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Kuwait promotes tolerance | Kuwait Times Newspaper

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KUWAIT: Kuwait on Saturday reaffirmed its support for international efforts to promote a culture of tolerance and coexistence among nations. In a statement marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored Kuwait’s commitment to countering all forms of discrimination and extremism against Muslims. The ministry also stressed the importance of fostering dialogue, strengthening peaceful coexistence among diverse religious and cultural communities and promoting mutual respect to ensure global security and stability.

Meanwhile, the Arab League’s Secretariat announced plans to hold an international conference on combating Islamophobia on July 8 in Cairo, in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The League’s statement, issued on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, emphasized the need to address the growing phenomenon of hate speech and discrimination against Muslims, which has been exacerbated by global crises and conflicts, further deepening religious and cultural divisions.

The upcoming conference aims to highlight the challenges posed by Islamophobia, explore mechanisms to counter it, and advance the values of mutual respect among followers of different faiths. The Arab League noted that comprehensive strategies are required to combat this phenomenon, including educational and media initiatives that emphasize the importance of dialogue and non-discrimination. The conference will also support initiatives that encourage interfaith dialogue and foster stronger ties among diverse communities.

Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector at the Arab League, Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, underscored that Islam is a religion of peace, justice, and tolerance. She called for enhanced international cooperation to correct misconceptions and stereotypes about Islam and its followers.

Rising Islamophobia

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of the alarming rise of Islamophobia, calling for a renewed commitment to equality, human rights, and inclusive societies where individuals can live in peace regardless of their religious beliefs. Speaking at a UN General Assembly meeting on Friday to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Guterres noted that the holy month of Ramadan has begun amid increasing fears of discrimination, marginalization, and even violence against Muslims.

He described Islamophobia as part of a broader pattern of intolerance and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity. “Whenever one group is attacked, the rights and freedoms of all groups are threatened,” Guterres said, urging governments to promote social cohesion and safeguard religious freedom while combating intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination.

Speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, Jordan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Mahmoud Al-Hamoud, emphasized the significance of the meeting in advancing international efforts to counter rising hatred and discrimination against Muslims. He reiterated the Arab Group’s commitment to upholding the principles of religious respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. Al-Hamoud also expressed deep concern over the surge in hate speech, incitement to violence, and discrimination against Muslims, particularly on social media platforms.

He stressed that freedom of expression should not be exploited to spread intolerance or fuel discord. The Arab Group called for intensified efforts to monitor and regulate media and digital content in collaboration with social media companies, advocating for a code of conduct to curb incitement to hatred. Additionally, Al-Hamoud urged the establishment of an international legal framework to combat Islamophobia and implement accountability measures for hate crimes, ensuring justice and support for victims.

The Arab Group also expressed its support for the appointment of Miguel Martinez as the United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, a move that would facilitate coordinated global action against this growing concern. It is noteworthy that in 2022, the UN General Assembly designated March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. On this occasion last year, the Assembly adopted a resolution condemning all forms of religious hatred and incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence against Muslims. The resolution was introduced in response to a rise in incidents such as the desecration of the Holy Quran and attacks on mosques and Islamic sites worldwide. — KUNA

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Volunteers unite to clean coast of Umm Al-Maradim Island

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By Ahmad Boukaheel

KUWAIT: A cleanup campaign was held at Umm Al-Maradim Island, bringing together volunteers, government bodies, and private sector participants in a large-scale effort to clean the island’s coastline and promote environmental awareness.

The initiative was organized by Salman Al-Qattan and Yousef Al-Omran, founder of the (Bou Jarrah Makes a Difference) initiative. Volunteers spent the entire day cleaning the island, supported by both public and private sector entities.

The initiative aimed to clean Kuwait’s shores and raise environmental awareness across different segments of society by encouraging citizens and residents to participate in hands-on activities that promote a culture of environmental preservation.

“We must begin with the younger generation by nurturing a deep respect and sense of responsibility for the environment from an early age,” said Bou Jarrah. “It is essential that preserving nature becomes ingrained in their daily habits and mindset, so that protecting our planet turns into a natural and lifelong commitment.”

He added that a sustainable future for Kuwait and the world is only possible through raising awareness and instilling good values early on.

“This campaign clearly demonstrates the power of collaboration between government agencies and volunteer groups working together toward a common goal. Such unified efforts reflect the true spirit of Kuwait’s community, where everyone comes together to face environmental challenges with dedication and determination,” Abdullah Al-Mishwah, a marine blogger who helped organizing the campaign, said. “We are proud to see how collective action can lead to meaningful impact in protecting and preserving our natural environment.”

Key participants included the volunteer team “Bou Jarrah Yughayyer,” the Environment Public Authority, the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources and Kuwait Municipality. The event was also attended by Brigadier General Sheikh Mubarak Ali Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, Director General of the Kuwait Coast Guard.

