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ASEAN chief hails Kuwait ties, praises Vision 2035

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KUALA LUMPUR: Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr Kao Kim Hourn, on Sunday underscored the growing importance of bilateral relations between ASEAN member states and Kuwait, commending the Gulf country’s development blueprint, Kuwait Vision 2035. In remarks to KUNA on the sidelines of preparations for the upcoming ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN-GCC-China Trilateral Summits, Dr Hourn described Kuwait’s engagement with ASEAN as a vital pillar in the evolving partnership between the two regional blocs.

He particularly lauded Kuwait’s active role in high-level regional dialogues and its forward-looking vision for sustainable development. Dr Hourn welcomed the anticipated participation of His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who will represent His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, at the summits scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on May 26–27. The Crown Prince is expected to lead the Kuwaiti delegation as part of the country’s current chairmanship of the 45th session of the GCC Supreme Council.

He noted the timing of Kuwait’s attendance as highly significant, citing it as a testament to the Gulf leadership’s commitment to sustaining the momentum initiated at the inaugural ASEAN-GCC Summit held in Riyadh in 2023. That landmark event, which gathered leaders from all ASEAN and GCC member states, was widely regarded as a breakthrough in interregional cooperation. Highlighting Kuwait’s distinguished role in humanitarian affairs, Dr Hourn pointed to the country’s potential contributions to ASEAN’s ongoing efforts in addressing the crisis in Myanmar. Given Kuwait’s global standing as a humanitarian leader, he expressed confidence in its capacity to assist in non-political dimensions of the issue.

KUALA LUMPUR: People take photos in front of the logo of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on May 25, 2025. – AFP

KUALA LUMPUR: People take photos in front of the logo of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on May 25, 2025. – AFP

On the economic front, Dr Hourn reported steady progress in the ASEAN-GCC Economic Cooperation Agreement. He revealed that a cooperation framework, adopted by both sides’ leaders two years ago, has culminated in the recent completion of a preliminary feasibility study. This study will soon be shared with member states for review, paving the way for the identification of joint initiatives. While noting that it remains premature to finalize a free trade agreement, Dr Hourn described current developments as promising. He explained that ASEAN is presently focused on deepening economic integration among its own members while also nurturing bilateral partnerships with key external stakeholders, including the GCC.

Turning to ASEAN’s long-term strategic outlook, Dr Hourn elaborated on the association’s Vision 2045, which is structured around four core pillars: political-security cooperation, economic integration, socio-cultural community development and enhanced regional connectivity under the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025). He described the vision as a comprehensive roadmap designed to navigate future regional challenges and transformations.

Dr Hourn further emphasized ASEAN’s commitment to its founding principles and values, affirming that the upcoming summits would serve to reinforce these tenets. ASEAN continues to engage with major global partners — among them China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia — while maintaining an active role in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a multilateral trade agreement encompassing 15 countries. He concluded by expressing optimism that the upcoming engagements in Kuala Lumpur will deepen mutual understanding and chart new avenues for ASEAN-GCC cooperation across strategic, economic, and humanitarian domains. — KUNA

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MoI arrests 153 in crackdown

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of 153 violators and wanted individuals during a wide-scale security campaign conducted across the country. The crackdown comes in line with the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, as part of ongoing efforts to uphold public order and enforce the rule of law.

In a statement issued Monday, the General Department of Security Relations and Media said the campaign was launched at dawn last Thursday under the direct supervision of Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Major General Ali Al-Adwani. It targeted several densely populated areas, including Hawally, Salmiya, Jahra and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. The ministry stressed that operations carried out by the General Department of Residence Affairs Investigations are continuing to track down violators of residency and labor laws. It reiterated that legal accountability will extend to both workers and employers, affirming that no leniency will be shown towards any violator.

In a separate development, the Ministry of Interior reported the arrest of a citizen accused of operating an illegal cryptocurrency mining in a rented property in Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City. The ministry noted that cryptocurrency mining is prohibited due to its high electricity consumption, which places significant strain on the national power grid and threatens its stability.

The ministry’s Public Relations and Security Media Department explained that the arrest was made following field investigations, which revealed that the house in question belonged to an individual whose citizenship was recently revoked. A search warrant was obtained from the Public Prosecution, and the property was subsequently raided.

