The plan outlines collaboration across sectors including renewable energy, education, health, technology, and scientific research. The Cabinet reviewed the results of the Crown Prince's official visit to Japan from May 28 to 31. During the visit, His Highness met with Emperor Naruhito, Crown Prince Fumihito, and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to discuss elevating bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Minister of Information, Culture, and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi presented a detailed report on the Crown Prince's visit to Kuwait's pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, His Highness toured the pavilion, which showcases Kuwait's achievements in economy, energy, environment, education, and cultural heritage. He expressed appreciation for the organizers' efforts in presenting Kuwait's identity to the global audience. The Cabinet also discussed the outcomes of the recent official visit by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara. The talks, chaired by His Highness the Amir on the Kuwaiti side and President Al-Shara on the Syrian side, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors and addressing the latest developments in Syria. Both parties emphasized the need for intensified international efforts to ensure Syria's sovereignty, security, and stability. Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed high-level visits from the leaders of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Talks with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the strength of fraternal relations. These meetings led to the signing of several memoranda of understanding in sectors such as energy, advanced technology, education, law, health, investment, and cybersecurity. The Council received a presentation from Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem, who outlined progress on several strategic infrastructure projects. These include the Shagaya and Abdaliyah Renewable Energy Projects, Az-Zour North Phases II and III, Khairan and Nuwaiseeb Phase I, and the Subiya Plant expansion phases. Combined, these projects will add 14,050 megawatts of electricity and 228 million gallons of daily water production. The Cabinet commended the ministry's efforts and stressed the importance of addressing implementation challenges to meet the nation's growing energy demands. The session concluded with the Cabinet approving several items on the agenda and referring others to specialized ministerial committees for further review and action. Through these comprehensive discussions and decisions, the Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to national development, regional cooperation, and institutional integrity.
