Latest news with #KuwaitFundforArabEconomicDevelopment

Kuwait Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait Fund lights up in blue to mark World Refugee Day
KFAED, UNIDO ink deal to support fragile states KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) illuminated its headquarters in blue on Thursday in solidarity with refugees worldwide, reaffirming its humanitarian commitment on the occasion of World Refugee Day. The symbolic gesture reflects Kuwait's longstanding support for displaced populations and its call for international solidarity to alleviate their suffering. Acting Director General of KFAED, Waleed Al-Bahar, stressed in a press statement that both the State of Kuwait and the Fund have played a vital role in extending aid to refugees globally, working in collaboration with various UN agencies and international organizations dedicated to refugee and human rights issues. Al-Bahar noted that the Fund maintains strong partnerships with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and UNICEF. It also collaborates with institutions such as the Children's Cancer Center in Lebanon, the King Hussein Cancer Foundation in Jordan, and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) to implement projects aimed at improving the living and health conditions of Syrian, Palestinian, and Rohingya refugees. 'This cooperation stems from our firm belief in the need to secure a dignified life and protect the rights of refugees in a sustainable manner,' he said, highlighting Kuwait's historic humanitarian efforts in supporting vulnerable communities across the globe. Al-Bahar underlined that World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20, serves to honor the strength and resilience of displaced individuals forced to flee due to war, persecution, or natural disasters. He reaffirmed KFAED's continued efforts to enhance refugees' living conditions through impactful partnerships with regional and international stakeholders. Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Waleed Al-Bahar, with Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Gretchen Mulller.- KUNA photos KFAED, UNIDO ink deal Separately, on the sidelines of the 4th OPEC Fund Development Forum held in Vienna, KFAED signed a joint coordination framework with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to identify and finance development projects in conflict-affected regions. Speaking to KUNA, Al-Bahar said the agreement marks the first official collaboration between KFAED and UNIDO, aiming to facilitate development efforts in fragile states, including the occupied Palestinian territories, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan. 'This memorandum is a starting point for strategic long-term cooperation,' Al-Bahar said, adding that the initiative will leverage UNIDO's technical expertise to deliver sustainable solutions in crisis-hit areas. For his part, UNIDO Director General Gerald Müller underscored the agency's focus on implementing practical, high-impact projects, particularly in Africa and Latin America. He highlighted the importance of strong partnerships to enhance industrial development, food security, and renewable energy deployment in vulnerable regions. 'Our core work centers on implementation,' Müller stated, emphasizing the organization's experience in hydrogen energy, infrastructure networks, and water and energy management. He noted that food security remains a priority area for Arab and African nations, and UNIDO brings substantial technical experience to this sector. The 4th OPEC Fund Development Forum, held under the theme 'Transformation Empowers Our Future,' brought together heads of state, policymakers, experts, and innovators to advance inclusive growth and equitable transformation, with a focus on South-South cooperation.- KUNA


Arab Times
3 days ago
- General
- Arab Times
KFAED illuminates its headquarters in blue to mark World Refugee Day
KUWAIT CITY, June 19: The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) lit its headquarters in blue to mark World Refugee Day, reaffirming Kuwait's unwavering humanitarian stance and emphasizing the importance of international solidarity in alleviating the suffering of refugees around the globe. In a press statement issued Thursday, Acting Director General of the Fund, Waleed Al-Bahar, underscored Kuwait's and the Fund's long-standing commitment to supporting refugees through collaboration with global humanitarian agencies and organizations concerned with refugee welfare and human rights. Al-Bahar highlighted KFAED's strategic partnerships with major international organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). He further noted that the Fund also works closely with regional humanitarian and medical institutions, including the Children's Cancer Center in Lebanon, the King Hussein Cancer Foundation in Jordan, and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), by signing agreements to finance development projects that enhance the living and health conditions of Syrian, Palestinian, and Rohingya refugees. "This cooperation reflects our belief in the necessity of providing a dignified life and sustainable daily support for refugees," Al-Bahar stated. "Kuwait, throughout its humanitarian history, has continuously adopted and implemented initiatives to support vulnerable populations, reflecting the nation's enduring legacy of compassion and generosity." Al-Bahar pointed out that World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20, serves to honor the resilience and courage of displaced individuals who have fled their homelands due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. He emphasized the Fund's commitment to continuing its support through effective development and humanitarian partnerships in coordination with both regional and international allies. 'The Kuwait Fund will remain steadfast in its mission to uplift refugees and improve their living conditions as part of a broader global effort to ensure protection, stability, and dignity for all,' he concluded.

