
From Headlines To Harmony: Kuwait And Armenia Build Media Bridges
They exchanged views on the role of the media in building bridges of communication among peoples and enhancing cultural understanding between Kuwait and Armenia. They also tackled the importance of responsible press coverage in highlighting bilateral relations and expanding areas of cooperation. Arakelyan praised the role played by Al- Seyassah and Arab Times newspapers in supporting diplomatic efforts, as well as their balanced coverage of the activities of the Armenian Embassy and the positive image it reflects in terms of rapprochement between the two friendly countries. He expressed his admiration for the analyses and articles published by Al-Seyassah.
He revealed: 'I share the articles of the Editor-in-Chief with the Armenian press; because they reflect a balanced vision and present a rational, open and respected discourse.' On the other hand, Al-Jarallah affirmed the commitment of the Kuwaiti media to open channels of communication with diplomatic missions in Kuwait. He said the media remains a key partner in promoting the concepts of dialogue and openness among different cultures. He also lauded the efforts of the embassy in supporting joint cooperation, asserting that Al- Seyassah has always been a national platform open to all voices contributing to the promotion of understanding and peace among peoples. Also present at the meeting were Director of Legal Affairs Department at Al-Seyassah Attorney Hamada Al-Amir and colleague Bassam Al-Qassas.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
3 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwaitis take part in Gulf Research Forum at Cambridge University
CAMBRIDGE, UK: A group of Kuwaiti researchers participated Wednesday in the 15th Gulf Research Forum, currently being held at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom from July 22 to 24. The annual forum, which brings together scholars from over 180 countries, focuses on a broad spectrum of topics related to the Gulf region, including politics, economics, energy, security and the social sciences. Kuwait's participation underscores the growing presence of its academic community on the international stage and highlights its commitment to addressing regional challenges, particularly in the fields of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Dr Fay Bin Salama, a specialist in cybersecurity, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that she chaired the forum's 12th workshop, held under the theme: 'Enhancing the Security of Gulf States Against Threats – Hybrid: Building Resilience and Enhancing Regional Cooperation among GCC Countries.' During the session, she also presented a research paper proposing a unified framework to assess the cybersecurity readiness of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and to promote greater regional collaboration in countering emerging digital threats. Talal Mulla Ali, a researcher and doctoral candidate at Brunel University London, contributed by presenting policy recommendations drawn from his ongoing research titled 'The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human-Machine Interaction in Social Media... to Alleviate the Fear of Loss.' Meanwhile, Awrad Mulla Ali, a doctoral researcher at the University of Birmingham, presented her study titled 'Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Its Value in Legal Translation and Protection from Hybrid Threats – Case Study: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior.' Her paper explored the integration of AI technologies within government institutions to enhance legal accuracy and cybersecurity. The Gulf Research Forum includes 12 specialized workshops that address a range of regional topics, extending beyond the Gulf to include Iraq and Yemen. Since its inception in 2010, the forum has served as a platform for constructive dialogue and academic exchange, drawing participation from prominent leaders, policymakers, researchers and experts from around the world. The forum, which began its sessions on Tuesday, will feature numerous panel discussions and the presentation of peer-reviewed research papers aimed at informing regional policies and strengthening the Gulf's strategic role both regionally and globally. — KUNA

Kuwait Times
6 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Somalia donors losing faith as Al-Shabaab insurgency surges
Govt faces a perfect storm of declining global support and demoralized army NAIROBI: Despite billions of dollars in international support, Somalia's army has melted in the face of a months-long offensive by the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgency, and donors are running out of patience. Using hundreds of fighters and a vehicle packed with explosives for a suicide attack, Al-Shabaab retook the town of Moqokori on July 7, the latest in a wave of defeats this year for the government. It has given them a strategic geographical position to launch attacks into the Hiiraan region, but it was also a powerful symbolic victory over a local clan militia that had been the government's 'best fighting force' against Al-Shabaab, according to Omar Mahmood of the International Crisis Group. Somalia's government has been battling the Islamist militant group since the mid-2000s and its fortunes have waxed and waned, but now faces a perfect storm of declining international support, a demoralized army and political infighting. The government relied on local militias, known as 'Macwiisley', for a successful campaign in 2022-23, taking some 200 towns and villages from Al-Shabaab. But the insurgents' counter-offensive this year has seen them regain some 90 percent of their lost territory, estimates Rashid Abdi of Sahan Research, a think tank. Towns that were supposed models of stabilization, like Masaajid Cali Gaduud and Adan Yabal, have fallen. Three bridges along the Shebelle River, crucial to military supply lines, have been destroyed. 