During initial investigations, the accused confessed to resuming mining activities two weeks prior, having previously concealed the equipment amid an earlier security campaign. The ministry confirmed that the mining devices were confiscated and that the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy was notified to take appropriate technical and legal action regarding the illegal power usage. The suspect has been referred to the competent authorities for further legal procedures. — KUNA

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Kuwait’s Health Ministry nears completion of 2 hospitals; 16 projects in pipeline

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KUWAIT: Kuwait is implementing an ambitious national strategy to modernize its healthcare infrastructure, improve service quality, and expand access to treatment. Under the framework of its 2024/2025 development plan, the country has allocated around KD 140 million to a portfolio of 20 public health projects aimed at improving care delivery and long-term system sustainability. According to the Ministry of Health, 13 of these projects are currently in the execution phase, three are in preparatory stages, two are in final delivery, and two have been completed.

Major projects underway

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Assistant Undersecretary for Engineering and Projects at the Ministry of Health Ibrahim Al-Nahham, said the ministry is working to complete several large-scale health infrastructure projects in line with international standards. One of the latest additions to Kuwait’s healthcare infrastructure is the New Maternity Hospital in the Sabah Health Zone, which was inaugurated in April. So far, only the outpatient clinic has been opened to patients, while the main facility — which includes operating and delivery rooms as well as inpatient wards — is expected to open soon, according to a KTV report aired this week.

Four major construction projects are currently underway: The New Sabah Hospital; The New Adan Hospital; The Communicable Diseases Hospital; and The Kuwait Cancer Center. The latter two are expected to open in the coming days, Al-Nahham told KUNA.

The New Sabah Hospital spans over 88,710 square meters with a total built-up area of 280,636 square meters. It features 512 inpatient beds, 105 ICU beds, and 72 outpatient clinics across multiple specialties. The main facility consists of three towers, a helipad for emergency transport, and support buildings, including parking and technical services.

The Communicable Diseases Hospital will offer 224 inpatient beds and eight ICU beds. It also includes departments for emergency services, radiology, pharmacy, and medical records. The Kuwait Cancer Center will cover 226,525 square meters and is planned to operate with 618 beds using fully automated systems.

As for the New Adan Hospital, it is being developed as a multi-facility complex of seven interconnected buildings, including a maternity and pediatrics hospital, a surgical building, rehabilitation center, and administrative offices for the Ahmadi Health Zone. Underground tunnels will connect the facilities to streamline operations and patient care.

International collaboration

In parallel with infrastructure upgrades, Kuwait continues to strengthen its cooperation with international and regional partners. This includes agreements to support medical training, digital systems, and public health initiatives. Locally, several memoranda of understanding have been signed with other government entities to promote the National Healthy Cities Strategy. The goal is to raise awareness on healthy living and convert policy strategies into actionable projects.

Internationally, the Ministry of Health has held a series of meetings in recent months with European Union ambassadors and health representatives to exchange expertise and explore training and research collaboration. In July, Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi signed five memoranda of understanding with leading medical institutions in Paris to support knowledge exchange and bilateral health cooperation. The partnerships aim to enhance specialized care in areas such as oncology, cardiology, and organ transplants. One of the key components is the development of telemedicine services that would allow Kuwaiti patients and physicians to access expert opinions and diagnostic support remotely.

Healthy cities initiative

The ministry also continues its long-term collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), which formally opened a country office in Kuwait four years ago. WHO has recognized Kuwait’s ongoing initiatives to promote public health and sustainability. Kuwait launched its Healthy Cities initiative around a decade ago, aligning with global efforts to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. As of this year, 18 Kuwaiti cities are registered on the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Healthy Cities Network, and seven have received formal recognition. According to the United Nations, a “healthy city” is not one that is already healthy, but one that commits to improving the living environment for all residents. The WHO defines such cities as places that prioritize health in urban planning, promote community participation, and support equitable access to services.

The government also invests heavily in the development of local medical talent. This includes scholarships for Kuwaiti students to study medicine and pharmacy abroad, as well as cooperation agreements with universities and health institutions worldwide. The goal is to build a workforce capable of meeting future health challenges.

In recent months, Kuwait successfully conducted nine advanced robotic surgeries remotely, demonstrating the growing capabilities of its local medical teams. This reflects broader efforts to reduce the number of patients sent abroad for treatment by expanding access to specialized care locally. — Agencies

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The courage to choose passion over tradition

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The courage to choose passion over tradition

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