Connect with us

Latest News

Aoun visits Kuwait to rekindle ties

Published

on

Lebanon facing challenges that ‘require a partnership based on investment, not just support’: Lebanese official

BEIRUT: Kuwaiti-Lebanese relations are set to regain political and diplomatic momentum with the official visit of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Kuwait Sunday, marking a step that reflects the deep ties between the two countries.

President Aoun and his accompanying delegation are scheduled to arrive in Kuwait on Sunday where they will hold official talks with His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The visit carries added significance, as it comes after a hiatus in official visits at this level and amid major internal and external transformations in Lebanon. It serves as a pivotal opportunity to rebuild trust and reinforce avenues of Arab support, particularly from Kuwait, which has historically been a pillar of stability and a major supporter of Lebanon during its most challenging times.

Lebanon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Raji, said that the scheduled visit of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Kuwait is “a gesture of appreciation and loyalty to Kuwait — its leadership and people — for their continuous support to Lebanon.”

In an exclusive statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Minister Raji emphasized the importance of the “continuous and ongoing” support that Kuwait has provided to the Lebanese government and people through all circumstances.

Charles Arbid, President of Lebanon’s Economic, Social, and Environmental Council, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the relationship between Lebanon and Kuwait “goes beyond political alignment to a strong emotional and historical bond.” He stressed that Kuwait “has consistently stood by Lebanon’s humanity, sovereignty, and stability, and today renews this commitment under the new leadership of President Joseph Aoun.”

Arbid emphasized that the challenges Lebanon faces today “require a partnership based on investment, not just support,” expressing hope that the upcoming visit would “serve as a real starting point for a new economic relationship,” opening different prospects between the two nations.

He pointed to promising opportunities in sectors like energy, infrastructure, the knowledge economy, tourism, and financial services, where Kuwait’s various institutions could play “a pioneering role.”

Raji expressed his hopes that President Aoun’s visit would help “restore Kuwait’s familiar momentum” and contribute to Lebanon’s recovery efforts, which are based on the economic and political reforms being implemented by President Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and the ministers of the current government.

He called for strengthening bilateral cooperation across various fields, particularly in trade and tourism, and highly praised Kuwait’s embrace of the Lebanese community, “who view Kuwait as their second home — a sentiment that is mutual.”

Lebanese observers believe that this official visit lays the groundwork for Lebanon to reconnect with its Gulf and Arab depth. It also opens the door for a renewed Kuwaiti role in supporting the Lebanese reforms initiated by the government following its parliamentary confidence vote, along with backing national recovery projects across various sectors.

Fund to revive projects

During a meeting last week with Bader Al-Saad, Director General and Chairman of the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, Lebanese President Aoun reaffirmed his determination to rebuild the country on “new foundations,” focusing on “economic and financial reforms” supported by “transparency and good governance.” Aoun highlighted Lebanon’s intention to strengthen partnerships with financial institutions like the Arab Fund, which has financed several projects in cooperation with Lebanon’s Council for Development and Reconstruction. He also expressed gratitude for the Fund’s “renewed interest in Lebanon, which is beginning to regain the trust of its Arab brothers and international friends.”

The Arab Fund, based in Kuwait, is a regional institution that supports economic and social development across Arab countries by funding investment projects, providing grants, and offering technical expertise. Al-Saad explained that his visit aims to “revive development projects funded by the Arab Fund” after years of inactivity. He reaffirmed the fund’s commitment to fulfilling existing loans, with a focus on education and health sectors.

Speaking to reporters, Al-Saad confirmed the Fund’s readiness to provide new soft loans and to help build Lebanon’s development capacities by training technical staff within ministries and security agencies. He noted that the Fund is awaiting the Lebanese government’s identification of priority development projects.

Al-Saad also emphasized the Arab Fund’s goal to be “the first development institution to resume activities in Lebanon,” highlighting ongoing cooperation with the World Bank. Meetings with Lebanese ministers were scheduled to assess urgent development needs. A Fund team is currently stationed at Lebanon’s Council for Development and Reconstruction to review projects in key sectors such as electricity, water, education, health, and infrastructure.

Separately, Al-Saad met with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who praised the longstanding ties with the Arab Fund and described it as “a key partner for development.” Salam expressed hope for expanded cooperation across priority sectors and pointed to a “historic opportunity” for Lebanon’s recovery, supported by growing Arab interest.

Al-Saad also met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to discuss ways of reactivating the Fund’s role in Lebanon’s development and social projects, aligned with its updated operational mechanisms and Lebanon’s current needs. — KUNA

Latest News

Army Chief decorates 35th batch of officers with colonel rank

Published

on

By

KUWAIT: Chief of the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army Lt Gen Khaled Al-Shuraian on Monday bestowed the rank of colonel on members of the 35th officers’ batch, in accordance with an Amiri Decree issued by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. In a press statement, Lt Gen Al-Shuraian conveyed the congratulations of Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah to the newly promoted officers.

