KUWAIT: A group of young participants displayed remarkable creativity during the “Little Potter’s Creations” workshop, held as part of the 17th Summer Cultural Festival organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). The hands-on workshop, hosted at the Museum of Modern Art, introduced children to the fundamentals of ceramic art while nurturing their imagination and technical skills.

Workshop presenter and ceramics trainer Dalal Al-Saeed explained that the initiative is designed to familiarize children with the art of pottery and encourage them to explore their artistic potential. “Working with clay is not just an artistic exercise — it strengthens hand muscles, improves fine motor skills, and instills patience and focus,” Al-Saeed told KUNA. She noted that the activity allows children to express themselves creatively while also developing important cognitive and physical abilities.

Highlighting the council’s commitment to cultural enrichment, NCCAL Chairperson Sarah Khalaf said the workshop is part of a broader series of art-focused activities included in the summer festival program. The ‘Little Potter’s Creations’ workshop targets children between the ages of 7 and 14 and has witnessed strong participation,” she said. “We are keen to organize meaningful programs that appeal to various age groups and cultivate public taste, particularly among children and youth, by supporting their artistic and cultural development.”

The event also received praise from parents. Reem Abdul Latif, mother of participant Fatima Al-Mutairi, shared her appreciation for the initiative. “My daughter is passionate about pottery and was very eager to sign up after seeing the announcement on NCCAL’s social media accounts,” she said. “The workshop is highly beneficial, very well organized, and the care shown to the children encourages us as parents to remain engaged.”

Now in its 17th edition, the Summer Cultural Festival launched last Wednesday and runs for seven weeks, offering a wide array of cultural and artistic events for all members of the family. Through this initiative, the NCCAL aims to foster creativity, enhance cultural awareness, and provide a rich educational and entertaining experience for children throughout the summer break. — KUNA

DAMASCUS: First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah held talks on Tuesday with Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly over combating drug trafficking and organized crime and exchanging security information and expertise.

According to a statement issued by Kuwaiti interior ministry, the discussions focused on enhancing coordination across various security domains with the aim of supporting the safety and stability of both countries. The two ministers affirmed the deep-rooted fraternal ties between Kuwait and Syria and their mutual keenness to advance joint efforts through strengthened security cooperation.

They also agreed to maintain ongoing consultations on issues of shared interest and to activate institutional coordination channels between their respective ministries. The meeting was attended by senior security officials from both sides. Sheikh Fahad arrived in Damascus earlier in the day from Beirut, concluding an official visit to Lebanon. He was received at Damascus International Airport by Syrian Deputy Minister of Interior for Police Affairs Maj Gen Ahmed Latouf and several high-ranking Syrian security officials.

During his visit to Lebanon, Sheikh Fahad met President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar. Discussions during those meetings focused on enhancing Kuwaiti-Lebanese cooperation in political, parliamentary, economic and security fields, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to regional stability and sustainable development. — KUNA

KUWAIT: French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin described the official visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France as “a historic milestone that embodies the depth of Kuwaiti-French relations, which span nearly six decades.” Speaking during France’s National Day (Bastille Day) reception at the French Embassy in Kuwait, Ambassador Gauvin emphasized the special significance of this year’s celebration, which coincides with the Amir’s official visit to France on Sunday and Monday.

The visit includes His Highness attending the Bastille Day military parade alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, followed by a meeting between the two leaders at the Élysée Palace. The ambassador noted that relations between Kuwait and France are rooted in mutual trust and robust cooperation in security and defense. He pointed to “the oldest defense agreement signed between France and the Gulf countries in 1992” and highlighted the ongoing military training programs and collaboration between the two nations’ armed forces.

Gauvin also underscored the interest of French companies in Kuwait’s national development plan “New Kuwait 2035,” and the growing cooperation in key sectors including transport, energy and sustainable cities. He added that Kuwaiti investments in France, particularly in technology and artificial intelligence, continue to expand. On the cultural front, the ambassador commended the strong people-to-people ties, noting that “France is the top Schengen destination for Kuwaiti tourists” and highlighting the vibrant Francophone presence in Kuwait.

He also affirmed his country’s commitment to “increasing the number of Kuwaiti students in French universities and enhancing academic and scientific cooperation.” Expressing appreciation to Kuwait, Gauvin thanked the country for its “generous hospitality and friendship,” and reaffirmed “the embassy’s commitment to strengthening this distinguished relationship in the service of the interests of both nations and their friendly peoples.”