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Kuwait, Lebanon enjoy deeply rooted and multifaceted ties

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KUWAIT: Relations between Kuwait and Lebanon are deeply rooted and span decades of political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation. From early diplomatic outreach to enduring mutual support during times of crisis, the two Arab nations have cultivated a partnership built on shared values and regional solidarity. Historical ties date back to the 1920s and 1940s, with formal diplomatic engagements beginning in the 1960s. Lebanon appointed a non-resident ambassador to Kuwait in December 1962, later inaugurating its embassy in 1964. In the same year, Kuwait opened its own embassy in Beirut, appointing Mohammad Al-Ghanim as its first ambassador to oversee bilateral relations.

Lebanon’s firm stance against the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait remains a pivotal moment in the countries’ relationship. Beirut unequivocally condemned the aggression and called for the immediate withdrawal of Iraqi forces. Years earlier, Kuwait had expressed similar solidarity with Lebanon during its civil war, playing a prominent role in mediating peace efforts. In 1988, Kuwait led a six-member Arab League committee, laying the groundwork for the Taif Agreement, which ultimately ended the conflict.

High-level visits further underscore the strength of ties. In August 1993, the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah became the first GCC leader to visit Lebanon since the outbreak of the civil war in 1975. His visit symbolized Kuwait’s appreciation for Lebanon’s support during the invasion. In 1996, then-Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah reaffirmed those sentiments during his official visit.

In May 2010, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah visited Lebanon, during which six cooperation agreements were signed across multiple sectors. Lebanese President Michel Aoun’s 2018 visit to Kuwait further highlighted the sustained diplomatic engagement between the two countries, with discussions held alongside His Highness the Amir and other senior officials. Economic cooperation has also been a defining feature of Kuwaiti-Lebanese relations. A number of agreements have been signed over the decades to bolster trade and investment. In 2018, the Kuwaiti-Lebanese Economic Committee and the Lebanese Business Council in Kuwait were established to enhance private sector collaboration, hosting numerous investors and entrepreneurs from both countries.

The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has played a vital role in Lebanon’s development, extending financial support for agricultural and infrastructure projects. Kuwait’s assistance was also evident during international donor gatherings, including the 2018 CEDRE conference in Paris, where it pledged $500 million to aid Lebanon’s economic recovery. That same year, Kuwait reaffirmed its backing of Lebanon’s security forces during the Rome II conference. Kuwait’s humanitarian support has been consistent and swift in times of crisis. During the 2006 Zionist aggression, Kuwait extended aid to the Lebanese people. It also responded promptly to the 2020 Beirut Port explosion and has continuously supported Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon.

Most recently, in November 2024, Kuwait launched an air bridge to deliver urgent humanitarian aid amid Zionist intensified military campaign against Lebanon. In the healthcare sector, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) provided over $500,000 in May 2021 to support Lebanon’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts for both citizens and refugee communities. While the depth of Kuwaiti-Lebanese ties could fill volumes, one constant remains: both nations continue to seek avenues to strengthen their partnership and stand by each other in pursuit of regional stability, prosperity, and mutual growth. — KUNA

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Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel Abdulhadi Al-Wazir, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.– KUNA photos

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Workshop discusses health competency framework

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday inaugurated a regional workshop titled “Competency Framework”, aimed at reviewing the preliminary draft of a competency framework for public health professionals. The three-day workshop is organized by the Gulf Center for Disease Control in cooperation with the Gulf Health Council and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC).

In his opening remarks, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry, Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, welcomed a distinguished group of public health leaders and specialists from GCC countries, emphasizing the workshop’s importance in light of the increasing need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health workforce. Al-Hasawi stressed the critical role of investing in human capital through training, capacity building, and well-structured competency frameworks grounded in scientific and practical methodologies. He noted that public health competency goes beyond technical expertise, encompassing key administrative and interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.