No Image

He expressed hope the promotions would serve as an incentive for greater dedication and continued service to the nation. The ceremony was attended by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah, members of the Military Defense Council and several senior army officers. — KUNA

Continue Reading

Latest News

Experts discuss climate impact on Kuwait’s economy

Published

on

By

KUWAIT: The Economic Platform, a Kuwaiti media initiative focused on financial markets and corporate performance, held a dialogue session on Monday titled “Climate Change and Economic Challenges” to bolster the country’s sustainable development efforts. The discussion centered on two key themes: the economic impacts of climate change and strategies for adaptation and loss mitigation. The session was moderated by astronomy researcher Khaled Al-Jumaan and featured meteorologist Issa Ramadan, Kuwait Economic Society Secretary General Mohammad Al-Jouan, energy and construction researcher Dr Majed Al-Rashidi, and Building Information Modeling consultant Asmaa Al-Saleh.

Panelists outlined the main drivers of sustainable development in Kuwait, highlighting the interdependence of renewable energy, environmental considerations and infrastructure. They also evaluated the current national landscape in these areas, underscoring their direct connection to the country’s economic performance. Addressing the first theme, participants exchanged perspectives on the effects of climate change on key sectors, including renewable energy production, infrastructure, urban expansion and future development trends in the region. Each expert offered an individual assessment of current conditions and recent scientific findings related to climate, energy and infrastructure and their economic implications.

In the second theme, focused on adaptation and minimizing losses, the speakers stressed the need for modern strategies to confront climate-related economic challenges and maintain balance between growth and environmental responsibility. They called for a forward-looking vision that includes green urban planning, emission reduction, investment in renewable energy projects and enhanced infrastructure development.

Following the session, the participating experts are expected to convene to issue comprehensive recommendations on advancing sustainable development across various sectors of the national economy. Established in 2023, Economic is a Kuwaiti platform that blends in-depth analysis with visual storytelling on major economic and financial issues in Kuwait, the Gulf, the wider Middle East and beyond. — KUNA

Continue Reading

Latest News

Spain marks National Day, highlights strong relations with Kuwait

Published

on

By

KUWAIT: The Embassy of Spain in Kuwait celebrated the Spanish National Day on Sunday, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense, Sheikh Dr Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah. In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of Spain to Kuwait Manuel Hernandez Gamallo emphasized the importance of the occasion, marking Spain as one of the oldest nation-states in the world, a country united by diverse languages and cultural traditions.

The ambassador emphasized the strength of the relations between Spain and Kuwait, saying “Our relations with Kuwait are deep and solid, based on cultural affinities and people-to-people relations. Those relations are flourishing more than ever.” He revealed that nearly 50,000 Kuwaiti travelers visited Spain this year, noting that recent visa facilitation measures within the Schengen area have made travel easier.

The Ambassador highlighted significant progress in bilateral cooperation, including the Spanish Kuwaiti Joint Economic Committee held in Kuwait last May, which brought together business leaders and officials from sectors aligned with Kuwait’s Vision 2035. Notably, several agreements are currently in progress to further strengthen trade and investment ties. On the academic level, the Ambassador highlighted Kuwait’s recognition of degrees from 45 Spanish universities, with several institutions including Madrid, Navarra and Barcelona granted “excellence” status in select disciplines, expressing hope to see more Kuwaiti students studying in Spain in the coming years.

He also announced the upcoming direct air connection between Kuwait and Madrid, adding to the existing routes to Barcelona and seasonal flights to Malaga, which will further boost tourism and connectivity. The Spanish Ambassador reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to dialogue among civilizations, the rule of international law, and the defense of human rights, underlining Spain’s recognition of the State of Palestine and its ongoing efforts to promote a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, commending Kuwait’s steadfast humanitarian role and its contribution to regional stability.

He added “Spain salutes the State of Kuwait as a staunch defender of international law, a factor of stability, and a first-rate contributor to humanitarian causes in the world,” extending congratulations to Kuwait for successfully hosting the GCC–EU Ministerial Meeting held recently in Kuwait. The Ambassador also recognized the 450 Spaniards currently residing in Kuwait, many of whom are professionals working in fields such as education, business, health, sports, energy, and infrastructure. The Ambassador concluded by extending greetings on behalf of King Felipe VI and the Government of Spain, wishing continued progress and prosperity to the State of Kuwait and its people.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 SKUWAIT.COM .