KUWAIT: The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) Center for Media Development concluded on Thursday its 20th foundational training program for new journalists, which began on September 7. The program was delivered by a group of specialized lecturers and covered a wide range of key topics in journalism, including news editing, language skills, artificial intelligence applications and media photography.

The sessions addressed the fundamentals of writing and editing news, focusing on news types, characteristics, sources, and formats, as well as techniques for crafting effective press releases and headlines. Another component tackled “Linguistic Skills for Media Professionals,” highlighting grammar, summarization, editorial style and common writing pitfalls.

Participants were also introduced to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence applications in news creation, image production and content development. A module on photography and video emphasized the principles of lighting, camera angles and lens effects. Separately, the center also concluded a specialized training program on “News Writing” in English, with participants from KUNA, Qatar News Agency (QNA), and Kuwait’s Public Authority for Sports.

Some of the participants are pictured in the photo.

The course, led by Morteza Mollaei, professor of translation at the American University of Kuwait, explored news formulation in both local and international contexts, challenges in editing, ethical considerations in reporting, and techniques for writing specialized and general news.

Mollaei underlined the pivotal role of translation in media, noting that differences between Arabic and English require specialized training to ensure accuracy and professionalism. He said the course combined theoretical and practical approaches to maximize the benefit for participants. He added that such programs play a vital role in raising the standards of media professionals, particularly in drafting press releases and news stories in both Arabic and English, ultimately enhancing the clarity and professionalism of the media message.

Established in December 1995, the KUNA Center for Media Development is regarded as one of the region’s leading media training hubs, having conducted hundreds of programs to enhance professional competencies and strengthen media performance. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance Aseel Al-Munifi has highlighted the strength and resilience of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies, noting their potential to address global challenges and bolster their international economic standing. Her remarks came during her address as chair of the 74th meeting of the GCC Finance Undersecretaries Committee, held in preparation for the 124th meeting of the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee scheduled for October 2.

Al-Munifi emphasized that the rapidly changing global landscape requires careful analysis of key developments and their impact on national and regional economies, while seizing opportunities and addressing challenges to achieve sustainable growth. She cited the World Bank’s June report, which forecasts a slowdown in global economic growth to 2.3 percent this year, driven by factors including weakened global trade, fluctuating energy prices and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

Despite global headwinds, she noted that the GCC’s economic growth is projected at 3.2 percent in 2025, rising to 4.5 percent in 2026. “This growth reflects the region’s ongoing efforts to diversify the economy, expand non-oil sectors, localize the workforce, reform labor markets, invest in infrastructure, and promote tourism and renewable energy projects,” she said.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance Aseel Al-Munifi

In a related statement, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC General Secretariat, Khaled Al-Sunaidi, said GCC economies have strengthened their regional and international position despite recurring global financial challenges. He highlighted that non-oil sectors accounted for 77.9 percent of GDP in the last quarter of 2024 and that economic diversification has become a tangible reality.

Al-Sunaidi underscored the GCC countries’ commitment to maintaining strong financial positions, with abundant reserves and public debt levels around 28 percent of GDP, positively influencing credit ratings. He also noted the role of GCC finance ministries in implementing balanced fiscal policies, optimizing government spending, and directing resources to productive sectors, which has enhanced growth, aggregate demand and economic resilience.

The meeting reviewed key topics to strengthen economic and financial cooperation among GCC states, including outcomes from the 85th meeting of the Committee of Governors of Central Banks, as well as discussions related to the Customs Union Authority, the Committee of Heads and Directors of Tax Administrations and the Gulf Common Market Committee. — KUNA

By Marwan Hafez

KUWAIT: Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Hayat affirmed Wednesday that Kuwait–China relations are undergoing a significant transformation, propelled by agreements and memorandums of understanding signed between the two governments and now being actively implemented. Speaking on the sidelines of a reception hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kuwait to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the republic, Hayat noted that Kuwait has taken high-level steps under the directives of its leadership.

A ministerial committee chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait and composed of six ministers, has been formed to follow up on the execution of agreements signed with China. He explained that the projects underway include “large-scale and developmental” initiatives such as the completion of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, renewable energy ventures like Abdaliya and Shagaya, in addition to projects in sanitation, waste management, housing and labor cities. These, he said, represent a new and unique model of direct government-to-government cooperation.

Hayat further emphasized that China has been Kuwait’s top trading partner for eight consecutive years, highlighting Kuwait’s strong trust in China’s wisdom and active role in international forums, including the UN Security Council, particularly in efforts to safeguard regional stability and address global challenges such as climate change. “The successful execution of current projects will open new horizons for future initiatives that will further strengthen bilateral ties and serve the mutual interests of both countries,” he added.

Liu Xiang delivers a keynote speech.

Samih Hayat speaking to the press on the sideline of the event.

Delivering the keynote address at the event, Liu Xiang, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, praised the historic depth of Kuwait-China relations, calling them the strongest in their history. He recalled that Kuwait was the first Arab Gulf country to establish diplomatic ties with China, describing the relationship as a model of strategic cooperation. Liu highlighted major joint projects — from Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port to renewable energy and housing initiatives — as tangible examples of this partnership. He also underscored the importance of cultural exchange, noting Kuwait’s preparations to inaugurate the Chinese Cultural Center next month.

“China will remain a trustworthy partner and a sincere friend to Kuwait in its path toward achieving Vision 2035,” Liu said, while expressing gratitude to all friends of China who have contributed to advancing bilateral relations. He went on to reflect on China’s achievements since its founding, including becoming the world’s second-largest economy, the largest industrial nation, and a leader in foreign exchange reserves. Liu also noted that China has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, representing 75 percent of global poverty reduction in recent decades.

The envoy reaffirmed China’s commitment to peaceful development and building “a community with a shared future for mankind.” He highlighted Beijing’s continued support for the Palestinian cause, including calls for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution in line with UN resolutions. Liu concluded by outlining President Xi Jinping’s global initiatives — the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative — which, he said, have received wide international recognition and contributed to global stability and cooperation.