
Spain evacuates citizens from Iran
20/06/2025
LOC10:27
07:27 GMT
Spanish Foreign Ministry
MADRID, June 20 (KUNA) -- Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Friday that more than 40 Spaniards have been evacuated from Tehran due to the regional military escalation and instability.
"The first phase of the evacuation of Spaniards has concluded successfully," Albares told reporters, adding that the Spaniards, including residents and transients, in Tehran have happily crossed the border with Armenia." "There are just over 40 Spaniards, as well as some citizens of other nationalities," he said, hoping that in a few hours they would be flying to Spain, where they could be reunited with their families. (end) hnd.mt

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Kuwait Times
an hour ago
- Kuwait Times
Arab armed forces symposium focuses on security and ties
KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense delegation participate in the preparatory meeting of the 29th symposium for representatives of the heads of training bodies of the Arab armed forces.- KUNA photos CAIRO: The preparatory meeting for the 29th symposium of representatives of training bodies in the Arab armed forces commenced on Sunday at the headquarters of the Arab League's General Secretariat, with Tunisia chairing the session and the participation of Kuwait. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Khalil Al-Thawadi, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Arab Affairs and National Security Sector at the Arab League, lauded the continued efforts in organizing these symposiums, which he said significantly contribute to enhancing coordination and cooperation among Arab military institutions and benefit the development of armed forces personnel across the region. Al-Thawadi commended this year's symposium theme, which highlights the pivotal role of self-learning in shaping the future capabilities of the armed forces, particularly in the context of rapid technological advancement and increasingly complex security challenges. 'Self-education has become an essential pillar in strengthening military readiness,' he said. 'It empowers personnel to stay abreast of emerging developments through independent learning using a range of resources, including books and digital platforms, and represents a comprehensive strategy to build agile and adaptive forces.' He stressed that modern combat environments demand institutional innovation and ongoing learning, making self-learning a strategic necessity for today's military establishments. 'Armed forces must be flexible, innovative and continuously upskill to effectively respond to evolving threats,' he noted. Al-Thawadi further emphasized the importance and timeliness of the symposium's theme, pointing to its potential in harmonizing military training methodologies, enhancing strategic planning, and optimizing the human resources of Arab armed forces. He added that the symposium aims to produce guiding studies to support military leaders in their training responsibilities and to advance research and development of skills across military colleges and institutions. The preparatory meeting, which will continue until July 10, will focus on drafting a comprehensive study on self-learning and its influence on military operations and training. The study will be presented at the upcoming meeting of heads of training bodies in Arab armed forces, scheduled for November. Kuwait is represented by a delegation from the Ministry of Defense, headed by Colonel Mohammed Al-Asousi, Head of the Courses Branch at the Military Education Authority, and includes Major Turki Al-Matraqa and Captain Abdul Rahman Al-Jafnawi. — KUNA

Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Kuwait Times
AIIB membership opens new financing path for Kuwait
Move follows new public debt law, aligns with national infrastructure agenda: Analysts KUWAIT: Kuwait has officially joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as a full member, becoming the 111th country to join the China-founded multilateral lender. The announcement was made during the bank's 10th annual meeting, held in Beijing from June 24 to 26, where Kuwait was represented by Saad Al-Rasheedi, Director of the Department of International Economic Cooperation. The move is seen as a strategic milestone, aligning Kuwait's development financing agenda with one of the world's fastest-growing multilateral banks focused on sustainable infrastructure, energy, and digital connectivity. Kuwait's participation was formalized through Decree No 66 of 2025, ratified in early May. Kuwait's Ambassador to China, Jasem Al-Najem, welcomed the development, saying it will strengthen Kuwait's role in international partnerships, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and transportation. 'This step enhances Kuwait's global position in multilateral development financing,' he told KUNA. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Beijing, the AIIB has grown into a key global player, with over 100 member states and more than $60 billion in approved infrastructure financing. The bank is expanding its presence in the Middle East, having opened its first overseas office in Abu Dhabi in 2023, and launching major partnerships with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Green financing Although Kuwait has not yet received direct funding from the AIIB, its accession reflects a broader shift in its fiscal policy. In March 2025, the government enacted Law No 60 on Liquidity and Public Debt, introducing a KD 30 billion debt ceiling and enabling the issuance of sovereign instruments with maturities of up to 50 years. The law is designed to provide long-term financial stability and expand access to international capital. Finance Minister Noura Al-Fassam described the law as key to Kuwait's economic reform agenda. 'This marks a crucial step toward building a diversified and sustainable economy that benefits both the state and its citizens,' she told KUNA in March. Faisal Al-Muzaini, Director of Public Debt Management, said the new framework would help fund infrastructure and development projects—potentially in partnership with institutions like the AIIB—and boost Kuwait's profile as an investment destination. Commentary from Kuwaiti law firm ASAR in May noted that joining the AIIB signals Kuwait's intent to play a more active role in green financing and global infrastructure development, especially in priority sectors like renewable energy and power generation. Analysts say this complements the public debt law, which paves the way for blended financing models involving both traditional and multilateral sources. With a wave of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) being reactivated—such as the Zour North Phases 2 and 3 Independent Water and Power Plants and KDIPA's economic zones—AIIB membership is expected to provide both funding and technical support, ASAR analysts said. The move also reflects Kuwait's deepening ties with China. Over recent years, the two countries have signed multiple memoranda of understanding related to infrastructure, energy, and logistics—sectors that overlap with AIIB's core investment areas. Following GCC's lead Kuwait's accession comes as the GCC as a whole strengthens its relationship with the AIIB, which now includes all six Gulf countries as members. The bank's growing presence in the region reflects increasing demand for infrastructure investment that supports economic diversification, energy transition, and digital transformation—key elements in Vision 2035, Saudi Vision 2030, and UAE's Net Zero 2050. AIIB financing typically takes the form of sovereign loans, equity investments, and PPP arrangements, with a focus on financially sustainable, climate-aligned projects. The bank has committed to allocating at least 50 percent of its funding to climate action by 2025, aligning with global sustainability goals. Still, the AIIB has not escaped geopolitical scrutiny. While officially multilateral, the bank is heavily influenced by China, its largest shareholder with over 25 percent of voting power. This has raised concerns—particularly in Western policy circles—that the AIIB may serve as a tool for expanding Chinese influence through infrastructure diplomacy. Although the bank has taken steps to demonstrate independence—such as suspending operations in Russia and Belarus following the Ukraine invasion—skepticism persists over how political dynamics could shape future lending decisions. Still, in a world increasingly defined by multipolar financing ecosystems, Kuwait's participation in the AIIB offers a new avenue for advancing sustainable development goals, attracting foreign investment, and engaging with a shifting global economic order.

Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Amir hails final exam plan, congratulates outstanding students
HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Wednesday praised the success of the education ministry's final examination plan for senior high school students to close out the 2024/2025 academic year. In a cable he sent to Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, HH the Amir attributed the success of the examination plan to the diligent efforts of education ministry staff, which resulted in a seamless examination process, he said. HH the Amir also sent cables on Wednesday to Kuwaiti and resident high school and religious studies institute students, congratulating them on excelling in the 2024-25 school year. He wished the students and their families more success, expressing hopes for continuous progress and academic excellence. HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah also sent congratulatory cables to Al-Tabtabaei and outstanding students. Al-Tabtabaei had endorsed on Wednesday the results of the grade 12 exams for the literary and scientific divisions, congratulating outstanding students. Al-Tabtabaei appreciated all governmental authorities that contributed to the success of the exams by creating a safe environment and taking all necessary measures to ensure their success. He said the results reflect the ministry's efforts all year long, in addition to the students' efforts to obtain the best results. He congratulated all students and their parents for their efforts and achievements. — KUNA