“Competency in public health is the ability to deliver appropriate, effective services to communities while achieving optimal outcomes,” Al-Hasawi said. “It includes service delivery, resource management, community engagement, and cross-sectoral cooperation.” Chairing the workshop, Dr Mohammed Al-Saeedan, Head of the Emergency Department – Public Health at KCDC, told reporters that the session aims to discuss and refine the initial draft of the framework with input from regional decision-makers and experts. The goal, he said, is to develop a comprehensive guide to strengthen the capabilities of the health workforce across GCC countries.

“Competency frameworks contribute to improving public health, increasing life expectancy, reducing the overall health burden, and advancing sustainable development,” Al-Saeedan explained. “Healthy individuals are more productive and better able to contribute to society.” He emphasized the importance of continuously updating public health guidelines and competency standards to build professional readiness and effectively address evolving health challenges. “Guidelines serve as essential tools in disease prevention and health promotion, guiding individuals and communities in making informed health choices that enhance quality of life,” he said.

Al-Saeedan noted that global shifts and the rising prevalence of diseases demand heightened preparedness and response capabilities. “As the world increasingly prioritizes prevention over treatment, public health professionals must be equipped with the highest level of skill and knowledge to manage emergencies and implement effective interventions,” he added. The workshop is expected to result in key recommendations that will shape a unified GCC approach to public health competency development and workforce excellence. — KUNA

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The hidden drivers behind high prices in Kuwait

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Although Kuwait was ranked earlier this year as the second least expensive Gulf country in the 2025 World Cost of Living Index, many residents feel that the prices of certain goods or services remain disproportionately high compared to other countries. While essential services — such as electricity, water, and fuel — are heavily subsidized and therefore inexpensive, other aspects of life, including housing, entertainment, and branded products, often carry a much steeper cost.

Therefore, according to economic expert Dr. Amer Al Tamimi, the root of the issue lies not in government policy, but in people’s behavior — whether it’s business owners inflating prices or consumers adopting high-cost lifestyles. Each year the state allocates no less than KD 6 billion in subsidies for electricity, water, fuel, and even certain food items. “In fact, the government has made life remarkably affordable for citizens — perhaps even too affordable.” But while basic goods may be inexpensive, the same cannot be said for luxury and lifestyle products. According to Al Tamimi, the high standard of living and strong purchasing power among Kuwait’s resident’s fuels intense demand for premium items — from cars and watches to high-end services and entertainment.

“These items might be cheaper elsewhere, but in Kuwait, the appetite for luxury pushes prices higher,” he explained. Even mid-range categories, such as transportation and clothing, are considered expensive when compared to regional or global averages. Social behavior plays a significant role in shaping price dynamics. “Some individuals, despite earning modest incomes, make choices driven by appearances,” said Al Tamimi. “Someone earning KD 1,000 might buy a car with KD 500 monthly installments just to keep up an image.”

This desire to showcase wealth creates an artificial demand for high-end goods and services. As demand rises, so do prices, creating a feedback loop that affects everything from café menus to car dealerships. “There’s a culture of excessive consumption. People need to rethink their habits, as rational consumption can lead to lower prices overall,” he suggested. This culture of overspending is reflected in many lifestyle choices. “I am surprised to see people pay for coffee delivery when they can simply an easily make it at home,” said Altamimi.

While some spending habits may be avoidable, others — like housing — are fundamental and affect nearly everyone. Al Tamimi pointed to Kuwait’s real estate market as one of the most significant contributors to the high cost of living, citing the soaring price of land. “Land alone accounts for around 70 to 75 percent of the total cost of any building,” he explained. “This is very different from many other countries, where land is more affordable and makes up a smaller portion of overall costs.” This imbalance has driven up both property prices and rent, placing a heavy burden on households and businesses alike. For many residents, housing expenses consume a large share of their monthly income.

Another key issue, Al Tamimi argued, is the lack of competition in certain markets. “Some goods are effectively monopolized by one, two, or three importers,” he noted. This concentration of market power gives a small number of players the ability to set prices with little competitive pressure. To address this, he urged efforts to open up the market. “Breaking these monopolies and encouraging more entrepreneurs to enter different sectors could help,” he said. “We need to streamline business procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that currently discourage new players. In many cases, we only have a handful of stores selling certain products. More competition will ultimately benefit the consumer.”

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