Abdulaziz Al-Muhanna, Vice Chairman of the The Kuwait Environment Protection Society, told KUNA that a large amount of waste was collected—equivalent to the load of four municipal transport trucks—noting that plastic and foam made up the largest portion of the waste retrieved from both the beach and underwater. He stressed said the campaign helped deliver a message about the significance of Kuwait’s islands and instilled a love for volunteer work in the community.

Amina Al-Kharaji, who joined the “Fakhr Al-Deera” volunteer team for the first time, shared her happiness at participating in the campaign. She encouraged others who haven’t yet taken part to join future efforts for the sake of Kuwait. Another volunteer, Abdullah Ashkanani, said this was his first time joining such an initiative. He emphasized the importance of keeping beaches clean to turn them into a tourist destination. He encouraged families, both adults and children, to take part in beach cleaning initiatives, highlighting that the sea is a vital part of Kuwait’s history.

Faten Al-Dahina, a member of the Al-Dawazah Volunteer Team, stressed the importance of national campaigns such as this one, noting their role in spreading awareness about preserving Kuwait’s beaches. She advised beachgoers to always leave the place cleaner than they found it. Dr Zahra Habeeb, another volunteer, expressed her gratitude to the organizers for hosting such events and for providing full services to support and motivate volunteers.

Abdulwahab Ahmed Nasr, a young child, expressed both happiness and frustration—he was pleased to help but surprised and bothered by how some beach visitors carelessly throw large amounts of waste, which harms marine animals. He concluded his statement with the heartfelt phrase, “Kuwait deserves it,” showing his deep love for a clean and beautiful Kuwait.

Another child, Mohammed Salman Al-Qattan, proudly said he collected the largest amount of trash during the cleanup. He shared how happy it made him and his father to see the beach clean. He added that he wants to continue protecting the marine environment from pollution.

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Kuwait signs military deal with France, holds talks with CENTCOM

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KUWAIT: Kuwait’s defense and security institutions stepped up regional coordination on Thursday with back-to-back high-level meetings and agreements involving the United States and France. In separate engagements, the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and National Guard both held talks with international counterparts to strengthen joint efforts on military training, intelligence sharing, and regional stability.

The Kuwait National Guard signed a memorandum of understanding with the French Gendarmerie to boost coordination in military and security fields, including joint training and the exchange of expertise. The agreement was signed by Lt Gen Hashem Al-Rifaie, Undersecretary of the National Guard, and Olivier Gauvin, French Ambassador to Kuwait.

Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah meets with US Central Command Commander Gen Michael Kurilla.

Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah meets with US Central Command Commander Gen Michael Kurilla.

According to a statement from the National Guard, Al-Rifaie emphasized the Kuwaiti leadership’s commitment—under His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah—to deepening ties with France across multiple sectors. Al-Rifaie conveyed the National Guard’s appreciation and highlighted the “long-standing, distinguished historical relations” between Kuwait and France.

Separately, Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces, met with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen Michael Kurilla to discuss “a number of issues of mutual interest,” according to a statement from the Kuwaiti General Staff. The meeting, held at Lt Gen Al-Sabah’s office, covered regional and international developments, and ways to expand bilateral military cooperation. The two sides also “exchanged views on evolving security challenges in the region and how to strengthen joint military action to achieve regional security and stability,” the statement said. Both leaders praised the deep-rooted partnership between Kuwait and the United States, which they said reflects “decades of collaboration and continuous coordination.” They stressed the importance of “continued coordination and intensified joint efforts to face security challenges.” — KUNA

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Indian mango festival showcases uncommon varieties in Kuwait

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KUWAIT: Kuwait ranks among the top five importers of Indian mangoes, with trade valued at $3 million last year, according to Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Adarsh Swaika. His remarks came during a buyer-seller meet (BSM) hosted at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday.

The event aimed to strengthen agri-food trade between the two countries by introducing new varieties of Indian mangoes and other value-added agro-products to the Kuwaiti market.

While varieties such as Alphonso, Badami, and Sindoori are already well-known in Kuwait, Ambassador Swaika emphasized the festival’s goal of spotlighting lesser-known yet premium varieties from the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh—the country’s largest mango-producing state—and West Bengal.

Among the featured fruits were Chausa, Mallika, Amrapali, Dussheri, Langra, and the distinctive Fazli mango, which holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its unique origin and characteristics.

The promotional campaign was organized by the Embassy of India in Kuwait in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

A ten-member delegation of Indian exporters participated in the two-day program from Wednesday to Thursday, which included retail activations, B2B meetings, and public outreach events.

One of the highlights was Mango Mania, a large-scale showcase held at Lulu Hypermarket in Al Rai, where shoppers sampled an array of mangoes flown in specially for the occasion.

On Thursday, the Mango Festival at The Avenues mall drew a diverse crowd including Kuwaiti officials, foreign diplomats, members of the Indian diaspora, business leaders, and families. Visitors enjoyed live tastings and a curated menu of Indian mango-based recipes, celebrating India’s rich culinary heritage.

From July 25–27, the campaign continues across branches of the popular Indian restaurant chain Asha’s, further promoting mango appreciation among local and expatriate diners in Kuwait.

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