KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired the 31st meeting of the ministerial committee tasked with monitoring the implementation of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between Kuwait and China. The meeting, held at Bayan Palace, reviewed the progress of joint cooperation across various sectors and the growing partnerships driven by the mutual interest of both leaderships in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing shared goals.

His Highness affirmed the depth of Kuwait-China ties and the steady development they continue to witness, noting China’s status as a strong and reliable economic, trade and investment partner. He highlighted the expansion of cooperation across vital fields and said the increase in bilateral trade reflects the solid historic partnership and aligns with the two nations’ strategic visions. He directed committee members to continue strengthening economic collaboration with China in all sectors and intensify efforts to attract further Chinese investment to Kuwait, stressing that such efforts would help boost trade exchange.

Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Meshari reiterated the government’s commitment to driving comprehensive development and enhancing citizens’ welfare through major strategic projects aimed at upgrading infrastructure and achieving sustainable growth. Addressing recent misinformation surrounding the Al-Sabriya Residential City project — a key component of the Sustainable Housing Care Program — Al-Meshari clarified several points. He said that among the Chinese companies nominated by Beijing, only one has so far expressed interest in investing in the project. To avoid reliance on a single contractor and reduce implementation risks, the Public Authority for Housing Welfare decided to divide the project to allow participation from a larger number of nominated major Chinese firms.

He noted that the company’s offer lacked clear design standards, contrary to what was circulated, stressing that the Authority adheres to leading international benchmarks in all its projects. He added that the total investment proposed by the company did not exceed KD 1.9 billion, dismissing claims of KD 7 billion investments. The offer also sought exclusivity over all main and subsidiary infrastructure works and public buildings, which would involve additional costs to the state. He added that the proposal nevertheless included financial returns for Kuwait and that applying Law 118 could help reduce overall project costs. He confirmed that the Authority remains open to working with firms from other countries if needed.

Al-Meshari also stressed the importance of accuracy in public discourse and warned against the spread of false information that could harm Kuwait’s relations with other governments. Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs and committee member and rapporteur Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat presented updates on joint coordination with senior Chinese officials regarding the implementation of development projects by Chinese state-owned companies nominated by Beijing. He announced that, next week, chairpersons of five major Chinese government companies — accompanied by senior officials and designated by the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission — will make an official four-day visit to Kuwait to discuss agreement details with their Kuwaiti counterparts. The visit comes as part of the memorandum of understanding between both countries on cooperation in waste recycling.

The meeting was attended by Head of the Prime Minister’s Diwan Abdulaziz Dakhil Al-Dakhil, Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Mohammed Al-Mashaan, Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Hamed Al-Meshari, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Head of the Fatwa and Legislation Department Counselor Salah Ateeq Al-Majed, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat, and Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Eng. Faisal Abdullah Al-Sumait. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Meteorological Department (MD) has forecast hot daytime temperatures and moderate nights over the weekend, with a chance of dust in open areas, Acting Director Dhirar Al-Ali told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Thursday. Al-Ali explained that Kuwait is currently under the influence of an extended high-pressure system from the northwest, bringing hot, dry air and light to moderate northwesterly winds that may occasionally stir up dust and cause high waves at intervals.

The temperatures are expected to reach 36 to 38°C, with northwesterly to variable winds blowing at 8 to 35 km/h. The sea will be light to moderate, with waves between 1 and 4 feet. Overnight, temperatures will drop to 20 to 22°C, with light to moderate variable northwesterly winds at 8 to 30 km/h and a calm to moderate sea with waves of 1 to 3 feet.

Friday will see hot weather with northwesterly to northerly winds, occasionally active, ranging between 8 and 42 km/h, and a chance of dust in open areas. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach 36 to 38°C, while the sea will remain light to moderate, with waves between 1 and 5 feet. Nighttime temperatures will range from 20 to 22°C, with light to moderate northwesterly to variable winds at 8 to 28 km/h and a calm to moderate sea with waves of 1 to 3 feet.

Al-Ali said Saturday will also be hot, with northwesterly winds, sometimes active, between 10 and 45 km/h, and a chance of dust in open areas. Maximum temperatures are forecast at 37 to 39°C, with a light to moderate sea and waves reaching 2 to 6 feet. Overnight, temperatures will range between 21 and 23°C, with light to moderate variable northwesterly winds at 8 to 28 km/h and a calm to moderate sea with waves of 1 to 3 feet. The MD advised residents to take precautions in dusty areas and exercise caution at sea due to variable wave conditions. — KUNA

KUWAIT: A World Health Organization (WHO) official on Thursday praised the Kuwait Prize for Combating Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes as a leading example in encouraging scientific research, highlighting Kuwait’s pivotal role in supporting medical advancements. Dr Adham Rashad, Director of Program Management for the Eastern Mediterranean Region at WHO, told KUNA that the prize exemplifies an initiative that stimulates scientific and medical research at both regional and international levels. He commended Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to advancing medical research and public health.

Speaking during the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean in Cairo, Rashad said the prize reflects Kuwait’s humanitarian and scientific dedication to enhancing researchers’ capacities in tackling chronic health challenges. Launched in 2003, the award is presented annually for the best research addressing cancer, heart diseases, and diabetes—three of the most widespread and impactful conditions on human health.

Rashad noted that over the past 12 years, the Kuwait Prize has significantly enriched Arab and international medical research by highlighting exceptional work and fostering collaboration between scientific and medical institutions. He described it as a model partnership between national institutions and international organizations, positively contributing to medical science and quality of life.

Addressing challenges facing WHO in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Rashad highlighted financial constraints as a key concern. He said discussions at the current session focused on the organization’s financial situation and restructuring to align with contemporary health priorities, especially in anticipation of the United States’ planned withdrawal from WHO in January 2026. He added that the region faces complex emergencies, with nearly half of its 22 countries in a state of emergency for various reasons, underscoring the urgent need for adequate financial and technical resources for rapid response. Member states have pledged to work collectively to address these gaps.

The conference also tackled issues such as the persistence of polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Gulf Cooperation Council countries—including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—pledging additional financial and technical support to bolster eradication efforts. Other discussions included climate change and its health impact, chronic diseases, laboratory safety standards, emergency response, and strengthening healthcare systems across the region.

Rashad praised the call by Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Dr Khaled Abdel Ghaffar to launch the “Cairo Call for Health Response,” noting it as a key step toward coordinated regional health action. The 72nd session, concluding tomorrow, is attended by health ministers and officials from 22 countries, including Kuwait, as well as representatives from international and regional health organizations. During the session, Kuwaiti Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi presented the Kuwait Prize to Dr Noor Al-Busaidi from Oman and Dr Majid Mobarhan from Iran. — KUNA