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Kuwait’s envoy to US meets commerce secretary, reaffirms strong bilateral ties

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WASHINGTON: Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah met US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Wednesday, emphasizing the deep and longstanding partnership between Kuwait and the United States. During the meeting, Sheikha Al-Zain highlighted the historic ties between the two nations, stating that the “Kuwaiti-American partnership was forged in blood and strengthened by peace”.

She recalled the diplomatic efforts that led to the formation of an international coalition for Kuwait’s liberation in February 1991. She also underscored the lasting impact of that historic moment on the Kuwaiti people, reiterating Kuwait’s deep gratitude to the United States for its leadership and the bravery of its armed forces. Lutnick reaffirmed the enduring significance of these historical ties.

Sheikha Al-Zain emphasized the pride both countries share in their historic collaboration, pointing out that Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm were not only military successes but also an innovative financial model funded by Kuwait and allied contributions. She stated that Kuwait had ensured that the United States and its taxpayers bore no financial burden for the war to liberate Kuwait. She further pointed out that contributions from Kuwait and its allies not only covered all costs but also generated a financial surplus, reflecting the exceptional nature of this approach.

The ambassador also highlighted the post-war cooperation in tackling environmental crises, particularly the massive fires set in Kuwaiti oil fields during the Gulf War, hailing the swift and strategic international response. She praised the extraordinary efforts of Kuwaiti firefighters, engineers and oil specialists who worked tirelessly alongside international firefighting teams, demonstrating exceptional skill, determination and innovation in one of the most complex firefighting missions ever.

Sheikha Al-Zain noted that their swift response and expertise contributed to protecting Kuwait’s vital resources and accelerating the recovery of the oil sector. She added that the joint efforts, which were rapidly mobilized and strategically executed with the expertise of leading US firms, stood as a testament to the strength of global cooperation in overcoming environmental and economic crises. Lutnick commended Kuwait’s partnership with US companies in handling the fires.

On economic matters, Sheikha Al-Zain reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to open-market policies that support business and trade. She pointed out that Kuwait maintains one of the world’s lowest tariff rates at a fixed 5 percent for all trade partners, including Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the US. She also stressed that Kuwait does not impose protective tariffs on American products and provides exemptions for goods imported for US military operations. Lutnick welcomed these policies, commending Kuwait’s openness as a key factor in strengthening future economic ties.

The ambassador also shed light on Kuwait’s significant economic footprint in the US, represented by the Kuwait Investment Authority, the Public Institution for Social Security and the private sector. She noted that Kuwaiti institutions and businesses hold substantial and strategic investments in US markets, reflecting Kuwait’s strong confidence in the American economy’s long-term growth.

Lutnick acknowledged the importance of these investments in enhancing economic ties, expressing appreciation for Kuwait’s contributions. The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the historic US-Kuwait partnership, ensuring its continued growth and prosperity for future generations.

The meeting came after Lutnick had made statements criticizing Kuwait’s trade policies, specifically regarding tariffs on American products. He accused Kuwait of imposing some of the highest tariffs on US goods, while invoking the United States’ role in liberating Kuwait during the 1991 Gulf War. He reportedly claimed that the US spent “nearly $100 billion to liberate Kuwait”, suggesting that Kuwait’s trade practices are unfair given this historical support. Notably, official US records from 1992 suggest the Gulf War cost the US around $61.1 billion, with allies like Kuwait contributing significantly (about $36 billion from Gulf states), contradicting the $100 billion figure Lutnick cited. — Agencies

Key highlights of the meeting

• Strong Bilateral Ties: Ambassador Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah emphasized the deep-rooted partnership between Kuwait and the US, forged through historical events such as Kuwait’s liberation in 1991.

• Military and Strategic Cooperation: She highlighted the financial contributions of Kuwait and its allies in covering the costs of the Gulf War, ensuring no financial burden on the US or its taxpayers.

• Post-War Collaboration: Sheikha Al-Zain discussed Kuwait’s role in tackling the massive oil well fires during the Gulf War, praising the joint efforts of Kuwaiti and US specialists in one of the largest firefighting operations in history.

• Economic and Trade Relations: Sheikha Al-Zain reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to open-market policies, maintaining a low 5% tariff rate for all trade partners, including the US. She also noted that Kuwait does not impose protective tariffs on American products.

• Kuwaiti Investments in the US: She highlighted Kuwait’s significant economic presence in the US through major investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority, the Public Institution for Social Security, and the private sector.

• Future Commitment: Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening US-Kuwait relations and ensuring the continued growth of their economic and strategic partnership.

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Expert urges caution as rising humidity triggers respiratory issues

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KUWAIT: As Kuwait experiences a combination of humid and dusty weather, a health expert warns that these conditions can significantly worsen respiratory illnesses such as asthma and allergies. Northern winds often bring dust storms typical of Kuwait’s desert environment, while rising humidity levels add another layer of challenge for vulnerable individuals.

“Humid air is heavy on the respiratory system because it’s saturated with water, making breathing more difficult,” Dr Abdullah Al-Mutairi, a consultant in respiratory diseases and intensive care, told KTV news channel. When moisture fills the air, tiny particles that usually settle on the ground become airborne, aggravating symptoms for allergy sufferers. Dust also plays a major role in triggering breathing problems, he explained.

