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Kuwait, China sign maritime deals, review Mubarak Port progress

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Maritime security highlighted in official talks between Chinese officials, Kuwait Coast Guard

KUWAIT: Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan conducted a site visit on Thursday to the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port Project on Boubyan Island, accompanied by Chinese Deputy Minister of Transport Fu Xuyin. The visit also included Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Sameeh Hayat and Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Zhang Jianwei.

In a statement, the Ministry of Public Works explained that the visit was part of efforts to follow up on a contract for the study, design, and pre-construction services for the port—an agreement that officially launched on March 16, 2025. The port project is one of the key outcomes of the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed between Kuwait and China in September 2023, marking the start of a series of future bilateral contracts. The current phase includes finalizing detailed designs and presenting a comprehensive plan for the port’s construction and operation.

Brigadier General Sheikh Mubarak Ali Yousef Al-Sabah, Director General of the Coast Guard, and Deputy Minister Fu Xuyin pose for a photo after signing agreements in the field of ports and commercial maritime navigation in Kuwait on April 16, 2025.

Brigadier General Sheikh Mubarak Ali Yousef Al-Sabah, Director General of the Coast Guard, and Deputy Minister Fu Xuyin pose for a photo after signing agreements in the field of ports and commercial maritime navigation in Kuwait on April 16, 2025.

The visit follows the signing of two major maritime cooperation agreements between Kuwait and China. On Wednesday, the General Directorate of the Coast Guard signed both a cooperation agreement in the field of ports and commercial maritime navigation and a memorandum of understanding on mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates.

The agreements were signed by Brigadier General Sheikh Mubarak Ali Yousef Al-Sabah, Director General of the Coast Guard, and Deputy Minister Fu Xuyin on behalf of China. According to a statement from the Ministry of Interior, Sheikh Mubarak received the Chinese delegation at Sabah Al-Ahmad Naval Base.

The ministry emphasized that these agreements reflect a shared commitment to enhancing joint maritime operations, strengthening strategic ties in this critical sector, and boosting overall bilateral cooperation. Discussions during the meeting also addressed improving coordination on maritime safety and security in support of mutual interests. The signing ceremony was attended by Ambassador Zhang Jianwei and senior officials from the Coast Guard. — KUNA

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Iran Embassy opens condolence book to honor victims of Zionist aggression

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KUWAIT: The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kuwait opened a condolence book, on Monday, to honor the victims of the recent aggression against Iran. The event was attended by officials, ambassadors, and media. Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait Mohammad Toutounchi expressed his appreciation for the positions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, especially Kuwait, regarding the recent events, noting that Kuwait’s Foreign Minister had called his Iranian counterpart in a gesture that reflects the strength of bilateral relations, describing the presence of ambassadors at the embassy as “Noteworthy and Positive.”

The ambassador said in a statement that his country endured twelve days of intense aggression by the Zionist entity, joined by the United States in the final two days, explaining that Iran faced simultaneous attacks from countries equipped with nuclear capabilities and advanced technology, backed by NATO. He emphasized that the planners of this aggression had expected Iran to collapse within days. However, “The unity of the Iranian people inside and outside the country formed a formidable barrier.” He added that US intervention came only after ten days of failed efforts to achieve any ground breakthrough.

Toutounchi revealed that the number of victims exceeded 620 martyrs, with more than 5,356 wounded, including 13 children and 43 women, some of whom were pregnant, adding “Seven hospitals, six health centers, and dozens of ambulances were destroyed. These martyrs cannot be replaced whether they were children, military leaders, or academics, calling for the Zionist entity and the United States to be held accountable before international bodies to prevent such crimes from recurring.

Regarding Iran’s nuclear program, the ambassador reiterated Iran’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), pointing out that the country’s nuclear program, which represents less than 3 percent of global peaceful nuclear activities, has undergone over 23 percent of international inspections. He argued that this high inspection rate indicates no deviation toward military objectives.

He disclosed that Iran had recently agreed to five rounds of indirect negotiations aimed at reviving the diplomatic track and ensuring the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. He also stressed that Iran’s response against US military and intelligence bases in Qatar was a legitimate act of self-defense and was not directed at any neighboring countries, affirming Iran’s full respect for their sovereignty. He noted that Iran had communicated with Qatari leadership to clarify its position, stating that military bases in neighboring countries used by US forces cannot be considered safe havens for launching attacks.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi Ambassador to Kuwait Al-Manhal Al-Safi expressed his deep gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership, government, and people for facilitating the return of over 3,000 stranded Iraqi citizens by issuing more than 3,500 transit visas in just 12 days. The Iraqi ambassador affirmed his country’s full solidarity with Iran and condemned the aggression, revealing that Zionist aircraft had breached Iraqi airspace, prompting Baghdad to file an official complaint with the UN Security Council.

In the same context, the Sudanese Ambassador to Kuwait Awadal-Karim Al-Rayah Balla offered his condolences to Iran, describing the incident as “A blatant and unacceptable attack.” He called for regional unity to confront shared challenges, emphasizing that the targeting of Iran threatens all free peoples in the region. He urged a joint response to protect stability and to revive the Palestinian cause as a priority. The Sudanese envoy also pointed to the double standards in the international system, calling for crises to be addressed through international legitimacy rather than the imposition of forceful agendas.

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Exit permit now mandatory for expat workers

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KUWAIT: A decision mandating expatriates working in the private sector to obtain an exit permit with the prior approval of their employers comes into effect on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Employees need to apply through the Sahel app or the Public Authority of Manpower’s website. The employer must then approve the request online before the authority issues the permit. The decision applies to private sector employees who have residency under article 18. Those who have article 19 residency – self-sponsored – are not required to obtain the exit permit.

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410 students benefit from Educational Care Bank project

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KUWAIT: Al-Safa Charitable Society announced that 410 students across various educational stages have benefited from the Educational Care Bank project for the 2024-2025 academic year. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the General Secretariat of Endowments, provided a total of KD 100,000 (approximately $330,000) in educational support within Kuwait. Chairman of Al-Safa’s Board of Directors Mohammad Al-Shaya said in a press statement on Monday that the project reflects a shared commitment to supporting future generations by creating an educational environment free from financial obstacles. He emphasized that the initiative also aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by low-income families amid ongoing economic challenges.

Al-Shaya praised the General Secretariat of Endowments for its continued sponsorship of impactful and innovative projects that serve the community, particularly those focused on education. He noted that the Secretariat’s support for this program underscores its strong belief in education as a cornerstone for societal advancement and sustainable development. He added that Al-Safa Charitable Society, through this partnership, seeks to nurture a knowledgeable and responsible generation capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. The project, he explained, targets students who face difficulty in paying tuition fees, reaffirming the association’s belief in the right to education for all—without discrimination or financial barriers. — KUNA

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