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EU, GCC leaders discuss Schengen visa waiver

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5 months ago

March 18, 2025

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BRUSSELS: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi affirmed on Monday that the outcomes of the inaugural GCC-EU summit are pivotal in reinforcing the long-standing ties between the two blocs, fostering shared goals, mutual interests and the aspirations of their peoples. Al-Budaiwi’s remarks came during his meeting with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, on the sidelines of the 9th Brussels Conference on Syria.

According to a statement from the GCC General Secretariat, the two sides discussed Gulf-European cooperation and reviewed the key takeaways from the first-ever GCC-EU leaders’ summit, held last October in Brussels under the theme Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. The GCC chief commended Europe’s efforts in promoting stability, security, and prosperity for Syria and its people.

Separately, Al-Budaiwi met with Hanaa Jalloul, Vice-Chairperson of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, to explore ways to enhance and develop Gulf-European relations. Discussions also covered the latest developments regarding the Schengen visa waiver for GCC citizens, with Al-Budaiwi welcoming the progress made during the talks.

He further addressed the outcomes of the EU-GCC summit and discussed the upcoming visit of the Chairman of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee to Riyadh, where he is scheduled to meet with Al-Budaiwi at the GCC General Secretariat headquarters. Regional and international issues were also on the agenda, including the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to ongoing Zionist violations against the Palestinian people. The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for European efforts to ease certain sanctions on Syria, a move he said would contribute to the country’s stability and development. — KUNA

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Sadu House workshop sheds light on hand-weaving

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38 minutes ago

August 13, 2025

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KUWAIT: Sadu House held a workshop titled “Embroidery Using the Nafash Needle Technique,” as part of the 17th edition of the “Summer Cultural Festival” organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL). The workshop was led by trainer Anfal Al-Azmi that attracted participants interested in handicrafts and traditional arts. Al-Azmi explained that the “Nafash Needle” technique is a type of hand-weaving that involves inserting the needle into a piece of cotton fabric to create various designs and patterns.

She added that this technique is commonly used to decorate bags, carpets, and clothing, as well as to produce distinctive art pieces. Al-Azmi noted that while learning the craft is relatively easy, it requires some training to master the stitching properly. The workshop included hands-on practice with a simple sample to give participants their first practical experience. The “Summer Cultural Festival” serves as a platform to revive heritage and promote arts and handicrafts, and offer diverse cultural and artistic events suitable for all age groups. — KUNA

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Kuwait Acting PM receives Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister

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5 hours ago

August 13, 2025

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KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah, received on Wednesday at Bayan Palace, in the presence of Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs Everly Paul Chett Green, along with his accompanying delegation, on the occasion of his visit to the country.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen them, in addition to exchanging views on issues of mutual interest. — KUNA

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Sept 4 declared holiday for Prophet’s birthday

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7 hours ago

August 13, 2025

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KUWAIT: The Cabinet on Tuesday announced that work in all ministries, government agencies, public institutions, and affiliated bodies will be suspended on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in observance of the Prophet’s (PBUH) Birthday (1447 AH).

The decision was made during the Cabinet’s weekly meeting, chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah. Official duties will resume on Sunday, September 7. The Cabinet noted that entities with special operational schedules will determine their working hours in coordination with the relevant authorities. — KUNA