KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi announced on Friday that more than 40 successful stem cell transplant operations have been performed in Kuwait for children suffering from thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, noting that “these procedures are increasing due to advanced medical efforts and ongoing government support.” In his opening speech at the First Pan Arab Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Conference, Dr Al-Awadhi also revealed that gene therapy for children over the age of 12 is under review in Kuwait as a promising treatment option for thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, and that it is expected to be available soon as part of the country’s national health plans. “This step will open new horizons for full recovery and improved quality of life,” he said, adding that it falls under a comprehensive national strategy aimed at easing the burden on patients and their families and enhancing their well-being.

He expressed Kuwait’s pride in its notable achievements in prevention, especially the premarital screening program, which has been implemented since 2009. He noted that more than 400,000 screenings have been conducted using the latest advanced diagnostic tools. In addition, a specialized genetic laboratory has been established to diagnose blood disorders using multiple modern genetic techniques, the latest of which is Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). He emphasized that the program’s success was proven in a scientific study published in 2019, which showed a significant drop of over 50 percent in the number of cases at risk of transmitting hereditary blood diseases among engaged couples.

This success has led to a noticeable decrease in new thalassemia cases diagnosed in newborns, children, and citizens in Kuwait. Consequently, the Ministry of Health decided to include residents in the premarital screening program. This resulted in a recently issued law mandating such screenings for residents prior to marriage.

Dr Al-Awadhi stressed the ministry’s strong commitment to enhancing services for these patients, including providing the latest internationally approved treatments for iron overload, a common complication from repeated blood transfusions. He reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to introducing the latest globally approved treatments that reduce dependence on blood transfusions by stimulating red blood cell production in patients. Dr Al-Awadhi concluded by stating that these diseases affect not only individuals’ health but also impact families and society as a whole. “We reaffirm our commitment to supporting every scientific or humanitarian initiative that helps raise awareness, improve patients’ quality of life, and enhance efforts in early diagnosis and treatment,” he said. — KUNA

SINGAPORE: US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth affirmed on Saturday that the Gulf states are among the United States’ allies, stressing that the “America First” policy does not mean “America alone,” but rather working alongside allies—including the Gulf countries—to achieve shared security.

His remarks came during a speech at the opening session of the 22nd edition of the Asian Security Summit held within the framework of the Shangri-La Dialogue, attended by Kuwaiti Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah, along with defense ministers, military leaders, and security experts from 47 countries.

Hegseth stated, “As I’ve said many times before, and it’s important for this room to hear today, and all the world — America First certainly does not mean America alone. Especially alongside so many of our allies, model allies like Poland, (the Zionist entity), and the Gulf States, the Baltic States. And it does not mean ignoring the world. “

Sheikh Abdullah holds a conversation with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

SINGAPORE: Kuwaiti Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah participated in the the 22nd edition of the Asian Security Summit held in Singapore.

High-level meetings

In a statement released Saturday, Sheikh Abdullah said that the first day of the summit featured a series of meetings between heads of state, government officials, and defense ministers. During this, he met with Zaqy Mohamad, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Defense and for Sustainability and the Environment.

The ministry added that the meeting explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, particularly in military and security affairs. The two sides also discussed several topics of mutual interest, as well as regional and international issues.

During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah extended congratulations on the occasion of Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence and praised the deep and longstanding bilateral relationship, which began 40 years ago. He affirmed the strength of Kuwait-Singapore relations and the importance of expanding cooperation, especially in defense and security sectors.

On the sidelines of the summit, Sheikh Abdullah also held cordial conversations and bilateral discussions with several world leaders and senior defense officials. He met with French President Emmanuel Macron, President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Singaporean Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Cybersecurity Josephine Teo. These meetings included exchanges of views on strategic challenges at regional and international levels and ways to enhance joint efforts to support global peace and stability.

The agenda of the Shangri-La Dialogue includes discussions on global challenges such as maintaining balance in a competitive world, managing nuclear proliferation risks, and cybersecurity. Parallel sessions will also cover topics like defense innovation, maritime security, and managing regional crises.

Kuwait’s Ambassador to Singapore, Ahmad Al-Shuraim, and the accompanying delegation attended the meetings alongside Minister Sheikh Abdullah. — Agencies

Rami Tahboub, Ambassador of Palestine to Kuwait

On the occasion of the first anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, appointing his brother His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as Crown Prince, it is my great honor and pleasure to extend to His Highness the loyal Crown Prince my warmest and most sincere congratulations on this joyous occasion — on behalf of myself, my family, the staff of the Embassy of the State of Palestine, and the Palestinian community residing in Kuwait, the land of Arabism and solidarity.

This momentous occasion brings to mind, with pride and appreciation, my time witnessing His Highness’ distinguished service as Minister of Foreign Affairs, during which I had the honor of presenting the credentials of the first Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Kuwait. I was graciously received by His Highness, who then – as now – was the epitome of humility and warmth.

I also had the privilege of organizing His Highness’ official visit in September 2014, which marked the first visit by a Kuwaiti official to the occupied State of Palestine since 1967. I had the honor of accompanying him to the holy city of Jerusalem, where he performed prayers at the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Palestine and its cause have always held a top priority for His Highness – whether during his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs, as Prime Minister, and now as Crown Prince. He has carried it with sincerity and deep commitment in all international forums, firmly believing in the justice of the Palestinian cause and defending it unwaveringly, despite complex political circumstances.

I also witnessed His Highness’ leadership when he was appointed Prime Minister of Kuwait, where he led the government with dedication and competence through several terms, always calm and patient, confronting great challenges with unmatched wisdom. Then came Saturday, June 1, 2024, when His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the country – may God protect him – issued the Amiri Order appointing His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as Crown Prince, entrusting him with the care of the nation and the dear people of Kuwait.

Since becoming Crown Prince, His Highness – may God preserve him – has shown extraordinary humility. He is regularly present at social gatherings, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, where I had the honor of meeting and greeting him at numerous Kuwaiti diwaniyas he visited to offer Ramadan congratulations. As always, he greeted everyone with a warm smile, a reflection of his beloved character.

I pray to Almighty God to protect His Highness, grant him health and well-being, and keep him as a source of strength and support for his brother, the Amir of the country, and for the beloved land and people of Kuwait. May Kuwait continue to prosper and may God protect it from all harm.

Kenichiro Mukai

Kenichiro Mukai, Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait

On behalf of the Government and the People of Japan, I am honored to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the first anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah’s appointment as Crown Prince of the friendly State of Kuwait. His Highness’ appointment was met with widespread warmth and optimism, reflecting confidence in his experience, wisdom, and distinguished record of political work across various senior roles. We will continue working with His Highness and the government of the State of Kuwait to strengthen and enhance the bonds between our nations across all sectors and at every level.

Olivier Gauvin

Olivier Gauvin, Ambassador of France to Kuwait

On the occasion of the first anniversary of the accession of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to his high office, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Republic of France, my warmest congratulations to His Highness and to the Kuwaiti people. This anniversary marks an important milestone in Kuwait’s institutional continuity and reflects His Highness’ wise vision and deep commitment to the country’s stability and development.

France is delighted by the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation that unite it with Kuwait. The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, paid an official visit to Kuwait on April 24, 2025, during which he had the honor of being received in audience by His Highness the Crown Prince. The President of the French Republic invited His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince to pay an official visit to France. These high-level contacts and this invitation reflect the shared desire to continue to strengthen the partnership between our two countries.

We wish His Highness every success in his duties and the friendly State of Kuwait lasting peace, security, and prosperity.

Anne Koistinen

Anne Koistinen, Ambassador of the European Union to Kuwait

On behalf of the European Union, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on the first anniversary of his appointment as Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait. This past year has been a testament to His Highness’ exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and dedication to the welfare of the people of Kuwait, under the wise guidance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The EU and Kuwait share a longstanding friendship grounded in shared values of peace, mutual respect, support to the UN and the multilateral order and collective prosperity. As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we also look forward with optimism to further strengthening our partnership in various domains, including trade and investments, security and regional stability, research and education, digital transformation and AI, as well as energy security and green transition. We wish His Highness the Crown Prince every success in his endeavors and once again, congratulations on this significant occasion.