NEW YORK: The Middle East region has been witnessing serious escalation of Israeli occupation military operations against the Palestinian people in the besieged Gaza Strip and the remaining parts of Palestine, including Jerusalem and the West Bank, Representative of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said.

Those military operations, along the two-year long “collective punishment” of the Palestinian people, run counter to religion, law, and humanity and have claimed the lives of tens of thousands, most of whom are children and women while using starvation as a tool of war, His Highness said as he delivered Kuwait’s speech at the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York on Wednesday.

The Israeli occupation’s operations undermine the pursuit of peace in the region, which could only be achieved by the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the borders of June 4, 1967, in accordance with the resolutions of international and the Arab Peace Initiative, His Highness stressed.Kuwait welcomes the recognition of the State of Palestine by many countries over the past year, and urges other countries to take similar steps, His Highness said, adding that Kuwait will keep backing Palestinians’ rights, referring to Kuwait’s supportive stances, especially to UNRWA.

His Highness also voiced Kuwait support to the sovereignty of both Syria and Lebanon, as well as best wishes for their future prosperity, while pointing out to Kuwait’s “concern” over the security situations in Libya, Yemen, Sudan and Somalia. His Highness renewed the call for the Islamic Republic of Iran to take serious confidence-building measures to restart a dialogue based on mutual respect for states’ sovereignty, and non-interference in their internal affairs.

Pending issues

Delivering Kuwait’s speech before the 80th session of UN General Assembly late on Wednesday, His Highness the Crown Prince said, “I’m pleased to convey to you congratulations of His Highness the Amir on the success of this session.”

His Highness the Crown Prince called on the brotherly Republic of Iraq to take tangible steps to address all pending issues between the two countries. His Highness the Crown Prince stressed the importance of the demarcation of maritime boundary beyond the 162 mark with Iraq, in accordance with international laws and charters, as well as addressing the issues of POWs and missing persons, in addition to the country’s national archive for the last three decades.

His Highness also appealed to the Iraqi brothers to abide by bilateral agreements related to security and technical aspects of Khor Abdullah issue.

His Highness the Crown Prince congratulated Annalena Baerbock on being elected as President of the 80th UNGA Session, extolling efforts made by the outgoing president Philemon Yang during his tenure. He commended the constructive endeavors of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to maintain international peace and security amid accelerated global changes.

His Highness the Crown Prince said UN Secretary General launched the UN80 Initiative, which is compatible with reform efforts aiming to boost the UN efficacy to be able to face future threats and challenges. “When speaking about reforms within the framework of a multilateral international system, reforming the UN must be on the top of these priorities. And we are fully convinced that there is a necessity to make reforms which consolidate just principles, transparency and credibility without double standards policies. This will strengthen the Security Council to confront contemporary threats for a structure that mirrors the world in which we live,” His Highness the Crown Prince highlighted.

In the same vein, Kuwait is honored to preside over the current (45th) GCC Supreme Council, reiterating “our” firm resolve to carry on this blessed path, strengthen the strategic partnership with regional and international organizations and achieve desired goals, as the bloc proved being a cornerstone of stability and prosperity in the region, His Highness noted. His Highness also renewed the Council’s solidarity with member state Qatar in the aftermath of the recent Israeli attack on its territory. – KUNA

KUWAIT: The Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), in cooperation with Google Cloud, on Wednesday launched the second edition of the National Digital Skills Initiative, aimed at empowering Kuwaiti professionals and enhancing their capabilities in advanced digital technologies. Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar said the initiative marks an important milestone in Kuwait’s comprehensive digital development efforts. “It provides employees across all sectors with practical experience in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, contributing to higher institutional efficiency and improving the quality of services offered to citizens and residents,” he stated.

Al-Omar emphasized that developing national competencies in modern technologies supports the creation of a knowledge- and innovation-based economy, strengthening Kuwait’s competitiveness across multiple sectors. He described investment in human capital as “a permanent and renewable investment and the cornerstone for achieving the New Kuwait 2035 vision, a priority strongly endorsed by our wise leadership.”

KUWAIT: Attendees and participants take part in the initiative. – KUNA photos

Google Cloud Kuwait General Manager Shaima Al-Terkait discusses the initiative’s goals.

The Minister highlighted that the program reflects the strategic partnership between the Government of Kuwait and Google Cloud, noting its role in equipping employees with advanced digital skills. “Our collaboration with Google Cloud goes beyond training; it represents the state’s commitment to enhancing digital capabilities and positioning Kuwait as a hub for advanced global technologies and regional innovation,” he added.

Shaima Al-Terkait, General Manager of Google Cloud in Kuwait, said the initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to empowering the Kuwaiti workforce and accelerating digital transformation. She noted that the program provides critical practical skills and certifications to navigate the evolving cloud landscape and prepares a future-ready talent pool to support Kuwait’s economic growth and technological advancement.

The first edition of the Kuwait Digital Skills Development Initiative was launched in October last year, focusing on cloud computing management, advanced data analysis, and machine learning. The initiative offers participants the opportunity to lead the country’s digital transformation, equipping them to implement cloud technologies effectively in the workplace and contribute to Kuwait’s broader digital vision.- KUNA

KUWAIT: The Cabinet convened its weekly session on Tuesday morning, September 23, 2025, at Bayan Palace, under the chairmanship of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sharida Abdullah Al-Maousherji stated that the Cabinet began by extending sincere congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the 95th National Day.

The Cabinet wished further progress and prosperity for the Kingdom, praising its longstanding support for Arab and Islamic causes and the remarkable development achieved under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The Cabinet also received a message from the President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), commending the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Kuwait for its effective aviation security systems and implementation of ICAO standards.

In recognition of these achievements, Kuwait will be awarded the “Chairman of the Council Certificate” at the opening of the 42nd ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, Canada. The Council congratulated Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Sheikh Hmoud Mubarak Al-Hmoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Authority staff on the honor.

During the session, the Cabinet reviewed a visual presentation by Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Yousef Al-Sumait on the national plan to modernize the legislative system. The plan targets updating approximately 25 percent of current legislation (around 250 laws) by December 2026, covering social, economic, and criminal sectors, and aims to simplify procedures, stimulate development, and support Kuwait’s international legal obligations.

Finance Minister and Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem briefed the Cabinet on Kuwait’s financial status as of March 31, 2025, highlighting that state assets continue to surpass liabilities, reflecting the country’s strong financial position and reinforcing investor confidence. He also reviewed the Fiscal Balance Program, ongoing economic reforms, and the expected growth of non-oil revenues in 2025/2026, driven by government service re-pricing and improved public finance management.

Dr. Al-Mukhaizeem further updated the Cabinet on his meetings with the IMF’s Middle East and North Africa Mission Head, Francesco Baroudi, who noted economic recovery, stable inflation, and a resilient banking system in Kuwait. Additionally, he briefed the Cabinet on discussions with a Chinese delegation regarding the implementation of clean energy agreements under the Shagaya and Abdaliya projects, key components of Kuwait’s renewable energy strategy. The Cabinet approved a draft decree-law to cancel Law No 115 of 2014 establishing the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport and entrusted the Ministry of Public Works with railway and rapid transit projects to ensure their timely completion, in accordance with Article 3 of Decree No 116 of 1992.

The Council also expressed condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the passing of the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sheikh, praising his charitable works and contributions to Islam. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved agenda items and referred several matters to relevant ministerial committees for study and reporting. It also ratified the minutes of the Higher Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality, concerning cases of loss and withdrawal of nationality in line with Decree Law No. 15 of 1959 and its amendments.- KUNA