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US ambassador reaffirms ‘ironclad’ ties with Kuwait

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KUWAIT: The US Ambassador to Kuwait, Karen Sasahara, reaffirmed the longstanding strategic partnership between the United States and Kuwait. During a press roundtable, Ambassador reaffirmed the US-Kuwaiti relationship as “ironclad” and deeply rooted in history, stating, “Our relationship goes back many decades, well before the invasion or liberation. Five generations, working on number six, have studied in the US.” She highlighted Kuwait’s significant role within the alliance framework, noting that a NATO center has operated in Kuwait since 2017, reinforcing bilateral cooperation in regional security and defense.

She added, “Kuwait became a strategic non-NATO ally in 2004, and last September, His Highness the Crown Prince visited New York to commemorate the 20th anniversary of this milestone. The event was highly successful, reflecting the strength and depth of the strategic relationship and playing a key role in fostering stability and collective security in the Gulf region.” She added that the bilateral relationship is not limited to military cooperation only, adding, “It spans healthcare, technology, IT, and robust commercial exchange.”

The Ambassador emphasized Kuwait’s importance in the regional security architecture, referencing last week’s close coordination during missile threats, which prompted intense diplomatic and military engagement. She added, “Iran is not far away. We stayed in close contact with Kuwait’s civilian and military leadership. Our partnership required a joint understanding of the risks.” Ambassador Sasahara praised the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) unity in responding to the threats, saying, “The GCC came together quickly. All the foreign ministers went to Doha and issued a unified statement. That was impressive.”

She stated that threats from regional actors like Iran endanger regional stability, stressing the destabilizing impact of conflict. The Ambassador highlighted the regional preference for “Commerce over conflict,” a mantra often echoed by President Donald Trump. “Conflict is bad for business, bad for stability, and bad for peace. Every Gulf nation is more interested in economic development than warfare.” On potential regional confidence-building measures, the Ambassador was cautiously optimistic.

“There are good mechanisms, the GCC, the Arab League, and the OIC. Syria’s reintegration is one example of a confidence-building measure,” she explained. She noted President Trump’s lifting of sanctions on Syria to allow humanitarian aid, and recent regional support for Syria’s recovery, indicating, “If regional actors continue talking and meeting, like Lebanon’s new President Joseph Aoun’s visit, that’s a good sign.”

Addressing the issue of student visa policies in light of recent legislation and delays, the Ambassador acknowledged the difficulties students have faced, reaffirming the US policy objective, explaining, “We are balancing legitimate international travel with national security priorities.” The Ambassador confirmed that the issuance of F, M, and J visas had resumed last week and emphasized that the process is still evolving. “There are new processing requirements, but we have been transparent. We’re committed to welcoming students,” she said.

Responding to claims that some students were denied visas due to pro-Palestinian content on social media, the Ambassador explained, “This is the administration’s decision on the criteria. Students are expected to go to the US for education, as stated in their application.” Concerning President Trump’s recent announcement of a potential Gaza ceasefire, the Ambassador confirmed the administration’s focus, stating, “The President is extremely engaged. Commerce instead of conflict, it’s not just about making money. It’s about the hostages, Hamas’ commitments, and regional security. We have a special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who has been actively engaged and deeply focused on this issue. So now, we’re watching closely to see what the special envoy does and how the various parties respond.”

In response to her experience in Kuwait during her tenure, she highlighted Kuwait’s uniqueness, saying “I have enjoyed the people, the experiences, and the intellectual exchange. We see each other constantly at national days and diplomatic events,” noting that Kuwait’s multicultural fabric, including large expatriate communities, offered deep insights into the country’s diversity.

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In first, Kuwaiti women appointed to Higher Public Prosecution

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KUWAIT: Attorney General Saad Al-Safran announced the transfer of several Kuwaiti prosecutors from specialized and local-level positions to the country’s higher public prosecution office, as part of a wider effort to nationalize and strengthen the judiciary with qualified local talent.

Notably, the decision includes — for the first time — Kuwaiti women among those promoted to the higher prosecution body, a step hailed as a milestone for gender equality in the legal field. In a statement, the Public Prosecution said the decision marks “a precedent recorded for the first time,” emphasizing that the appointments were made “based on the objective standard of merit.”

