KUWAIT: As he prepares to conclude his five-year tenure, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kuwait Laurens Westhoff shared his reflections on the evolving Dutch-Kuwaiti relationship, emphasizing strong political cooperation, energy partnerships and enduring hospitality.

“I arrived five years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the first things I realized was how effectively the Kuwaiti government managed the crisis,” he said. “But for me as a diplomat, it came with challenges. I rely on face-to-face contact. And for the first year and a half, that wasn’t possible.” Despite the early difficulties, the ambassador described his time in Kuwait as “fantastic and fruitful,” highlighting decades of strong bilateral ties that were marked in 2024 with the celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

He explained: “We’ve worked to enhance every aspect of our relationship, including political dialogue both here and in the Netherlands,” adding that one of the key achievements during his tenure was initiating a new area of collaboration focused on energy transition. “We partnered with Kuwait University, KFAS, and KISR and connected them with Dutch experts to explore how a country so reliant on oil can diversify into solar and hydrogen energy. It was a meaningful step toward sustainable cooperation,” he said.

The ambassador praised the Kuwaiti people’s openness and warmth, describing it as one of the most memorable aspects of his experience. “Everywhere you go, you are met with open arms,” he said. “That genuine hospitality is something truly special and honestly, it spoils you. It’s a unique trait that shows Kuwaitis’ openness to dialogue and cooperation with others.”

He noted the similarities between Kuwait and the Netherlands as smaller countries surrounded by powerful neighbors, which strengthens their shared emphasis on diplomacy and mutual understanding. “We both know the value of dialogue and cooperation in maintaining regional and international relations. That common ground builds strong ties between us.”

Ambassador Westhoff highlighted that the Netherlands is the largest European investor in Kuwait, with direct investments totaling approximately KD 488 million.

“Dutch companies are active in oil-related industries, logistics, IT, agribusiness, and infrastructure including Kuwait’s airport project. We also hope to see more Dutch involvement in Kuwait’s domestic investment plans.”

In 2024, bilateral trade between the two nations reached €2.4 billion, with Dutch exports to Kuwait at €845 million, primarily in agricultural products, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and livestock. Imports, mainly crude oil, amounted to €1.6 billion.

He noted that the Netherlands see interest from Kuwaiti families in sectors such as health and education, though student numbers remain modest due to language and system differences.

On defense cooperation, the ambassador noted that the Kuwaiti Navy trains occasionally in the Netherlands, and there have been senior-level visits, including the Undersecretary of Defense visiting two years ago.

In terms of cultural and people-to-people exchange, approximately 14,000 Kuwaiti visitors travel to the Netherlands annually, a number that remains stable. “We know Kuwaitis enjoy our weather and appreciate what the Netherlands offers, from museums to heritage sites. It’s a convenient and enriching travel destination,” he said.

The ambassador emphasized the importance of continuing to capitalize on Kuwait’s new economic vision. “There’s a lot of potential with Kuwait’s current investment push. My successor will find fertile ground to strengthen Dutch-Kuwaiti business ties.”

He also spoke warmly of Kuwaiti traditions, particularly the concept of the diwaniya. “The diwaniya is a beautiful tradition. The open-door hospitality inspired me and my wife to consider introducing a version of it in our town in the Netherlands,” he said. The ambassador announced that his successor will arrive in early September. “He’s a career diplomat with experience in the region. He has Indian roots. Born in Suriname and raised in the Netherlands, he brings a diverse and international perspective. I’m confident he’ll continue strengthening our bilateral ties.”

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) is standing by for official clearance to begin airlifting critical humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip. The airlift is part of a nationwide relief campaign aimed at supporting Palestinians facing catastrophic conditions under the Zionist entity ’s ongoing assault and blockade.

“We’re now awaiting confirmation from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of when the airlifts will begin,” said Fawaz Al-Mazrouei, Director General of KRCS, in an interview with KTV news channel.

Launched under the directives of Kuwait’s top leadership, the aid campaign has mobilized government bodies, civil society groups, and the public in what officials describe as a coordinated national response to the Zionist entity’s genocidal war on Gaza.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Social Affairs announced the conclusion of the donation drive, confirming that it raised KD 6,546,078 (approximately $21.4 million) in total. That includes KD 2.5 million through an online fundraiser, KD 1.5 million from Insan Charity Society, KD 1.3 million from Direct Aid Society, KD 500,000 from the Awqaf Secretariat General, and other contributions from local organizations.

All funds collected will be fully allocated to the purchase of relief materials through the Kuwait Flour Mills Company. The decision, said Al-Mazrouei, was settled upon following several meetings.