Kuwait Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait relations with Africa are 'deep and historic': FM
57 percent of KFAED's global development activity focused on Africa, official says KUWAIT: Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya participated on Tuesday in the celebration of Africa Day, hosted at the invitation of ambassadors and heads of African diplomatic missions accredited to Kuwait. In a press statement on the occasion, he extended heartfelt congratulations, emphasizing that Kuwait's relationship with the African continent is both "deep and historic." He reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination with African nations, highlighting the country's pride in its strong partnership—particularly through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), which has supported vital infrastructure and development projects across the continent since its founding in 1961. Coinciding with the celebration, an art exhibition was inaugurated, featuring both contemporary and traditional works by African artists. Attendees also enjoyed musical and folkloric performances by African cultural troupes, showcasing the richness and authenticity of African heritage and symbolizing the strong historical bonds between the people of Kuwait and Africa. Acting Director General of KFAED, Waleed Al-Bahar, also took part in the celebration. In a press statement, he announced that the fund has financed 540 development projects in more than 50 African countries, with a total value exceeding $11.4 billion. These efforts represent around 57 percent of the fund's global activity and have, he noted, contributed significantly to economic transformation and improved livelihoods across the continent. Al-Bahar emphasized that Africa remains a top priority in the fund's development agenda. He expressed pride in the enduring and robust partnerships with African countries and stressed the importance of continued cooperation to promote further progress, prosperity, and sustainable development across the continent. He noted that KFAED continues to offer loans, grants, and technical assistance to support various programs and projects aimed at advancing comprehensive development in African nations. This year marks the ninth consecutive year of the fund's participation in Africa Day celebrations. Through a dedicated pavilion, the fund showcased its development and humanitarian contributions, highlighting key projects that have supported growth and improved living standards throughout Africa. The celebration also featured the participation of more than 30 embassies from African Union member states, each presenting elements of their country's cultural and historical heritage through exhibits, artifacts, and traditional crafts, reflecting the diverse professions and traditions across the continent. — KUNA


Arab Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait proud of ties with Africa: FM Al-Yahya
KUWAIT CITY, June 11: 'The relationship of Kuwait with countries in the African continent is deep and historic,' says Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullah Al- Yahya. Al-Yahya made the statement when he attended the annual Africa Day celebration, which was held at the invitation of ambassadors and heads of African diplomatic missions in the country. After expressing his sincere greetings on the occasion, Al-Yahya affirmed that Kuwait is keen on strengthening cooperation with the African countries. He said 'Kuwait takes pride in its distinguished cooperation with African countries, particularly through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development's infrastructure and vital development projects across the continent since its establishment in 1961. The private and government sectors, as well as the fund, continue to support our friends in the African continent.' Asked if there is a plan to expand diplomatic representation in the African continent, he disclosed 'we are studying all these matters. We may close some locations and open others.' Meanwhile, Ambassador of the Union of the Comoros to Kuwait Dr. Al-Arif Sayed Hassan delivered a speech on the occasion; stating 'it is a great honor for me to welcome you to this celebration, which is being organized as part of the Africa Day activities in the beautiful city of Kuwait, a source of hospitality and generosity, and a center of humanity.' Addressing Al-Yahya, Hassan stated 'you have always expressed your interest and care for the accredited diplomatic corps, and your presence among us today is a powerful testimony to your love and appreciation for Africa and its peoples.' He added 'Kuwait is writing its name in letters of gold on the brow of the African continent, which is working hard to consolidate and strengthen the relationship of Kuwait with African countries. This celebration of Africa Day in Kuwait is a good opportunity to strengthen these relations, which are characterized by sincere brotherhood and constructive cooperation between the two sides. This is manifested through the signing of bilateral agreements, exchange of visits and diplomatic missions, implementation of educational and cultural programs, support for development and humanitarian projects, exchange of expertise and competencies, and other aspects of bilateral cooperation. This is in addition to fruitful cooperation in the regional and international arenas in various fields; especially political, economic and cultural. All of this is thanks to the joint efforts of leaders, governments and peoples.' He also explained that 'in light of this dynamism, our countries need to rely on strong partners with successful experiences in the fields of development. From this perspective, we highly appreciate and value the efforts of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in its cooperation with 51 African countries and its remarkable initiatives to support the African economy through partnership with the African Development Bank. In conclusion, he said 'I take this opportunity to celebrate Africa Day; with the theme, 'African-Kuwaiti Cooperation within the Framework of Promoting Kuwaiti Investment in Africa for a Strategic Partnership', and to call on businesspersons and investors in Kuwait to support this development dynamic and explore the opportunities and guarantees available in the continent and its companies to serve mutual interests and reinforce profitable partnerships.' It is worth mentioning that an art exhibition was inaugurated on the sidelines of the Africa Day celebration, showcasing the creativity of African artists, in addition to folkloric musical performances by several African folk bands.


See - Sada Elbalad
11-06-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Kuwaiti FM Highlights 'Historic', 'Strong' Ties with African Nations
Nada Mustafa Kuwaiti Foreign Minister (FM), Abdullah Al-Yahya, described his country's relationship with African nations as historic, deep, and strong, affirming Kuwait's commitment to further strengthening cooperation and coordination with the continent in all fields. His remarks came on Tuesday during his participation in the annual 'Africa Day' celebration, which was organized at the invitation of ambassadors and heads of African diplomatic missions accredited to Kuwait. Al-Yahya extended his congratulations on the occasion of Africa Day, emphasizing that Kuwait takes pride in its distinguished collaboration with African countries, particularly through the projects of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. Since its establishment in 1961, the fund has supported key infrastructure and development initiatives across the African continent. In conjunction with the celebration, a cultural exhibition was held showcasing contemporary and traditional artworks by African artists. The event also featured musical folklore performances by several African cultural groups, reflecting the rich African heritage and the strong historical bonds between the people of Kuwait and the African nations. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean