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Kuwait’s NATO-ICI center drives security dialogue: Officials

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BRUSSELS: Kuwait is playing a leading role in strengthening cooperation between NATO and Gulf nations, particularly through its NATO-ICI Regional Center, officials emphasized this week on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of the United States designating Kuwait as a Major Non-NATO ally. Javier Colomina, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, highlighted the importance of the Kuwait-based center in facilitating political dialogue and addressing regional security challenges.

“The center has become a key regional hub for security cooperation, hosting political dialogue, education, training, and public diplomacy events,” Colomina said, noting that since its establishment in January 2017, the center has organized 101 political dialogue events and 56 military training courses.

Colomina further underscored the center’s role in addressing global security challenges, such as climate change, food security and maritime security. “In 2024, topics such as climate change and defense education were among the focal points of discussions, which featured prominent speakers from NATO and Kuwait,” he added. The center has also played a key role in developing the region’s young diplomatic talent through initiatives like the “Young Ambassadors Program,” which was held in collaboration with the British and Canadian embassies and the United Nations.

Kuwait’s commitment to enhancing security cooperation with NATO has been integral to its partnership with the alliance. “Kuwait’s active participation in multi-level political consultations and NATO-led initiatives in cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and energy security has been pivotal,” said Kuwait’s Ambassador to Belgium and Head of Missions to the EU and NATO, Nawaf Al-Enezi. In an interview with KUNA, Al-Enezi noted that the NATO-ICI Regional Center in Kuwait is “the first and only center of its kind in the region,” serving as a critical platform for training, communication and multilateral cooperation.

“It has played a major role in training national personnel from ICI member states, as well as non-ICI Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman,” he explained. He further emphasized that the center is not just about military training but also about fostering deeper diplomatic engagement. “The center facilitates NATO Dialogue initiatives, contributing to high-level visits and strengthening NATO-Gulf relations,” he added.

Looking ahead, both Colomina and Al-Enezi see continued growth in NATO-Kuwait cooperation. Colomina pointed to the regional action plan for 2025 agreed upon by NATO and Kuwait, which will involve over 21 courses and events aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, crisis management, and cybersecurity. “2025 will be the most active year for the center,” Colomina predicted, pointing to an ambitious lineup of training programs.

Kuwait’s role as a key partner in NATO’s broader Middle East and Gulf strategy is undeniable. As the first Gulf country to join the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative in 2004, Kuwait has hosted three high-level meetings between NATO and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underscoring its leadership in advancing NATO-GCC relations. The 2006 meeting, the first-ever NATO Council meeting held outside NATO member states, was a major milestone in this partnership. With the 21st anniversary of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative set to be marked in September 2025, Kuwait continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of NATO’s relationships in the Gulf and the broader Middle East. — Agencies

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“Kuwait’s engagement with NATO remains a model for collaboration between the alliance and its Gulf partners,” Al-Enezi said.

Kuwait’s cooperation with NATO

• 21st anniversary: In 2004, the US officially designated Kuwait as a Major Non-NATO Ally, marking the beginning of a strong, strategic partnership between Kuwait and NATO.

• NATO-ICI Regional Center: Established in January 2017, the center facilitates political dialogue, training, education, and public diplomacy. It hosted 101 political dialogue events and 56 military training courses.

• Kuwait’s contributions:

Active participation in NATO-led initiatives on cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and energy security.

First Gulf country to join the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative in 2004.

Host of three high-level NATO-GCC meetings, including the first NATO Council meeting outside NATO (2006).

• Future cooperation: 2025 is expected to be the most active year for the center, with over 21 planned courses and events. Focus areas will be counterterrorism, crisis management, and cybersecurity.

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Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

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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

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Workshop discusses health competency framework

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday inaugurated a regional workshop titled “Competency Framework”, aimed at reviewing the preliminary draft of a competency framework for public health professionals. The three-day workshop is organized by the Gulf Center for Disease Control in cooperation with the Gulf Health Council and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC).

In his opening remarks, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry, Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, welcomed a distinguished group of public health leaders and specialists from GCC countries, emphasizing the workshop’s importance in light of the increasing need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health workforce. Al-Hasawi stressed the critical role of investing in human capital through training, capacity building, and well-structured competency frameworks grounded in scientific and practical methodologies. He noted that public health competency goes beyond technical expertise, encompassing key administrative and interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.

