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Arab Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait and Lithuania sign MoU to strengthen political consultations
BERLIN, July 22: The State of Kuwait and Lithuania signed Monday a memo of understanding (MoU) aiming at holding political consultations between both countries. Kuwaiti Assistant Foreign Minister for Europe Affairs Sadiq Marafi and Lithuanian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Audra Plepyte signed the MoU in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, the Kuwaiti Embassy in Germany said in a press release, a copy of which was obtained by KUNA. Following the singing, both sides held the first round of political consultations about bilateral economic and investment relations, according to the release. They also looked into the exchange of expertise in scientific, medical, and governance fields, along with major regional and international issues. The Kuwaiti Embassy in Germany said in a statement obtained by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the MoU was signed in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, by Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Sadiq Marafi and Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Minister Audra Plepyte. The statement added that following the signing, the two sides held the first round of consultations, with the Kuwaiti side headed by Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Sadiq Marafi and the Lithuanian side led by Deputy Foreign Minister Audra Plepyte. According to the statement, the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations at all levels, especially in the economic and investment sectors, in line with Kuwait's Vision 2035. The meeting also covered opportunities for exchanging expertise in the scientific, medical, and governance fields, as well as key regional and international issues, including opportunities for cooperation in international forums. The Kuwaiti side was represented in the consultations by Reem Al- Khaled, the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Germany and non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Lithuania, and Ramunas Davidonis, the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the United Arab Emirates and non-resident Ambassador to the State of Kuwait. (KUNA)
Kuwait Times
20-07-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait and Estonia sign MoU to launch political consultations
TALLINN: Kuwait and Estonia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday to establish a framework for ongoing political consultations, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and opening the door for broader cooperation in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and investment. The agreement was signed in the Estonian capital by Kuwait's Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Sadiq Marafi and Estonia's Undersecretary for Political Affairs Martin Roger, according to a statement from the Kuwaiti Embassy in Germany. The signing was followed by the first round of consultations between the two countries, led by Marafi and Roger, where discussions focused on key strategic sectors. The talks explored ways to enhance cooperation in governance, technology, cybersecurity, and digitalization — key areas of focus under Kuwait's Vision 2035. Both sides also discussed economic and investment opportunities, regional developments, and collaboration in multilateral forums. 'These consultations mark a new phase of cooperation between our two countries,' said Marafi. 'We are committed to exploring joint initiatives that can drive innovation and shared prosperity.' Kuwait's Ambassador to Germany and non-resident Ambassador to Estonia, Reem Al-Khaled, also participated in the consultations. Appointed in June 2025, Ambassador Al-Khaled has emphasized Kuwait's commitment to building a 'robust strategic partnership' with Estonia, particularly in digital transformation, education, and technology. 'We are optimistic about expanding political, economic, and cultural ties in a way that serves the mutual interests of both nations,' she said earlier this year. The timing of the MoU comes as Estonia rolls out a five-year Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Strategy, published in October 2024. The strategy aims to attract €2.8 billion in FDI by 2030, with a focus on innovation-driven sectors like digital technology, renewable energy, and health tech. The strategy prioritizes deeper engagement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Kuwait. According to the FDI strategy, Estonia sees Kuwait and other GCC countries as promising partners given their financial strength, investment appetite, and increasing focus on sustainability and AI. The strategy encourages tailored engagement with GCC investors, stressing that 'Estonia should now gain the investors' trust by elevating its marketing strategies.' Estonia's strengths in digital governance, a vibrant startup ecosystem, and EU market access offer GCC investors an attractive platform for long-term strategic investments, the document said. — Agencies
Kuwait Times
15-06-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait, Russia celebrate growing tourism, plan energy investment talks
Russia values Kuwait's pragmatic leadership amid global shifts: Envoy KUWAIT: Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi reaffirmed the strength of Kuwaiti-Russian relations, which were formally established in 1963, and expressed hope for expanded cooperation in the years ahead. Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the Russian Federation's National Day celebration, held Thursday at the Russian Embassy in Kuwait, Marafi noted a significant increase in Kuwaiti tourism to Russia, especially to emerging travel destinations within the country. On the economic front, Marafi announced that a joint committee is set to convene during the upcoming Energy Summit to explore mutual investment opportunities. During the event, Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Vladimir Zheltov lauded Kuwait as a longstanding and trusted partner, recalling the historic visit of Russian naval vessels to Kuwait during the reign of His Highness the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, known as Mubarak the Great. He also emphasized that Kuwait was the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with Russia in 1963. 'We value the wisdom and pragmatism of Kuwait's leadership. Despite global political shifts, our cooperation continues across trade, economy, energy, military-technical sectors, and humanitarian areas,' he said. The ambassador also celebrated the rapid growth of tourism between the two nations. Marking Russia's National Day, Zheltov paid tribute to Russia's history and cultural legacy. 'We are proud of our ancestors, who built a unique civilization and a great Russian culture across the vast Eurasian landscape.' He spoke of Russia's resilience in the face of historic and modern challenges. 'Russia continues to champion a fair and multipolar world based on equality and indivisible security,' he said. Russian Ambassador Vladimir Zheltov and Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi cut a cake at the event. Ambassador Vladimir Zheltov speaks at the event. Officials attend the Russian Federation's National Day celebration.