The move reflects “the well-deserved confidence in Kuwaiti women and their vital role in the criminal justice system,” the statement continued, adding that it supports the principle of empowering women in leadership roles and ensuring equal opportunities in the judiciary.

The decision is also in line with the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to increase the presence of qualified Kuwaitis in key state institutions, especially the justice sector.

In a separate decision, the Attorney General also appointed Badr Al-Masaad, First Chief Prosecutor and Head of the Attorney General’s Technical Office, to lead the higher prosecution office. The moves underscore Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to localize key public sector roles and promote capable national figures — both men and women — within the legal system. — KUNA

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Sport as prevention: Haidu‑CAN Olympic Tournament begins

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KUWAIT: The National Cancer Awareness Campaign (CAN) launched the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament Wednesday evening at Hatrick Stadium in Khaitan. Youth teams from across the country are taking part in this event, which aims to promote healthy lifestyles and highlight the role of sport in disease prevention—particularly cancer.

Dr Hessa Majid Al‑Shaheen, a member of CAN’s board of directors, explained that the tournament offers an “unconventional” path to health education by blending competitive sports with practical prevention messages. “Sport is not a luxury,” she said, “but an effective means of prevention—and a gateway to a healthier, more informed society.”

According to Al‑Shaheen, medical research shows that at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce the risk of certain cancers—such as colon and breast—by up to 30–40 percent. Regular exercise also plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, while boosting mental health and alleviating stress and anxiety.

KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Sanaa Al-Asfour, Dr Iman Al-Shimmari, Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, Saad Al-Houti, and Abdullah Al-Saleh are seen at the launch of the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament.

KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Sanaa Al-Asfour, Dr Iman Al-Shimmari, Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, Saad Al-Houti, and Abdullah Al-Saleh are seen at the launch of the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament.

The Haidu‑CAN initiative aims to sustain young people’s engagement in sports through interactive activities that pair athletic competition with awareness workshops. In addition to tournament matches, the program features educational sessions and support initiatives for cancer survivors.

Abdullah Al‑Saleh, Director of the Haidu‑CAN Olympics, described the event as “a unique model” that moves beyond traditional awareness campaigns. “We’re delivering health messages in a way that resonates with youth—through experience and participation rather than indoctrination,” he said. This tournament is one of several activities organized by CAN’s sports team to translate theoretical health advice into tangible, everyday practices and foster long‑term healthy habits.

Guest of honor Captain Saad Al‑Houti—a former Kuwaiti national footballer—opened the tournament with a motivational address. “Sport is a message before it is a result,” he told participants, praising CAN’s efforts to empower youth as ambassadors of prevention. “Such initiatives strengthen the role of sports in community building and give young people the chance to drive positive change.”

The tournament’s opening night drew a large, enthusiastic crowd. Over the coming days, the Haidu‑CAN Olympics will continue with mini‑tournaments, educational meetings and health‑focused competitions designed especially for young athletes.

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KU showcases new programs at 3-day event at The Avenues

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KUWAIT: Kuwait University has kicked off its three-day campaign, “Design Your Future”, at The Avenues mall, in an effort to connect with high school graduates and guide them through the admissions process.

Organized by the Admissions Department under the Deanship of Admission and Registration, the campaign runs daily from 10 am to 10 pm. It offers students and their families a chance to explore available majors, admission criteria, and application procedures for the upcoming academic year.

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“The campaign has seen strong engagement from recent high school graduates and their parents since its launch,” said Dr Fadhel Aziz, Acting Dean of Admission and Registration. “It gives prospective students the opportunity to learn about Kuwait University’s various colleges and how to apply.”

Among the key features of the university’s booth are introductions to new, in-demand programs such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in the College of Life Sciences and Cybersecurity in the College of Science. These programs reflect current labor market needs and technological trends. “Students now have the chance to explore some of the most in-demand fields in today’s job market,” Dr Aziz added.

Also participating in the campaign are representatives from the Public Authority for Manpower and the Civil Service Commission, who are providing students with insights into labor market demands and helping them align their academic choices with future career opportunities. “This campaign is a key step for high school graduates,” Dr Aziz noted. “It helps them clarify their interests and organize their priorities in a way that matches both their academic performance and personal inclinations.”

He emphasized that the university’s goal is to support students in making well-informed decisions that align with community needs and job market trends. The event continues through the end of the week, offering guidance and resources for anyone considering Kuwait University as the next step in their education journey.

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