“Competency in public health is the ability to deliver appropriate, effective services to communities while achieving optimal outcomes,” Al-Hasawi said. “It includes service delivery, resource management, community engagement, and cross-sectoral cooperation.” Chairing the workshop, Dr Mohammed Al-Saeedan, Head of the Emergency Department – Public Health at KCDC, told reporters that the session aims to discuss and refine the initial draft of the framework with input from regional decision-makers and experts. The goal, he said, is to develop a comprehensive guide to strengthen the capabilities of the health workforce across GCC countries.

“Competency frameworks contribute to improving public health, increasing life expectancy, reducing the overall health burden, and advancing sustainable development,” Al-Saeedan explained. “Healthy individuals are more productive and better able to contribute to society.” He emphasized the importance of continuously updating public health guidelines and competency standards to build professional readiness and effectively address evolving health challenges. “Guidelines serve as essential tools in disease prevention and health promotion, guiding individuals and communities in making informed health choices that enhance quality of life,” he said.

Al-Saeedan noted that global shifts and the rising prevalence of diseases demand heightened preparedness and response capabilities. “As the world increasingly prioritizes prevention over treatment, public health professionals must be equipped with the highest level of skill and knowledge to manage emergencies and implement effective interventions,” he added. The workshop is expected to result in key recommendations that will shape a unified GCC approach to public health competency development and workforce excellence. — KUNA

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The hidden drivers behind high prices in Kuwait

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Although Kuwait was ranked earlier this year as the second least expensive Gulf country in the 2025 World Cost of Living Index, many residents feel that the prices of certain goods or services remain disproportionately high compared to other countries. While essential services — such as electricity, water, and fuel — are heavily subsidized and therefore inexpensive, other aspects of life, including housing, entertainment, and branded products, often carry a much steeper cost.

Therefore, according to economic expert Dr. Amer Al Tamimi, the root of the issue lies not in government policy, but in people’s behavior — whether it’s business owners inflating prices or consumers adopting high-cost lifestyles. Each year the state allocates no less than KD 6 billion in subsidies for electricity, water, fuel, and even certain food items. “In fact, the government has made life remarkably affordable for citizens — perhaps even too affordable.” But while basic goods may be inexpensive, the same cannot be said for luxury and lifestyle products. According to Al Tamimi, the high standard of living and strong purchasing power among Kuwait’s resident’s fuels intense demand for premium items — from cars and watches to high-end services and entertainment.

“These items might be cheaper elsewhere, but in Kuwait, the appetite for luxury pushes prices higher,” he explained. Even mid-range categories, such as transportation and clothing, are considered expensive when compared to regional or global averages. Social behavior plays a significant role in shaping price dynamics. “Some individuals, despite earning modest incomes, make choices driven by appearances,” said Al Tamimi. “Someone earning KD 1,000 might buy a car with KD 500 monthly installments just to keep up an image.”

This desire to showcase wealth creates an artificial demand for high-end goods and services. As demand rises, so do prices, creating a feedback loop that affects everything from café menus to car dealerships. “There’s a culture of excessive consumption. People need to rethink their habits, as rational consumption can lead to lower prices overall,” he suggested. This culture of overspending is reflected in many lifestyle choices. “I am surprised to see people pay for coffee delivery when they can simply an easily make it at home,” said Altamimi.

While some spending habits may be avoidable, others — like housing — are fundamental and affect nearly everyone. Al Tamimi pointed to Kuwait’s real estate market as one of the most significant contributors to the high cost of living, citing the soaring price of land. “Land alone accounts for around 70 to 75 percent of the total cost of any building,” he explained. “This is very different from many other countries, where land is more affordable and makes up a smaller portion of overall costs.” This imbalance has driven up both property prices and rent, placing a heavy burden on households and businesses alike. For many residents, housing expenses consume a large share of their monthly income.

Another key issue, Al Tamimi argued, is the lack of competition in certain markets. “Some goods are effectively monopolized by one, two, or three importers,” he noted. This concentration of market power gives a small number of players the ability to set prices with little competitive pressure. To address this, he urged efforts to open up the market. “Breaking these monopolies and encouraging more entrepreneurs to enter different sectors could help,” he said. “We need to streamline business procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that currently discourage new players. In many cases, we only have a handful of stores selling certain products. More competition will ultimately benefit the consumer.”

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