Modernized border crossings key to Kuwait’s role as regional trade hub, says Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef
KUWAIT: Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah visited the Abdali, Salmi and Nuwaiseeb land crossings during the Eid holiday to review plans for modernizing Kuwait’s border infrastructure. Accompanied by Minister of Public Works Noura Al-Mashaan, the visit took place during the Eid holiday and focused on evaluating current operations and discussing future projects aimed at enhancing efficiency at these critical entry points.
During the visit, the two officials reviewed strategies to modernize the border facilities by integrating advanced technologies to streamline procedures, improve operational workflows, and create a state-of-the-art working environment for all relevant authorities. Sheikh Fahad also received a detailed briefing from Al-Mashaan on the development strategies for the crossings, which include enhancing security protocols and customs inspection processes to ensure smoother, faster, and safer passage for both travelers and goods.
Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah speaks with officials as he visits Kuwait’s land border crossings during Eid Al-Fitr on March 31, 2025. — KUNA photos
Sheikh Fahad emphasized the significance of border crossings as the nation’s gateway and the first impression for visitors. He stressed that modernization is essential to meet the highest standards of security and service, in line with Kuwait’s broader digital transformation vision. Key to this vision, he highlighted, is the use of smart technologies to upgrade border control systems, improve customs clearance, and streamline inspection processes.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to infrastructure upgrades, Sheikh Fahad noted that these efforts are vital not only for enhancing border efficiency but also for optimizing entry and exit procedures. The modernization will help provide a modern work environment for border personnel and solidify Kuwait’s position as a key regional trade hub. Sheikh Fahad also commended the efforts of the security and customs teams, recognizing the importance of teamwork in achieving Kuwait’s future border security goals.
Commando brigade praised
In a separate visit, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah, Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior, visited Commando Brigade 25 in celebration of Eid Al-Fitr. He was accompanied by Lieutenant General Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Army. According to a statement by the Ministry of Defense, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali began his visit with a briefing on the brigade’s missions, responsibilities, readiness and training programs.
During the visit, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali commended the brigade’s discipline and high level of competence, emphasizing the importance of continued dedication to protecting the country under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir. The statement added that Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali toured the Commando Brigade’s exhibition, attended a military parade, and inspected several field units and facilities, reviewing their capabilities and preparedness. At the end of the visit, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali went to the Army Reserve, where the Deputy Chief of Staff hosted a luncheon in his honor.
KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of the Public Authority for Industry (PAI) Khalifa Al-Ajeel said on Monday that protecting the commercial and industrial system is a “national responsibility that requires concerted efforts.”
Minister Al-Ajeel emphasized in a statement to KUNA following an extensive inspection campaign in the south Amghara scrap yard, to “firmly deal with all violations and encroachments in accordance with legal frameworks where no one is above the law.”
Al-Ajeel confirmed the continuation of inspection campaigns as well until the desired goals are reached, foremost being is restoring order and discipline to the area and removing all violations and encroachments.
He affirmed the ministry and the PAI’s commitment to cooperating with relevant authorities to continue these campaigns to ensure a safe and organized industrial and commercial environment.
The campaign resulted in the seizure of several violations and closure of several non-compliant units in preparation for taking necessary legal action against their exploiters.
Participating in the campaign was General Fire Force (KFF) Chief Major General Talal Al-Roumi, along with several executive leaders from the PAI. — KUNA
CAIRO: The 56th regular session of the Arab Permanent Committee for Human Rights commenced on Monday with the participation of Kuwait and representatives from Arab states concerned with human rights affairs. In his opening address, Ahmed Maghari, supervisor of the Human Rights Department at the League of Arab States, underscored the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling it a stark indicator of the region’s human rights reality. “We cannot speak of the state of human rights without acknowledging the catastrophic conditions faced by our brothers in Gaza, where securing the most basic necessities has become a matter of survival,” he said. Maghari described the ongoing Zionist aggression in Gaza as a profound moral and humanitarian challenge, noting that the Palestinian people continue to endure daily suffering under constant bombardment, displacement and destruction. He lamented the international community’s continued inaction in the face of clear violations of international law and human rights norms. “The occupying power persists in defying international legitimacy and the decisions of the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the International Court of Justice,” he said.
The 56th session of the Arab Permanent Committee on Human Rights kicks off, chaired by Kuwait.- KUNA photos
Held at a time of mounting regional tensions, the session comes amid escalating challenges that directly affect fundamental human rights. Maghari highlighted the Committee’s historic role since its establishment in 1968 in developing the Arab human rights framework both legally and practically, while also fostering cooperation with regional and international partners. He expressed hope that the session would yield effective recommendations to help confront the pressing challenges in the region. He pointed to the rise of conflicts and violence globally, along with the resulting serious human rights violations, as major concerns.
Emerging issues such as the intersection of human rights with climate change, artificial intelligence, and the spread of alien ideologies that undermine human dignity were also noted. “In light of these challenges, we must reinforce our solidarity and collective action to enhance peace, stability, and the security of our societies,” Maghari added. The two-day session, chaired by Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, Chairman of the Arab Permanent Committee for Human Rights, will review the General Secretariat’s report on the implementation of previous recommendations up to the 55th session.
Discussions will also focus on Zionist violations in occupied Arab territories, the plight of Arab prisoners and detainees in Zionist prisons, and the issue of the bodies of Palestinian and Arab martyrs held in so-called “numbered cemeteries.” Other agenda items include the Arab Charter on Human Rights and preparations for Arab Human Rights Day, which will be observed on March 16, 2026. Kuwait is represented at the meeting by a delegation led by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah.— KUNA
KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel Abdulhadi Al-Wazir, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.– KUNA photos