India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, receives the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the nation’s highest honor, from Trinidad and Tobago President Carla Kangaloo at presidential residence in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on July 4. (AP)

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, July 5, (AP): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promising continued trade and investment in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday in an address to the nation’s parliament.

“It’s time for us to work together to give the global south its rightful seat at the table,” Modi said. “For us there are no limits to our cooperation with you.”

The two-day trip was Modi’s first official visit to the diverse, twin-island Caribbean country that shares longstanding ties with India. The visit was expected to boost investment in energy, health, security and other sectors.

In his speech, Modi said that he saw “great potential” in working with Trinidad and Tobago on everything from developing new digital artificial intelligence tools to agriculture. He said that trade between the two countries was only set to grow “with human development at the center.”

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced a number of investments into medical, energy and technological infrastructure promised by Modi, and thanked the leader.

“This visit is more than just diplomacy. It marks a new dawn,” she said. “India, and Trinidad and Tobago, will now work as strategic partners.”

Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel is chairing the regular meeting of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Emergency Committee, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the national food security.

KUWAIT CITY, July 3: Kuwait is making significant strides in establishing an integrated and secure food system designed to maintain stability and meet the needs of citizens and residents under various conditions, Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel announced on Wednesday.

The statement came following Al-Ajeel’s chairmanship of the regular meeting of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Emergency Committee, part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national food security and oversee the implementation of related projects and strategic plans.

Al-Ajeel emphasized that the Emergency Committee remains fully committed to advancing the food security agenda, ensuring all components meet the highest standards of preparedness and sustainability. He highlighted the Ministry’s collaboration with multiple government agencies to guarantee the uninterrupted flow of essential commodities while enhancing the efficiency of Kuwait’s strategic food reserves.

“The successive meetings of the Emergency Committee demonstrate the seriousness and continuity of work on this vital file,” Al-Ajeel said, noting that specialized teams are actively working to complete the necessary elements of a comprehensive food system in an efficient and effective manner.

During the meeting, participants reviewed recent developments in food security initiatives, emergency response plans, updates to stock-related databases, and the progress of implementing approved measures within the executive framework of the food security program.

Officials also discussed enhancing inter-ministerial cooperation and overcoming logistical challenges to ensure market and sales outlet readiness, safeguarding against the impacts of regional or global disruptions.

The session was attended by senior officials including the Ministry’s Undersecretary (Vice Chairman of the Committee), the Assistant Undersecretary for Control and Consumer Protection Affairs, the CEO of Kuwait Supply Company, and representatives from key entities such as the Kuwait Ports Authority, the Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies, the Kuwait Union of Foodstuff Traders and Manufacturers, the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, the General Administration of Customs, the Ministry of Social Affairs, as well as the Director of the Supply Department, who also serves as the committee secretary.

The coordinated efforts underscore Kuwait’s commitment to building a resilient food system capable of ensuring the nation’s food security under all circumstances.

KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, today marked a historic milestone with the resumption of its direct flights between Kuwait and Damascus, restoring air connectivity between the two nations for the first time in over 13 years. The first two flights departed from Jazeera Terminal 5 this morning, with a full passenger load, some of whom were back to their home country after several years. For many of the over 200,000 Syrians living in Kuwait – the second-largest Arab community in the country – this moment represents more than just a flight; it is a long-overdue reconnection with their roots, loved ones, and memories. Jazeera Airways had previously operated services to Damascus, Aleppo, and Deir EzZoor.

The return to Damascus marks the beginning of renewed engagement with Syria, as the airline responds to strong and growing demand from the community. The route launches with one daily flight, with plans to increase to twice-daily frequencies by the end of the summer travel season. The airline is also exploring future expansions to other Syrian cities in line with market recovery.

Barathan Pasupathi, Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways, stated:“This is more than just the reopening of a route – it is the restoration of a vital bridge for people. We are proud to re-establish this important connection for the Syrian community in Kuwait and beyond. Many of the passengers on our inaugural flight were returning to Syria for the first time in years, and the emotions witnessed at the departure gate were a powerful reminder of how meaningful this service is. We extend our sincere thanks to the authorities in both Kuwait and Syria for their invaluable support in making this relaunch possible.” With the launch of flights to Damascus, Jazeera Airways continues to play a vital role in enhancing regional connectivity and supporting the aspirations of communities across its growing network. To book flights, travellers can visit www.jazeeraairways.com or Jazeera’s mobile application.