KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti-Saudi Permanent Joint Committee held its 118th meeting on Sunday at the headquarters of the Khafji Joint Operations. The meeting was chaired on the Kuwaiti side by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil Sheikh Dr Nimr Fahad Al-Malik Al-Sabah, while the Saudi delegation was led by Assistant Minister of Energy Mohammed Al-Ibrahim.

According to a statement issued by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Oil, the meeting reviewed several key issues related to petroleum operations in the onshore Divided Zone and the adjacent submerged area. Discussions focused on strategic plans, major ongoing and upcoming projects, challenges facing implementation, and the application of advanced technologies in exploration and production activities.

The statement highlighted the committee’s pride in the recent petroleum discovery by Wafra Joint Operations in the North Wafra Wara-Burgan field, announced in May. The committee emphasized that this discovery — with oil flowing at a rate exceeding 500 barrels per day from the Wara Burgan-1 well — underscores the strength of bilateral cooperation in managing and developing shared natural resources. It also reflects the technical capabilities and dedication of national cadres from both countries, further solidifying Kuwait and Saudi Arabia’s global reputation as reliable energy suppliers. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ongoing exploration and development work to achieve shared interests and ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.

The meeting also reviewed a progress report by the Permanent Joint Committee Office, which included emergency preparedness plans, ongoing procedures and efforts to enhance operational efficiency. The performance of the operational committee was also evaluated, with both sides commended for formulating a unified strategic action plan aligned with the long-term energy goals of both countries. In its statement, the Ministry of Oil praised the dedication of human resources from both the Kuwaiti and Saudi sides and acknowledged the vital role played by leaders of Khafji and Wafra Joint Operations in executing operational strategies.

Sheikh Nimr Al-Sabah stressed the importance of continuing the committee’s meetings to monitor joint operations, evaluate development projects, train national personnel, and integrate cutting-edge technology into all stages of petroleum operations. He expressed appreciation to the Saudi Assistant Minister of Energy for his cooperation and the spirit of brotherhood shown during the meeting, expressing hope that the two sides would continue their coordination to advance joint petroleum projects in Khafji and Wafra.

The Permanent Joint Committee was established under the Neutral Zone Division Agreement signed in 1965. It reports directly to the ministers of oil and energy in both countries. Among its responsibilities are facilitating operational procedures for petroleum company personnel in the Divided Zone, overseeing the proper exploitation of shared natural resources, evaluating related studies, and reviewing new licenses, contracts, and concessions.

The committee, headed on the Kuwaiti side by Sheikh Dr Nimr Al-Sabah and including officials from the Ministry of Oil and Ministry of Interior, holds biannual meetings. The agreement to divide the adjacent submerged zone was signed in 2000, followed by a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2019 regarding the resumption of production in the Divided Zone. These documents are considered annexes to the 1965 agreement. — KUNA

 KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah witnessed on Saturday the graduation of the 32nd batch of officers of Saad Al-Abdullah Academy of Security Sciences totaling 212.A ceremony was held at retired Maj. Gen. Abdulatif Al-Thuwaini’s theater, in the presence of Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Al-Adwani and other senior officers.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister witnesses the graduation of Saad Al-Abdullah Academy officers. — KUNA

First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister witnesses the graduation of Saad Al-Abdullah Academy officers. — KUNA

First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister witnesses the graduation of Saad Al-Abdullah Academy officers. — KUNA

In a speech, Sheikh Fahad congratulated these cadets on joining the security institution, lauding their commitment and discipline.

Upon the instructions of the wise political leadership, the Ministry of Interior has been paying much attention to rehabilitate humans and upgrading the efficiency of security cadres, out of its belief that security is achieved by well-trained national personnel able to cope up with challenges, the minister said.

He prayed to Allah the Almighty to maintain security and stability to Kuwait, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah – the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. — KUNA

PARIS: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health signed five cooperation agreements on Friday with leading French medical institutions, with a focus on improving local healthcare delivery through telemedicine, specialist consultations and advanced training for medical professionals.

“This step marks a fresh start in implementing the vision of Kuwait’s wise leadership, under His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to strengthen ties with France’s leading medical institutions,” Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi said in a joint statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) and Kuwait TV.

The agreements were signed with Almaviva Santé, Institut Curie, Hôpital Foch, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, and the Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation Hospital — institutions recognized for their clinical and academic expertise.

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.

“This allows patients to benefit from the latest developments in disease treatment without the need to travel abroad,” said Dr Hisham Kelendar, Assistant Undersecretary for Foreign Health Services. “This will also help enhance diagnostic support by using the latest technologies in sample and image analysis, which improves diagnosis accuracy and contributes to better treatment planning.”

Kelendar noted that the MoUs also include launching advanced training programs such as international fellowships and clinical observerships, which aim to develop the skills and efficiency of Kuwaiti medical professionals “according to the latest global standards.”

The agreements also aim to improve Kuwait’s medical referral system to ensure that patients are directed to specialized hospitals according to their needs, while also promoting joint clinical research to develop new treatments and improve existing ones.

“These MoUs open wide horizons for practical collaboration across various health fields,” said Al-Awadhi, noting the participation of French medical experts in the signing ceremony as an indicator of the partnerships’ seriousness.

Kuwait’s Ambassador to France Abdullah Al-Shaheen said the agreements reflect ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral ties. “These agreements are a direct result of His Highness the Amir’s recent visit to Paris, which gave a strong push to bilateral cooperation, particularly in the healthcare sector,” he said.

The MoUs were signed at Kuwait’s Embassy in Paris, in the presence of Minister Al-Awadhi, Ambassador Al-Shaheen, Dr Kelendar, and representatives from the five French institutions. — KUNA