“All charitable organizations are in direct contact with the Kuwait Flour Mills Company, submitting their requests based on each organization’s capacity,” said Al-Mazrouei. “Based on that, we at the Red Crescent — acting as the liaison — coordinate with all the charities and organize the entire program. And, God willing, that process is now underway.” Once flight schedules are confirmed, KRCS will finalize preparations for the aid shipments and oversee the distribution of materials, in line with the requests submitted by each charity through the Flour Mills.

Supervising aid delivery

Al-Mazrouei added that preparations are underway to assign volunteers to accompany each relief flight. “According to the dates of each flight, volunteers are assigned to accompany the plane,” he said. “They will transport all the requested items to the airport, where they are loaded from vehicles onto the aircraft for departure.”

Each plane will include a team of volunteers to supervise the handover of aid, he said. “They will supervise delivery upon arrival and ensure handover to the Egyptian Red Crescent and the storage facilities, confirming that all items have been received,” Al-Mazrouei explained. “The Egyptian Red Crescent will then deliver the goods into Gaza, God willing, under the supervision of all parties involved.”

Assistant Foreign Minister for Development and International Cooperation Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan had told the press last month that part of the aid supplies will be delivered to Gaza through Jordan. But no information on delivery to Jordan was provided by Al-Mazrouei.

“All efforts today are focused on one goal — supporting and aiding the Palestinian people,” he said, noting that the Red Crescent was tasked with leading the campaign based on its experience in delivering aid internationally.

Al-Mazrouei praised the Defense Ministry for its role in preparing the air bridge, highlighting the enthusiasm of air force crews involved in the mission. “They are always among the first to respond,” he said. “When we meet with each flight crew, they’re genuinely happy to be delivering aid to any country. This is truly humanitarian work, and everyone is seeking the reward from Allah.”

‘Relief on the way’

The campaign’s urgency comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the Zionist entity’s nearly two-year war on Gaza has killed at least 61,158 Palestinians, including 193 who have died from hunger, among them 96 children.

The ministry also reported that 87 Palestinians were killed and 570 wounded while attempting to access humanitarian aid. Since late May, 1,655 people have died and more than 11,800 have been injured while trying to obtain food or supplies.

The Zionist entity has maintained a blockade on Gaza for 18 years and has closed all border crossings since March 2. As of August, the enclave’s 2.4 million residents have received only 843 aid trucks since July 27, far fewer than the 6,000 trucks needed over 10 days to meet basic needs, according to Gaza’s Government Media Office. Kuwait’s campaign is one of many aiming to help Gazans. “To the people of Gaza: Relief is on the way, God willing. The people of Kuwait stand with you and will not fall short, God willing,” said Al-Mazrouei

This campaign marks the first authorized charitable fundraising drive since a nationwide suspension was imposed in April 2025. The suspension followed authorities’ discovery of several unauthorized campaigns operating through unofficial websites and social media. The Ministry of Social Affairs said the freeze was necessary to protect donor funds and restore accountability. The suspension was lifted in late June, paving the way for a coordinated and transparent campaign to support Gaza. The Kuwaiti people have responded with overwhelming generosity. “The Kuwaiti people are naturally generous and quick to help,” Al-Mazrouei said. “Even residents in Kuwait are joining these efforts. Everyone is contributing, racing to give whatever they can.”

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced Wednesday that it has approved a new organizational structure aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving services for both citizens and investors. The changes come under Minister Khalifa Al-Ajeel’s decision No 160 of 2025 and include the creation of two new assistant undersecretary positions and a restructuring of departments to now include seven general managers.

According to a ministry statement carried by KUNA, the decision is part of broader efforts to implement Cabinet directives focused on modernizing the state’s administrative system and strengthening institutional performance. “The decision aims to raise work efficiency and improve the quality of services provided to citizens and investors,” the ministry said, noting that the restructure supports the ministry’s strategy to keep up with economic and administrative developments. The updated structure will also “enhance the effectiveness of the administrative system by redistributing tasks and responsibilities in a way that improves internal operations and ensures integration across the ministry’s sectors.”

The ministry highlighted that the revamp aligns with its digital transformation goals and the adoption of modern technologies in management, while also empowering national talent and fostering a development-oriented work environment. “This update is a key step toward achieving institutional governance, streamlining coordination among departments, and simplifying and speeding up procedures related to commercial and industrial services,” the statement added.

The ministry said the new structure was adopted following a comprehensive technical and organizational review, and based on Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1979 on civil service systems, along with relevant decisions and best administrative practices. Implementation will begin with a full rollout plan that includes developing updated organizational guides, revising internal procedures, and launching training programs to build the readiness of its human resources. — KUNA