'The whole stretch from the north-west to the south-west of Mogadishu is now controlled largely by Al-Shabaab,' Abdi told AFP. The Macwiisley campaign collapsed, he said, because the government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, known as HSM, 'was extremely inept at working with the clans', empowering some and not others based on political favoritism rather than military needs. 'The mobilization went well when the president came from Mogadishu to start the first phase of the offensive (in 2022). Everybody was heavily involved in the fighting... assisting the national army,' Mohamed Hassan, a local militia member in Hiiraan, told AFP. 'It's no longer the same because the leadership are no longer involved and there seems to be disorganization in how the community militias are mobilized,' he added. The Somali National Army has done little to stem the insurgents, unsurprising for a force 'still in development mode while trying to fight a war at the same time,' said Mahmood, the analyst. Its most effective arm, the US-trained 'Danab' commando unit, is better at killing militants than holding territory, and has suffered demoralizing losses to its officer corps, added Abdi. 'We are beginning to see an army that is not just dysfunctional, but losing the will to actually fight,' he said. The problems stem from the wider chaos of Somali politics, in which a kaleidoscope of clan demands have never resolved into anything like a national consensus. The government has vowed a renewed military push, but President Mohamud's focus has been on holding the country's first-ever one-man, one-vote election next year. That 'will not happen', said a Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. Even in Mogadishu, where security is strongest, 'any polling station would get bombed,' he said. 'It's unfortunate that attention was shifted towards insignificant political-related matters which do not help security instead of focusing on strengthening the armed forces,' ex-president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed recently told reporters. Al-Shabaab has not launched a full assault on the capital, but has repeatedly demonstrated its presence. Pot-shots targeting the airport are at an all-time high, said the diplomat, and Mohamud narrowly survived an attack on his convoy outside the presidential palace in March. The group also controls much of the economy. 'It out-taxes the state. Its business tentacles spread everywhere,' said Abdi. 'It is one of the wealthiest insurgencies in Africa.' Meanwhile, the government's foreign backers are losing patience. The European Union and United States have poured well over $7 billion into Somali security — primarily various African Union-led missions — since 2007, according to the EU Institute for Security Studies. The previous AU mission ended in December, but had to be immediately replaced with a new one — with the quip-generating acronym AUSSOM — because Somali forces were still not ready to take over. — AFP


Arab Times
6 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait and Peru building bridges across continents
In 2025, Kuwait and Peru proudly celebrate 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, a golden milestone that reflects decades of cooperation, shared values, and a sincere desire to build bridges between two distant yet increasingly connected nations. Diplomatic ties were formally established in 1975, and over the years, both countries have worked to deepen cooperation in a range of areas. The Embassy of Peru in Kuwait originally opened in 1989 but had to close due to the war. It was officially reopened in 2011, marking a renewed phase of engagement and presence in the Gulf region. This year has already seen notable developments. In April 2025, the Foreign Minister of Peru paid an official visit to Kuwait, meeting with His Highness the Crown Prince and several senior authorities. The visit reflected the importance Peru places on strengthening bilateral ties, not only politically and economically, but also in strategic areas such as food security, where both countries see significant potential for cooperation. Economically, the relationship continues to grow. According to the United Nations COMTRADE database, Kuwait imported goods worth approximately 6.27 million US dollars from Peru in 2023. With Peru's dynamic and diverse economy, particularly in agriculture, mining, and clean energy, and Kuwait's strong financial institutions and investment appetite, the groundwork is in place for deeper trade and investment opportunities. Cultural exchange has also become an important part of the relationship. In 2023, Peru and Kuwait signed a cultural cooperation agreement, supported by the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters of Kuwait. These partnerships have paved the way for artistic dialogue, mutual learning, and cultural diplomacy that brings the people of both countries closer together. It's also worth noting that, according to recent estimates, between 150 to 200 Kuwaiti citizens visit Peru each year, a modest but meaningful number that refl ects growing interest in tourism and cultural exploration. As Kuwait and Peru look ahead to the next chapter, the relationship is anchored in shared ambition, openness, and trust. The 50th anniversary is not just a commemoration of the past but a celebration of the future, one filled with opportunity, understanding, and continued friendship across continents