logo
Kuwait reviews progress on China agreements in high-level meeting

Kuwait reviews progress on China agreements in high-level meeting

Arab Times6 days ago
KUWAIT CITY, July 24: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired the 20th meeting of the Ministerial Committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between Kuwait and the People's Republic of China. The meeting was held Thursday at Bayan Palace.
The session reviewed the progress of several strategic initiatives, with a focus on the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, renewable energy development, housing, environmental infrastructure, including wastewater treatment plants, eco-friendly recycling, combating desertification, and advancing sustainable agriculture.
During the meeting, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs and Committee Rapporteur, Ambassador Sameeh Johar Hayat, delivered a comprehensive briefing on the steps taken by relevant Kuwaiti authorities to follow through on bilateral agreements.
Ambassador Hayat announced that a high-level technical delegation from the Ministry of Public Works is scheduled to visit China early next week. The visit is aimed at enhancing environmental infrastructure cooperation and discussing the implementation of wastewater treatment projects across Kuwait.
He also reported on recent meetings between Chinese officials and senior Kuwaiti authorities focusing on desertification control. The Chinese delegation, which visited for eight days, toured sites across Kuwait in need of land rehabilitation and submitted a technical report outlining implementation mechanisms for afforestation and anti-sand encroachment projects. These efforts align with directives from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
His Highness the Prime Minister emphasized the strategic importance of Kuwait-China cooperation and urged all involved ministries and agencies to intensify efforts to realize the vision of the country's leadership. He stressed the necessity of full coordination to fulfill the ambitions of both nations and support Kuwait's national development agenda.
Among the officials present were Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs Noura Al-Fassam, Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Sabeeh Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem, Acting Head of the Prime Minister's Diwan Sheikh Khaled Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, and President of the Fatwa and Legislation Department Counselor Salah Al-Majed.
The meeting underscored Kuwait's ongoing commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with China and advancing national development through sustainable, environmentally conscious initiatives.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The Power Behind Kuwait's Growth? Its Diverse Expat Workforce
The Power Behind Kuwait's Growth? Its Diverse Expat Workforce

Arab Times

timean hour ago

  • Arab Times

The Power Behind Kuwait's Growth? Its Diverse Expat Workforce

KUWAIT CITY, July 30: 'The State of Kuwait hosts expatriate workers of more than 150 nationalities from around the world – all of whom contribute to the progress of the country and its development in all fields,' says Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Human Rights Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah. In a statement to the press when she attended the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons event organized by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) at the Avenues Mall on Wednesday, Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah emphasized that the expatriate workers are guests on Kuwaiti soil, and they must protect their rights and preserve their dignity, in the same manner that employers have rights and duties that must be preserved and protected. She said Kuwait firmly believes in the need to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and that it focuses on the issue in the context of its international and humanitarian obligations. She affirmed that Kuwait commends and appreciates the efforts of all those working hard to combat this human crime. She disclosed that Kuwait formed the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, headed by the Minister of Justice and with the membership of several government agencies, including the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Information, Health, and the Public Prosecution. She pointed out that Law No. 91/2013 on combating this crime was passed, along with a comprehensive national plan and a national system for monitoring and responding to cases. She stated that Kuwait's efforts in this area stem from its effective partnership with friendly countries, as well as close coordination with the United Nations and its specialized agencies – International Organization for Migration (IOM), International Labor Organization (ILO), and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). She added these efforts aim to develop training plans and programs and build the capacity of nationals specialized in this field to enhance the ability of the country to combat this phenomenon. Meanwhile, acting Deputy Director General for Labor Affairs at PAM Musaed Al-Mutairi confirmed that Kuwait is moving forward in combating human trafficking by developing its national legislation and activating prevention mechanisms and measures necessary to provide protection and early detection, according to a comprehensive approach in line with international standards. Al-Mutairi said PAM has been keen on building an integrated work system that includes continuous training for labor inspectors and strengthening cooperation with local and international bodies. 'This is achieved through the unwavering support of Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah, as well as the provision of safe and confidential channels for receiving complaints and reports,' he elaborated. He revealed that PAM works in close partnership with IOM to enhance the capabilities of workers in the field and provide a decent work environment that respects rights and combats exploitation. He stressed that combating human trafficking is a national and humanitarian responsibility, indicating that PAM continues to develop its oversight and regulatory policies to ensure a safe working environment that protects the dignity of all residents and workers. Director of the Public Relations and Media Department at PAM Mohammad Al-Muzaini emphasized that the authority is keen on commemorating the World Day against Trafficking in Persons by holding a special event, pointing out that awareness and community assessment are the focus of this year's event. He said the event includes a survey to measure community awareness, describing the day as an awareness-raising event par excellence. He highlighted State efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly in terms of the methods of dealing with such cases, shelters for the victims and public awareness programs. He said PAM operates two shelters-one for women and the other for men, stressing these shelters are not crowded. He affirmed that the shelters are accommodating all the very limited cases. Regarding the mechanism for dealing with suspected trafficking cases, he explained, 'We handle these cases in cooperation with the embassies, or whenever a worker reaches out to us directly, or even through reports of suspected trafficking or the need for assistance. We have a field team capable of reaching the workers and assisting them immediately. They are admitted to the center, and then we communicate with the relevant parties to resolve the problem and settle the worker's situation -- whether for reintegration into the labor market or in preparation for their departure from the country.' Asked about the possibility of transferring the workers to another sponsor, he said this depends on their legal status, and it is carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior. Ali Al-Hussien, Director of the Industry and Labor Department at Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), stated that the chamber's participation affirms its full support for the efforts of PAM in combating human trafficking. He underscored the importance of partnership between the public and private sectors to promote the principles of decent work and combat all forms of exploitation, including human trafficking. Secretary General of Kuwait Trade Union Federation Nasser Al-Azmi reiterated the firm position of the federation in confronting this heinous crime, which violates human dignity, religious values, ethical principles, and international human rights agreements and treaties. He stated that human trafficking, particularly the exploitation of forced labor, is a direct and blatant threat to the rights and dignity of workers; hence, the need for a collective, integrated, and coordinated response at the national and international levels, based on legal tools and a comprehensive humanitarian approach. Also on Wednesday, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, Nasser Al-Sumait affirmed that protecting individuals from human trafficking is a national responsibility requiring year-round institutional collaboration. Speaking to KUNA on the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30, Al-Sumait said Kuwait has adopted a comprehensive approach combining prevention, legislation, and victim care, grounded in transparency and accountability. He emphasized that Kuwait continues to develop modern tools to address trafficking crimes, in line with international changes and digital challenges, and highlighted the importance of social partnerships and responsible media, noting that public awareness is the first line of defense. Al-Sumait expressed confidence that Kuwait's national efforts, aligned with international standards, will foster a safe environment where human rights are protected without discrimination. Kuwait established its National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling in 2018, aiming for a society free of trafficking, raising awareness of its dangers, and working toward its eradication. The UN General Assembly designated July 30 as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons to raise awareness of human trafficking, highlight victims' suffering, and protect their rights. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed on Wednesday Kuwait's firm commitment to combating the crime of human trafficking, describing it as a blatant violation of human rights. In a statement posted on (X), the Ministry emphasized Kuwait's keenness to strengthen both its national and international efforts to prevent this crime, protect its victims, and take all necessary measures, in line with its legal and human rights responsibilities.

