Latest News

Cyprus stresses strengthening EU–GCC ties

Published

6 days ago

October 7, 2025

admin

KUWAIT: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Constantinos Kombos, underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) across various sectors during the EU–GCC Ministerial Meeting held on the sidelines of the summit. Cypriot Foreign Minister praised the positive trajectory of Cyprus–Kuwait relations, describing them as “friendly and rooted in mutual respect and shared challenges as small states in a turbulent region both having experienced foreign invasion.”

He noted that the first round of political consultations held in Kuwait in 2022 marked an important milestone in bilateral ties, stating “We now look forward to building on that momentum, and my meeting with the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the EU–GCC Ministerial will mark another important step in this direction.”

He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to enhancing relations both bilaterally and within the broader EU–GCC framework, highlighting the Amalthea Humanitarian Initiative, which provides aid to civilians in Gaza, as a prime example of cooperation, praising Kuwaiti organizations for contributing 700 tons of humanitarian aid. The minister said “Cyprus will assume the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1, 2026,” adding “We have placed the Middle East and the Gulf at the center of our priorities, and I believe this will help deepen Cyprus–Kuwait relations, as well as EU–GCC ties overall.”

Concerning investment opportunities, Minister Kombos welcomed Kuwaiti businessmen, saying Cyprus offers “a unique blend of strategic location, a business-friendly environment, and access to the European market.” He noted that Cyprus and Kuwait have signed a double taxation avoidance agreement to facilitate trade and economic exchange, explaining “Our financial sector, including investment funds and asset management, presents promising opportunities for Kuwaiti investors.”

He continued that the country’s stable legal system, favorable tax regime, and high-quality services create an attractive environment for foreign investors, acknowledging that Cypriot investment in Kuwait remains modest, mainly in trade, maritime services, education, and finance. However, he emphasized that there is “strong potential for growth,” especially as Kuwait advances its Vision 2035 strategy to diversify the economy. “With Kuwait’s large-scale projects in infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism, real estate, and smart cities, new opportunities are opening up,” he said. “These align well with Cypriot expertise in construction, renewable energy, hospitality, and education.”

He also highlighted the role of the Cyprus–Kuwait Business Association, operating under the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in promoting trade and socio-economic cooperation. The minister stated that Cyprus and Kuwait are currently working on several bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding covering areas such as security, culture, and water management, saying “We remain committed to formalizing cooperation in these key areas.” He also welcomed recent progress in higher education cooperation, noting that after sustained efforts, Kuwait officially recognized the University of Cyprus in 2022 and the Dental School of the European University Cyprus in 2024.

Tourism remains a vital sector for Cyprus, the minister expressed optimism about closer collaboration, revealing “The resumption of flights this summer has strengthened tourism flow between Cyprus and Kuwait. We are now working toward establishing year-round flights and broader initiatives to promote both destinations.” Kombos said he looks forward to welcoming his Kuwaiti counterpart to Cyprus at the earliest possible convenience, emphasizing that high-level visits will further consolidate bilateral relations.

On regional developments, he reaffirmed Cyprus’s recognition of Palestine since 1988 and reiterated support for a two-state solution based on UN resolutions. “As the closest EU member state to the Middle East, Cyprus has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza,” he said. He added that Cyprus continues to contribute to relief efforts through the Amalthea maritime corridor and welcomed the peace proposal announced by President Trump as “a vital step toward ending the war and the humanitarian catastrophe.” “We call on all parties to accept its parameters as a basis for progress and to reach a deal for its implementation,” he concluded.

Related Topics:Cyprus EUGCC strengthening stresses ties

Up Next

Burgan Bank launches ‘driven by you’ breast cancer awareness

Don't Miss

Kuwait celebrates vibrant cultural journey as Arab Capital of Culture and Media 2025

Click to comment

Latest News

Kuwait participates in UNCITRAL session

Published

11 minutes ago

October 13, 2025

admin

VIENNA: The 82nd session of Working Group II (Dispute Settlement) of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) commenced on Monday in Vienna, with the participation of a Kuwaiti delegation. A statement by the UN Information Service said the discussions, which will continue until October 17, focus on recognizing and enforcing electronic arbitration awards amid the accelerating shift towards digital dispute resolution in international commerce.

