KUWAIT: A delegation from Kuwait University visited Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) in Al-Ahmadi on July 23, 2025 to discuss ways to enhance joint research cooperation between the two institutions. This visit comes as a follow-up to the existing coordination on the main research agreement signed between the two parties in July 2019, relating to cooperation in the fields of reservoirs and heavy oil, which aims to achieve strategic research and development objectives.

The agreement focuses on strengthening research cooperation between Kuwait University and Kuwait Oil Company through technology and knowledge transfer, improving oil production and refining processes, developing industrial and technological processes through scientific research, and attracting as many members of the university’s academic staff as possible.

At the beginning of the visit, the Kuwait University delegation, represented by Assistant Vice President for External Research Cooperation and Consultancy Dr Mubkhout Mohammed Al-Dosari and Assistant Vice President for Research Funding and Implementation Dr Abdul Latif Abdullah Al-Rashdan, met with Kuwait Oil Company Vice President for Gas and Innovation Amina Rajab. Rajab praised Kuwait University’s efforts in promoting fruitful research cooperation with Kuwait Oil Company and stressed the importance of intensifying research related to the challenges facing the natural gas sector.

During the meeting, Dr Mubkhout Al-Dosari affirmed that Kuwait University is working, under the signed agreement, to support the company’s decision-making process, contributing to the development of effective strategies that support research interests and achieve scientific progress through external partnerships, to direct research towards creativity and innovation.

The delegation also met Bader Mohammed Al-Ajmi, Director of Innovation and Technology, who welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two sides in serving research, development, and comprehensive development for the benefit of the State of Kuwait. During the meeting, Dr Abdul Latif Al-Rashdan addressed the most prominent administrative, technical, and financial issues facing researchers in projects fully funded by Kuwait Oil Company, which were discussed and possible solutions were developed to deepen cooperation between Kuwait University and Kuwait Oil Company.

KUWAIT: Following the strong public response to the Indian mango festival held at The Avenues on Thursday, India is exploring the possibility of expanding its fruit exports to Kuwait. Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Adarsh Swaika told Kuwait Times that discussions are underway to introduce Indian-grown dragon fruit, blueberries, and blackberries to the local market.“These fruits are now being cultivated in India, and there is potential for them to enter the Kuwaiti market soon,” he said.

This interest in diversification comes on the heels of the successful rollout of new Indian mango varieties in Kuwait. “For the first time in Kuwait, six new late-season mango varieties are now available in lulu hypermarket, with other major retailers also expressing interest,” the ambassador said.

Known as late-season mangoes, these include Chausa, Mallika, Amrapali, Dussheri, Langra, and the distinctive Fazli mango—recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its unique regional origin and characteristics. “India is often called the mango capital of the world. We export over 1,000 varieties, ten of which have earned GI tags,” Dr Swaika noted. He further emphasized the strength of the food sector in bilateral trade, saying, “The food sector is one of the mainstays of our trade ties with Kuwait. Kuwait is among the top five importers of Indian mangoes globally.”

Reflecting on the mango festival held at The Avenues, the ambassador noted the strong engagement from the public. “There was very good enthusiasm at The Avenues Mall,” he said. “We started in the morning, and a lot of people came, tasted the mangoes, and were curious to learn more about the different varieties.”

KUWAIT: President of the Maldives Mohammad Moaz and Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) Waleed Al-Bahar discussed on Saturday means of boosting collaboration and reviewed joint projects in a way that contributes to backing sustainable development efforts in the Maldives.

During the meeting held in the Maldives’ capital, Male, Moaz expressed much gratitude and appreciation to Kuwait, lauding the fund’s key role since its cooperation with his country in 1976, according to a statement by the fund.

He pointed out that the Fund’s contributions included the construction of the Maldives International Airport, in addition to a number of drinking water projects and support for hospitals in remote islands. The statement noted that this meeting coincides with the Maldives’ celebrations of its independence anniversary, as well as the opening of the expansion project of Velana International Airport in the capital, Male, under the patronage and presence of President Moez. The project is financed by the KFAED as part of its efforts to support the vital transportation sector. — KUNA