KUWAIT: Minister of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, Nasser Al-Sumait affirmed on Wednesday 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. —KUNA

 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 2025.It 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

KUWAIT: Deputy Minister of Defense Sheikh Dr Abdullah Meshal Al-Sabah reaffirmed the importance of Kuwaiti Chinese military cooperation, describing it as a “strategic pathway”.

On the sidelines of a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, marking the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), he highlighted Kuwait’s participation as a reflection of the strong ties between the two countries, particularly in defense cooperation.

“The Ministry of Defense’s presence here today expresses the depth of our military relationship with China, alongside our broader collaboration across various sectors,” he said.

He revealed that Kuwait and China are currently engaged in several joint defense projects, most notably the near completion of a factory for medium and light ammunition.

“This project is a milestone in our cooperation, and its inauguration is expected soon,” Deputy Minister noted. He pointed out that bilateral collaboration extends to national infrastructure, including the development of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and major housing initiatives.

The Deputy Minister also emphasized the continuity and annual expansion of training programs between the Kuwaiti and Chinese armed forces. He underscored that Kuwait’s defense policy focuses on strengthening ties with Gulf and Arab neighbors while also fostering strategic partnerships with friendly countries worldwide.

During his remarks, Chinese Chargé d’Affaires Liu Xiang announced Senior Colonel Liu Zongzhen as the new Defense Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait. He expressed confidence that the newly appointed military envoy would play a pivotal role in deepening defense and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Chinese Chargé d’Affaires praised Kuwait’s consistent support for China’s global initiatives, noting that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was the first Gulf leader to endorse China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative. “China is ready to work hand in hand with Kuwait and other friends to uphold peaceful development, defend multilateralism, and build a shared future for humanity,” he concluded.