KUWAIT: The 11th consultative meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) armed forces concluded Wednesday in Kuwait, with discussions focused on strengthening defense cooperation, unifying operational and training strategies, and enhancing regional security and combat readiness. In a statement, the Kuwaiti Army’s General Staff said the meeting was chaired by Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces Major General (Pilot) Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who conveyed the greetings of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Sabah. He also expressed the minister’s appreciation for the collective efforts to advance joint Gulf military cooperation.

Deputy Chief of General Staff Major General Pilot Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairing the meeting

Major General Al-Sabah affirmed that the meeting comes as part of ongoing efforts to enhance military integration among GCC member states and reflects the shared determination to fortify unity and brotherhood amid evolving regional and global challenges. The chiefs of staff discussed a range of topics on the agenda, aligned with the vision and directives of GCC leaders to bolster joint defense capabilities. The meeting was also attended by the GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Military Affairs, the Commander of the Unified Military Command, as well as several senior military officials and commanders. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Director General of the Kuwait General Administration of Customs Fatima Al-Qallaf reaffirmed on Tuesday the administration’s ongoing commitment to improving the work environment, facilitating daily operations, and enhancing overall performance efficiency. Her remarks came during an inspection tour of key customs facilities, as part of efforts to closely monitor field operations and ensure the preparedness of customs centers and warehouses. In a statement issued by the Customs Department, Al-Qallaf’s tour included visits to Doha Port, Al-Shiraa’ Warehouse, and Amghara Warehouse, where she reviewed operational procedures, inspected updated systems, and assessed the functionality of examination and inspection equipment.

The statement noted that Al-Qallaf was briefed on the latest developments in work systems and took the opportunity to listen to the observations and requests of on-site customs inspectors. She stressed the administration’s continued support in meeting the needs of field staff and developing the work environment, reaffirming the goal of maintaining high standards of service and readiness across all customs facilities. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The departure of four women ambassadors from Kuwait’s diplomatic corps was marked on Wednesday with a farewell lunch hosted by Indonesian Ambassador Lena Maryana at her residence in Mishref. The gathering honored British Ambassador Belinda Lewis, Canadian Ambassador Aliya Mawani, US Ambassador Karen Sasahara, and Head of the NATO Office at the NIRC, Nora-Elise Beck.

Ambassador Maryana described the gathering as more than a farewell — it was a tribute to the connections formed through shared purpose, respect and sisterhood. “It’s a bitter situation,” she said, referring to the departure of what she described as “four strong ladies.” British Ambassador Belinda Lewis who completed her tenure with a focus on education, security, and cultural exchange, expressed gratitude for the solidarity she found among fellow women diplomats. “I’ve learnt a great deal from so many of you, and I will take that sense of camaraderie and strength with me wherever I go.”

Lewis spoke candidly about the challenges that come with leadership roles and the comfort found in having a trusted circle of peers. “Sometimes we just have hard days,” she said. “There are times where I sit there and I’m not sure who to ask, and I’m nervous or scared that I’ll get it wrong. But knowing there are people you can turn to, who will listen and not judge you — that’s worth its weight in gold.” Canadian Ambassador Aliya Mawani reflected on her three-and-a-half years in Kuwait with a similar tone of gratitude. “So many people in this group have been instrumental in my learning about Kuwait, in my really feeling at home,” she said. “This isn’t just a network — it’s a group of women who lifted each other and helped each other grow.”

She also highlighted the practical value of having a supportive community. “Many of us are first-time ambassadors and working parents. Just hearing someone say, ‘You don’t have to show up to everything — I know you have things to do,’ made all the difference.” Nora-Elise Beck, who headed NATO’s presence in Kuwait, reflected on her experience as a woman in the security field, often having to counter gender-based assumptions. “I get asked, ‘As a woman, how do you do your job in security?’ And my response is always, ‘As a man, how do you?’” she said. “That kind of question wouldn’t even be asked of them.”

She added, “One of the reasons I’m able to do my job is because of the support I got from all the women in Kuwait.” Despite her extensive experience across the Middle East, Beck noted that the professional solidarity she found in Kuwait was unlike anything she had encountered before. “This kind of professional backing among women — I haven’t experienced it before. I hope it’s not unique to Kuwait. I hope we can replicate it in other environments.”

Although US Ambassador Karen Sasahara was unable to attend due to departure preparations, she was remembered fondly by her peers and honored for her leadership and warmth throughout her time in Kuwait. Ambassador Maryana concluded her remarks with a heartfelt message to the departing diplomats: “Though your time here will be finished soon, the mark you’ve left is lasting.”