“The current weather is humid and hot, which irritates the respiratory system, especially for those with allergies or asthma,” said Dr Al-Mutairi. “People should monitor air quality and avoid going outside when it’s poor. Staying indoors in air-conditioned, enclosed spaces is much safer for them.”

People living with asthma and allergies shared their coping strategies with KTV, emphasizing the importance of staying indoors and carrying necessary medications. “If you must go out, wear a mask and carry your medicines,” advised one participant. Another warned, “Avoid sudden changes between humid outdoor air and cold air-conditioning.”

Dr Al-Mutairi also addressed concerns about post-COVID-19 respiratory sensitivity. “Severe viral infections like COVID-19 can cause individuals who never had respiratory issues to develop allergies afterward,” he said. He cautioned against the misuse of inhalers, noting they’re not typically appropriate treatments for common colds or the flu. Patients with moderate to severe asthma often experience symptoms daily or several times a week and require regular use of preventive inhalers to protect their respiratory system from external irritants.

“For mild asthma, symptoms usually occur during viral infections or extreme weather, and inhalers may only be needed during those times,” he explained. The duration of inhaler use varies depending on the patient’s severity and response, ranging from a few days to several weeks.

Importantly, he clarified that not every wheezing episode indicates asthma. Wheezing can also result from sinus infections or other viral illnesses, and inhalers are not prescribed in all cases.

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New rules to protect public money, speed up courts

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Cabinet expands criminalization for public office misuse • Brings e-filing, remote sessions to courts

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Cabinet has approved important changes to laws aimed at better protecting public funds and speeding up the court system. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shareeda Al-Maousherji, shared details after the weekly Cabinet meeting held at Bayan Palace under Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.

The new rules widen the scope of what counts as misuse of public office, covering any illegal benefit. Penalties are stricter, especially when misuse involves government contracts or tenders. Officials will also be barred from sharing confidential information for up to ten years after leaving their jobs, with fines and possible dismissal if they break this rule.

Courts will have more authority to remove officials even if mistakes were unintentional. New provisions make fraud in government contracts a criminal offense, and intentional damage to public funds is now punishable even if no personal gain is involved. Companies can also be held accountable for crimes involving public money. Prosecutors will have the power to demand the return of funds even after criminal cases are dropped. And submitting false or misleading information can now lead to fines up to KD 10,000.

The changes also unify the definition of who counts as a public employee, extend deadlines for reporting to the Audit Bureau to 30 days, and introduce electronic ways to submit those reports. They also raise the threshold for investment disclosures to KD 250,000, with reporting moving to an annual schedule.

Digital courts

On the court procedures side, the Cabinet approved amendments to speed up civil and commercial cases and to fully embrace digital tools. From filing lawsuits to enforcing judgments, processes can now be done electronically, and remote court sessions will be allowed.

These changes come as part of the Ministry of Justice’s ongoing digital transformation. Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) last week that the ministry is in the final stages of issuing legislation that “will grant us the legal authority to fully transition to an electronic system.”

The digital rollout will focus on three key areas: filing and registering cases—including announcements and fee payments—streamlining court procedures to reduce delays, and, most importantly, ensuring smooth enforcement of rulings. Contracts with tech giants Google and Microsoft will support this transition, Al-Sumait added.

Tuesday’s amendments include higher fines for judge recusal requests. If someone wants to request a judge’s recusal, they’ll need to pay a bail of KD 200, with fines between KD 500 and KD 1,000 if the request is refused. Repeat requests to recuse the same judge won’t be allowed, and all requests must be decided within a month. The new rules appear to be aimed at protecting fairness by allowing parties to request a judge step aside if there’s a conflict of interest. At the same time, bail and fines discourage repeated or frivolous requests that could delay cases.

This balance helps speed up court proceedings while ensuring impartial judgments. The changes come as Kuwait faces a backlog of more than 81,000 appeals at the Court of Cassation — a crisis that has already prompted the formation of ten new judicial committees to fast-track case reviews. The Cabinet also reviewed several draft decrees related to agreements and cooperation with friendly countries. These will be forwarded to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for approval. — Agencies

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Kuwait, Somalia strengthen ties with new agreements

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KUWAIT: Kuwait and Somalia took a significant step in deepening their bilateral ties on Tuesday by signing a series of agreements aimed at boosting cooperation across diplomatic, political, and training sectors.

The agreements include the establishment of a joint committee to oversee bilateral cooperation, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to hold regular bilateral consultations, and a cooperation pact between Kuwait’s Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute and Somalia’s Institute of Diplomacy and Training. These agreements are designed to formalize and expand collaboration between the two countries.

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali are seen after signing a series of cooperation agreeements during Ali's visit to Kuwait. — KUNA photos

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali are seen after signing a series of cooperation agreeements during Ali’s visit to Kuwait. — KUNA photos

The signings followed a high-level meeting between Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali during the Somali minister’s official visit to Kuwait. The ministers reviewed the close and longstanding relationship between their nations and discussed opportunities to enhance partnership in various fields.

Regional and international developments affecting both Kuwait and Somalia were also on the agenda, reflecting the two countries’ shared interest in stability and development within the Middle East and Horn of Africa regions. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah also received the ministers at Bayan Palace. — KUNA

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