Arab Times
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
‘Kuwait-Russia ties based on mutual respect'
KUWAIT CITY, June 14: Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Vladimir Zheltov expressed his appreciation for the wisdom of the Kuwaiti leadership, stressing that 'relations between the two countries will continue to develop for the benefit of their citizens.' Zheltov made the statement at a reception organized by the Russian Embassy on the occasion of the National Day of Russia, with Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi and several ambassadors, diplomats, and dignitaries in attendance. He disclosed that 'Kuwait was the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with Russia in 1963. Cooperation between the two countries covers a wide range of areas like trade, energy, military, technical, and the humanitarian field.' He said the tourism sector in Russia 'is witnessing rapid growth despite its modest beginnings,' as his country has become 'a favorite tourist destination for Gulf citizens' in recent years. On the National Day of Russia, he pointed out, 'This is a relatively recent holiday, having only been around for 35 years. However, the history of the Russian state spans over a thousand years. We are proud of the achievements of our ancestors, who built a unique civilization with a distinct identity and remarkable Russian culture -- covering the vast expanse of Eurasia and encompassing 11 time zones. On this holiday, we recall an inextricable link between generations, from ancient Russia (known to historians as Kievan Rus) to the Soviet Union. Modern Russia is the continuation and legitimate heir to this great historical legacy.' He asserted that 'given Russia's vast territory, its self-reliance and its sovereignty, its enemies have repeatedly attempted to subjugate it. Even today, these attempts continue with the aim of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia. Our historical memory still retains the invasions of European invaders, such as Napoleon and Hitler. We know only too well what their fates were. At this historical stage, we once again face a challenge and threat to our national identity -- the Ukrainian crisis, which arose as a result of NATO's irresponsible expansion eastward, up to the borders of Russia.' He said, 'The decline of the Western-centric world order will not happen overnight. We are witnessing ongoing attempts to maintain the hegemony of the collective West through the doctrine of a rules-based international order. Russia, on the other hand, calls for a just and multi-polar world based on true equality and the principle of indivisible security for all.' He stressed that his country has 'always treated the Arab world with respect,' indicating that 'our cooperation is based on mutual understanding and consideration of common interests. This applies fully to the State of Kuwait, with which our first ties date back to the early 19th and 20th centuries.' Meanwhile, Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi told reporters on the sidelines of the ceremony that 'Kuwaiti-Russian relations began in 1963,' hoping for more cooperation between the two countries in the future. Regarding investment opportunities between the two countries, Marafi revealed a joint committee meeting will be held on the sidelines of the energy summit to discuss these opportunities. He also highlighted the significant growth of tourism between the two countries in recent years.
Kuwait News Agency
13-06-2025
- Business
- Kuwait News Agency
Russian Ambassador praises Kuwait's foreign policy
A+ A- الشؤون السياسية 12/06/2025 LOC23:33 20:33 GMT KUWAIT, June 12 (KUNA) -- Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Vladimir Zheltov praises as "solid and historic the relations between his country and the State of Kuwait, saying the relations are based on mutual understanding and mutual respect, and common interests." The wise leadership of Kuwait maintain a balanced approach to dealing with various regional and international issues, he said in a speech to a ceremony hosted by his embassy on Thursday. Kuwait's Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Sadiq Marafi and a number of senior diplomats and dignitaries attended the ceremony marking Russia's national day. Zheltov said that "Kuwait was the first GCC country to have diplomatic relations with Russia in 1963" reviewing historical milestones that began at the beginning of the twentieth century "when Russian ships visited the State of Kuwait during the reign of Sheikh Mubarak." He also said, "Russia's national day, which has only been in existence for 35 years, links the present to a rich past that spans more than a thousand years." On the sidelines of the ceremony Sadiq Marafi briefed the press saying that the relations between Russia and Kuwait have spanned since 1963, and that he is looking forward for more cooperation in the future. Regarding investment opportunities, Ambassador Marafi said, "A joint committee will convene on the sidelines of the energy summit to discuss investment opportunities," noting the "noble growth in tourism between the two countries in the recent years." موجز الاخبار الطقس العملات مواعيد الإقلاع والوصول اصدارات كونا
