Business
Kuwait, Tajikistan expand cooperation with new embassies and direct flights
Dr. Zubaydullah Zubaydov, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan
KUWAIT CITY, March 29: Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan Dr. Zubaydullah Zubaydov has confirmed the opening of a Kuwaiti Embassy in the capital — Dushanbe, as well as the appointment of a Kuwaiti ambassador there; indicating the opening is expected to take place within the next few months.
At a press conference held recently to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Kuwaiti-Tajik relations, Zubaydov announced the allocation of land for the construction of the Tajik Embassy in the diplomatic zone in Mishref. He said construction will begin soon, without specifying a date. He also revealed that his country abolished entry visas for Kuwaitis; adding that during his meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullah Al- Yahya, they discussed facilitating the entry of Tajiks to Kuwait with the Kuwaiti side. He said the minister promised to consider this matter as soon as possible and to allow Tajiks to obtain electronic visas.
He expressed his satisfaction over the achievements made so far; stressing “our political relations are distinguished. We have signed approximately 30 cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding with Kuwait. We also have a program to develop economic relations between the two countries.” He confirmed the contributions of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) to the development process in Tajikistan, where the fund has financed six vital projects.
He added “Kuwait will host the Foreign Affairs Conference of the Gulf and Central Asian States in the middle of next month. The Tajik foreign affairs minister will attend the conference. A leaders’ summit will be held in the Uzbek city of Samarkand in May and there is cooperation between the two countries in the field of combating terrorism; specifically the conference held in Kuwait on this issue, co-chaired by the United Nations, Kuwait and Tajikistan.”
Regarding the supply of Tajik water to the Gulf region, he stated that “Tajikistan was one of the countries under the former Soviet Union. It has approximately 60 percent of the water reserves in Central Asia, so it can supply the Gulf countries with fresh water through Iran.” He affirmed his belief in the possibility of implementing the project in the near future, as well as the possibility of cooperation in the field of electricity generation. He pointed out that Tajik President Emomali Rahmon chose Kuwait as the first Arab country he officially visited, reflecting Tajikistan’s commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and learn from the experience of Kuwait as a developed country.
He said “the tourism sector is another area for strengthening cooperation between the two friendly countries. This progress has facilitated the establishment of direct flights between the capitals of Tajikistan and Kuwait through Kuwait Airways.” “Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Kuwait, the foreign affairs ministries of the two countries have actively sought to implement the directives of their leaderships; thereby, strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual concern. Bilateral political consultations, several sessions of which have been held in the capitals of the two friendly countries, are considered the main mechanism for coordinating and overseeing these efforts,” he explained.
By Fares Al-Abdan Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
The Kuwait government approves tougher measures to tackle financial crimes.
KUWAIT CITY, June 30: Kuwait is intensifying efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing by enhancing its legislative framework, announced Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Al-Fassam on Monday.
The minister spoke in a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance following the publication of Decree Law No. (76) of 2025 in the official gazette, Kuwait Today. This decree introduces important amendments to Law No. (106) of 2013, reflecting Kuwait’s integrated government efforts to strengthen measures against financial crimes.
During the Cabinet meeting on June 17, the draft of the amended decree law was approved, underlining Kuwait’s commitment to raising the effectiveness of the national response to money laundering and terrorism financing. The amendments align with the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and relevant international standards.
The new decree law includes two significant amendments:
- Article One replaces Article (25) of Law No. (106) of 2013, empowering the Council of Ministers, upon the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to issue necessary decisions to implement United Nations Security Council resolutions related to terrorism, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. These decisions will take effect immediately upon issuance, consistent with Security Council Resolution No. 1373 of 2001. The executive regulations will define the rules for publishing these decisions, appealing them, authorizing the release of frozen funds for essential living expenses, and managing such assets.n
- Article Two adds a new Article (33 bis) to Law No. (106) of 2013, stating that any violation of decisions issued under Article (25) will result in fines ranging from 10,000 to 500,000 Kuwaiti dinars per violation. This penalty complements any additional sanctions imposed by regulatory authorities on financial institutions or designated non-financial businesses.n
The Ministry emphasized that these amendments support the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing by broadening its powers to apply targeted financial sanctions in compliance with FATF standards. This includes the mandatory freezing of assets belonging to individuals and entities listed locally as terrorists, effective immediately upon decision issuance.
Furthermore, the amendments enable the Committee to impose fines on violators and require publishing the national list of designated terrorists on the Committee’s official website, enhancing transparency and meeting international obligations.
Minister Al-Fassam concluded that the updated legislative measures reaffirm Kuwait’s strong commitment to fighting financial crimes, safeguarding national security and stability, and fulfilling its global responsibilities.
Updated regulations aim to boost fair use and revenue from state properties.
KUWAIT CITY, June 30: The Ministry of Finance announced on Sunday the issuance of a new ministerial decision amending the regulations governing the use of state-owned real estate and service fees, in a move aimed at achieving a fair balance between public interest and the needs of individuals and institutions.
In a press statement, the Ministry said the decision comes as part of its broader efforts to regulate the use of government-owned properties and protect national resources. Ministerial Resolution No. 54 of 2025 introduces amendments to the regulations first outlined in Resolution No. 40 of 2016.
Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Eng. Noura Al-Fassam, stated that the amendments are intended to ensure fairness, clarify procedures, and improve transparency in the utilization of state assets.
“These changes aim to establish a fair balance in how state-owned properties are used by citizens and entities, while safeguarding public interests,” Al-Fassam said.
She added that the updated regulations were the result of a comprehensive pricing study comparing Gulf and international markets. The amended prices remain below average rates in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and were developed with Kuwait’s economic and social conditions in mind. The goal, Al-Fassam noted, is to promote equal opportunities and secure sustainable revenue streams for the state.
The amendments cover a wide range of activities involving the use of state-owned property, including chalets, rest houses, commercial complexes, cooperative societies, banks, and warehouses. They also apply to educational institutions, sports clubs, and hospitals.
In support of national food security and the promotion of local production, the Ministry also announced the stabilization of agricultural coupon prices under the new regulations.
The revised framework reflects Kuwait’s continued efforts to modernize its public asset management policies while maintaining a strong emphasis on economic fairness, efficiency, and sustainability.
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