KUWAIT: The embassies of El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras in Kuwait jointly celebrated the 204th anniversary of their independence at a special ceremony held on Sunday at the Sabah Al-Ahmad Theatre and Hall. The event brought together resident ambassadors and diplomats, representatives of international organizations and distinguished guests, and highlighted both the shared history of the three Central American nations and their steadily growing relations with Kuwait.

Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister for the Americas Nawaf Abdullatif Sulaiman Al-Ahmed attended the event as guest of honor. In their remarks, the ambassadors reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Kuwait. The celebration provided an occasion not only to recall the enduring spirit of independence but also to underscore the expanding cooperation between Central America and Kuwait in diplomacy, development and cultural exchange.

Nicaraguan Ambassador Mohamed Farrara Lashtar described the day as “a cherished historical date that reminds us of the values of freedom, dignity and sovereignty”. Recalling the proclamation of independence on September 15, 1821, he said it represented “a historic moment that marked a new beginning, based on justice, equality and mutual respect among peoples, and guided by the sovereign will of our citizens.”

The ambassadors with Nawaf Abdullatif Al-Ahmed.

The Honduras pavilion at the venue.

Resident ambassadors and diplomats in Kuwait pose for a group photo.

Expressing gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership, government, and people, Lashtar noted, “The value of this national celebration is even greater by celebrating it in the sister land of the State of Kuwait. We deeply thank His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah – may God protect them – for their constant efforts to strengthen the bonds of friendship and collaboration between Kuwait and Nicaragua, as well as with the nations of Central America and the world.”

He added that Kuwait’s leaders had set “an honorable example of diplomacy, wisdom, politics and openness to the world,” making Kuwait “a true beacon of humanitarian action and international support for the principles of peace and justice.”

Honduran Ambassador Francisco José Herrera Alvarado observed that Independence Day is not only a commemoration, but also “a day of reflection in which we show future generations its meaning, and above all, the importance of valuing what we have achieved and what we must set as a real goal for the future.”

Marking 204 years since independence, he stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen bonds with allies and friends across the global community. Herrera recalled that Honduras established diplomatic relations with Kuwait in 1972 and opened its mission in Kuwait in 2014. “We had already recognized Kuwaiti sovereignty in 1960, but our firm support came during 1990–1991, at the time when Kuwait faced its most critical moments. It was then that our support became the true reason why the friendship between our countries was consolidated,” he said. He added that Honduras looks forward to another presidential visit to Kuwait in 2026, following the one held 14 years ago.

Strategic initiatives

El Salvador’s Ambassador Juan Carlos Staben Boillat described it as “a great honor” to address the gathering on the 204th anniversary of his country’s independence. “Today, 204 years later, El Salvador is moving decisively forward on the road to development, driving strategic initiatives in areas such as economic modernization, technological innovation, infrastructure investment and the consolidation of security,” he noted.

Extending his country’s appreciation to Kuwait, Boillat remarked: “It is a nation that has consistently demonstrated solidarity and a strong vocation for dialogue. Our two countries are bound together by a relationship of friendship rooted in mutual respect and the shared desire to cooperate for the benefit of our peoples. I am certain that the relationship between El Salvador and Kuwait will continue to grow stronger, guided by the principles of respect, cooperation and solidarity that we both uphold.”

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education announced on Monday that more than 4,155,000 textbooks have been distributed across various regions and educational levels, while the total number of students enrolled in public, private and national schools has reached approximately 520,000. In a statement, the ministry said that printing and delivery of the remaining textbooks continues daily to ensure full availability. Science and mathematics books for intermediate students are expected to be provided during the coming week.

As part of its digital transformation strategy, the ministry has also made electronic versions of all textbooks available through its official website and students’ Teams accounts. This allows students, parents, and teachers to access and download educational content at any time, ensuring continuity of learning until all printed textbooks reach schools. The ministry highlighted that textbooks for kindergarten through ninth grade were developed according to a new educational vision aimed at strengthening national identity, consolidating educational values, and aligning curricula with modern learning standards and 21st century skills.

The preparation process involved developing comprehensive content matrices, scientific and linguistic review, artistic design, and final approval for printing and digital release, reflecting the extensive efforts of specialized educational teams to provide advanced, student-centered learning materials. With the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, security agencies intensified field operations to ensure smooth traffic flow near schools. Personnel were deployed at main roads and vital intersections early Monday morning to facilitate safe access for students, setting a strong example of discipline and commitment.

Elementary schools welcomed first-grade students with colorful corridors and classrooms adorned with welcoming drawings. Joy and curiosity were evident on the faces of students embarking on their first school experience, while parents accompanied them with pride and anticipation. School administrations organized introductory programs and educational games to help children adjust to the new environment, boost self-confidence and ease their transition into formal learning. The ministry noted that the school year for remaining elementary, middle, and secondary grades begins Tuesday, while kindergarten students will start next Wednesday. — KUNA

KUWAIT: A team from the Kuwait News Agency’s Marketing and Training Department visited the offices of Kuwait Times and Kuwait News on Monday as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation with local media outlets. During the visit, the delegation highlighted KUNA’s latest training programs aimed at supporting journalists and media professionals across news agencies.

The discussions also explored opportunities for collaboration in exchanging expertise and training services, reinforcing the shared role of Kuwaiti media in enhancing professional standards. The KUNA delegation toured the editorial departments of Kuwait Times, where they were briefed on the newsroom operations and content production process. The visit highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between the state news agency and private media outlets to support the development of journalism in Kuwait.