The working group will examine key issues, including enhancing reliance on electronically issued arbitration awards by reviewing the experiences of countries and organizations, and identifying associated legal and technical challenges. The discussions will also address the preparation of an interpretative recommendation on the 1958 New York Convention, clarifying that electronic form does not impede the recognition or enforcement of awards, and equating electronic awards with their paper counterparts where reliability and integrity are guaranteed.

Topics under consideration include proposed amendments to the Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration to define electronic arbitration awards and electronic data messages, establish rules for arbitrators’ electronic signatures, and set timeframes for receiving electronic communications, while reinforcing the principle of functional equivalence between paper and electronic formats. The group will also review amendments to the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules to permit electronic issuance and delivery of awards, and update the UNCITRAL Notes on the Organization of Arbitration Procedures to encourage arbitration institutions to adopt digital systems, taking into account enforcement requirements across jurisdictions.

The session aims to create a unified, modern international legal framework ensuring electronic arbitration awards carry the same legal and enforceable force as paper awards, thereby boosting confidence in digital arbitration mechanisms and supporting the electronic transformation of cross-border commercial dispute resolution. The Kuwaiti delegation includes representatives from the Fatwa and Legislation Department, lawyer Mohammed Al-Khuwaitim, and lawyer Farah Al-Rais. — KUNA

Latest News

Kuwait underscores the need for stronger Arab cooperation in statistics

Published

1 hour ago

October 13, 2025

admin

MUSCAT: Acting Director General of the Central Statistical Administration (CSA) Wafaa Al-Yahya on Monday emphasized the importance of enhancing Arab cooperation and building national capabilities in the statistical sector. Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the sidelines of the 50th meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Statistical Research (AITRS), hosted by the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) in Muscat, Al-Yahya said Kuwait took part in the gathering alongside representatives from Arab statistical bodies and relevant organizations.

She highlighted the institute’s key role in developing expertise and advancing statistical competencies through its training programs, research publications and bulletins. Al-Yahya noted that the trustees reviewed several items on the agenda, including approval of the meeting agenda, the external auditor’s report on the previous budget, the institute’s annual achievements and its plan for 2026-2027. Discussions also covered the proposed 2026 budget, findings from the 2020-2030 strategic evaluation study, and prominent statistical initiatives and activities across Arab countries. She added that the minutes were approved and thanked the Sultanate of Oman for its warm hospitality. — KUNA

Latest News

Today in Kuwait’s history | Kuwait Times Newspaper

Published

9 hours ago

October 13, 2025

admin

KUWAIT: 1956 — Moudhi Al-Sarhan became the first Kuwaiti female to join the Ministry of Interior’s correctional institute.

1981 — Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah signed a decree to establish the Faculty of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Kuwait University, as well as changing the name of the Faculty of Law and Sharia to the Faculty of Law.

1990 — Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah patronized a popular conference in the Saudi city of Jeddah. Participants in the three-day national event reiterated their commitment to the legitimate Kuwaiti leadership in the face of Iraqi aggression against the State of Kuwait.

1990 — Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), which was occupied and looted by Iraqi invaders of the State of Kuwait, began broadcasting from an interim headquarters in London, UK, to provide subscribers with news about occupied Kuwait.

1999 — Kuwait won the Gulf Junior Squash Championship, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

2010 — Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) signed a KD 11 million loan agreement with Mauritania to finance construction of a Nouakchott University campus.

2017 — The KFAED signed a KD 12 million loan agreement with Senegal to reconstruct a major highway.

2018 — Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center won the Best Services Architecture Building award in the Middle East and North Africa. — KUNA