Cabinet orders quick removal of all encroachments on state properties
Cabinet orders quick removal of all encroachments on state properties

Kuwait Times

time10 hours ago

  • Kuwait Times

Cabinet orders quick removal of all encroachments on state properties

KUWAIT: Kuwait's Cabinet, in its weekly meeting on Tuesday, gave instructions to relevant state bodies to speed up the removal of all encroachments on state properties. Following the meeting, headed by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shereeda Al-Mousherji said the instructions were made after reviewing the Ministry of Finance's report about encroachments on state properties in 2024. At the advent of the meeting, the Cabinet members reviewed a number of letters sent by several world leaders to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah about strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in various realms. Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Askar and the acting undersecretary of the ministry made a presentation to the Cabinet about the Ministry's plans to establish warehouses for strategic commodities in the country's five governorates to enhance food security. Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabae briefed the Cabinet about the ministry's preparations for the upcoming academic year. The Cabinet reviewed the minutes of the ministerial economic committee meeting, especially its report about the public-private partnership projects during the period from March 2024 to April referred the report to the higher committee for public-private partnership projects to take necessary decisions. It deliberated others issues on its agenda and approved some of them and referred some others for ministerial committees for more study. Finally, the Cabinet approved the minutes of the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Citizenship, which included cases of loss, withdrawal and revocation of Kuwaiti citizenship from some individuals, in accordance with the provisions of Decree Law No. (15) of 1959 regarding Kuwaiti nationality and its amendments. — KUNA

Cabinet recalls with bitterness Iraq's occupation of Kuwait
Cabinet recalls with bitterness Iraq's occupation of Kuwait

Kuwait Times

time10 hours ago

  • Kuwait Times

Cabinet recalls with bitterness Iraq's occupation of Kuwait

KUWAIT: Kuwait's Cabinet has recalled with resentment the Iraqi occupation of the country on 2nd August 1990, and expressed pride of the national heroes who sacrificed their lives to defend their homeland. The Cabinet, in its weekly meeting held Tuesday at Bayan Palace and headed by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, highly appreciated the unforgettable roles of the late Amirs; Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in ending the Iraqi occupation and fully liberate Kuwait. The Cabinet remembered with admiration the Kuwaiti people's unity, steadfastness and heroic sacrifices to repel the enemies and defend their dear homeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shereeda Al-Mousherji said in a statement after the recalled with pride the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their country's liberation. The Cabinet thanked all friendly countries, which participated in the liberation of Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation. — KUNA

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store