KUWAIT: Deputy Minister of Defense Sheikh Dr Abdullah Meshal Al-Sabah reaffirmed the importance of Kuwaiti Chinese military cooperation, describing it as a “strategic pathway”.

On the sidelines of a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, marking the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), he highlighted Kuwait’s participation as a reflection of the strong ties between the two countries, particularly in defense cooperation.

“The Ministry of Defense’s presence here today expresses the depth of our military relationship with China, alongside our broader collaboration across various sectors,” he said.

He revealed that Kuwait and China are currently engaged in several joint defense projects, most notably the near completion of a factory for medium and light ammunition.

“This project is a milestone in our cooperation, and its inauguration is expected soon,” Deputy Minister noted. He pointed out that bilateral collaboration extends to national infrastructure, including the development of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and major housing initiatives.

The Deputy Minister also emphasized the continuity and annual expansion of training programs between the Kuwaiti and Chinese armed forces. He underscored that Kuwait’s defense policy focuses on strengthening ties with Gulf and Arab neighbors while also fostering strategic partnerships with friendly countries worldwide.

During his remarks, Chinese Chargé d’Affaires Liu Xiang announced Senior Colonel Liu Zongzhen as the new Defense Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait. He expressed confidence that the newly appointed military envoy would play a pivotal role in deepening defense and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Chinese Chargé d’Affaires praised Kuwait’s consistent support for China’s global initiatives, noting that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was the first Gulf leader to endorse China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative. “China is ready to work hand in hand with Kuwait and other friends to uphold peaceful development, defend multilateralism, and build a shared future for humanity,” he concluded.

 KUWAIT:  Kuwait’s Cabinet has recalled with resentment the Iraqi occupation of the country on 2nd August 1990, and expressed pride of the national heroes who sacrificed their lives to defend their homeland.

The Cabinet, in its weekly meeting held Tuesday at Bayan Palace and headed by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, highly appreciated the unforgettable roles of the late Amirs; Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in ending the Iraqi occupation and fully liberate Kuwait.

The Cabinet remembered with admiration the Kuwaiti people’s unity, steadfastness and heroic sacrifices to repel the enemies and defend their dear homeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shereeda Al-Mousherji said in a statement after the meeting.It recalled with pride the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their country’s liberation. The Cabinet thanked all friendly countries, which participated in the liberation of Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation. — KUNA

AMMAN: Kuwait’s pavilion at the 39th Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts in Jordan is offering visitors an immersive experience into the country’s diverse cultural heritage, from handmade crafts to iconic literary works. Set within the festival’s Embassy Exhibition, the Kuwaiti pavilion brings together traditional artisanship, interactive displays, and a glimpse into the country’s famous “diwaniya” social space. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of shipbuilding and bisht weaving—crafts passed down through generations—as well as sample Kuwaiti cuisine and browse a wide selection of free publications.

“Our participation aims to highlight key Kuwaiti cultural publications, which are a fundamental pillar of Kuwait’s cultural scene,” said Dalal Al-Fadhli, Director of Culture at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). She added that the pavilion recreates the authentic atmosphere of a Kuwaiti diwaniya and introduces visitors to traditional crafts like shipbuilding and bisht tailoring.

The pavilion features an array of magazines and books covering both Kuwaiti and Arab culture, including well-known titles such as Al-Arabi, Al-Arabi Al-Sagheer, Aalam Al-Ma’rifa, and Aalam Al-Fikr. “We’ve seen strong engagement from festivalgoers,” Al-Fadhli told KUNA. “They’re enjoying hands-on experiences with the artisans, the diwaniya setting, and the popular dishes, along with the cultural material we offer for free.”

Jordanian Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh (center left) is gifted a Kuwaiti bisht by Kuwaiti officials, including NCCAL Secretary-General Dr Mohammad Al-Jassar (center right).

Dalal Al-Fadhli

Artisan Hussein Al-Bazzaz, head of the Kuwaiti Craftsmen Association, has been leading live demonstrations of traditional dhow-building and offering brief lessons on the history of boom ships—vessels that once symbolized Kuwait’s maritime legacy. “Craftsmanship is an essential part of our heritage,” Al-Bazzaz said. “The ships I build today are based on the same techniques passed down from my ancestors.”

Suleiman Al-Suleiman has conducted workshops on bisht making, the traditional robe worn across the Gulf. “I’m the third generation in my family to carry this craft,” he said, adding that despite his academic job, his passion for the bisht tradition remains strong. “Visitors are fascinated by how the bisht is handmade, the materials we use, and how the craft has evolved.”

The embassy exhibition was inaugurated Thursday by Jordanian Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh, alongside Kuwaiti officials including NCCAL Secretary-General Dr Mohammad Al-Jassar, and Kuwait’s Ambassador to Jordan, Hamad Al-Merri. Al-Fadli praised Jordan’s efforts in organizing one of the Arab world’s most prominent cultural festivals and thanked the embassy exhibition team for their support and hospitality. — KUNA