KUWAIT: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) CEO Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah on Wednesday highlighted the corporation’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with leading Chinese companies in the global petrochemical sector. His remarks came during a ceremony in Yantai, China, marking the launch of a strategic partnership project between KPC’s subsidiary, Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), and China’s Wanhua Chemical Group, alongside the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) — the largest Kuwaiti investment in China’s petrochemical industry.

“Today we celebrate not only PIC’s capital partnership but also the recently signed long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement with Wanhua,” Sheikh Nawaf said. “This agreement reflects our deep strategic alignment, ensuring reliable energy flows from Kuwait to China while creating value and security for both sides.” Sheikh Khaled Ahmed Al-Sabah, Managing Director of International Marketing at KPC, described the launch as a “new milestone in the long-standing relationship between Wanhua and PIC.” He noted that the cooperation, built over many years, has matured into a strategic partnership founded on trust, commitment, and shared vision. He also emphasized that the LNG supply agreement further strengthens collaboration and opens doors for future opportunities.

Nadia Al-Hajji, CEO of Petrochemicals, called the project a historic achievement and a cornerstone of the company’s international strategy. “This initiative enhances our global presence and deepens our cooperation with one of the world’s leading chemical companies,” she said.

She added that the project serves as a bridge linking Kuwait and China in a joint endeavor for prosperity, reflecting the dedication and efforts of teams from both countries in turning the vision into reality. The newly signed MoU, she explained, represents a major step in Kuwaiti-Chinese collaboration, paving the way for future projects grounded in innovation and sustainable growth. The agreement aims to broaden cooperation, explore innovative investment opportunities, and strengthen both parties’ global industrial leadership.

According to the statement, the partnership project is the largest of its kind in terms of investment volume and forms a key pillar in PIC’s international expansion strategy. The initiative is expected to enhance Kuwait’s presence in Asian and global markets while cementing the strategic relationship with Wanhua, one of the world’s most established chemical firms. Sheikh Nawaf concluded that the success of the project underscores the depth of bilateral relations between Kuwait and China, with the partnership serving as a model of international cooperation built on mutual respect and shared vision for sustainable development and prosperity. – KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s criminal court on Wednesday sentenced a Filipino domestic helper to death for murdering an 18-month Kuwaiti baby by placing him in a washing machine. The case will now go to the court of appeals and the court of cassation, the country’s top court whose rulings are final. The crime took place in the last week of December last year at her employer’s residence in Sabah Al-Salem.

Local media reported at the time that the maid confessed to the murder, saying the baby was “annoying” her. The parents rushed to the rescue of their son upon hearing his screams and found him in the washing machine in a bad condition. They immediately rushed him to the nearby Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival from serious injuries sustained from the washing machine.

At the time of the incident, the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) extended its sincere condolences to the child’s family and the Kuwaiti government. DMW also insisted the incident was an “isolated case”. “We humbly provide the assurance that this tragic incident is isolated and does not represent the values of Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers who are known for their caring nature, professionalism, dedication and hard work” DMW said in the statement.

Before issuing the verdict, the court ordered the maid to undergo a psychological test, which showed that her mental health was good. Over 220,000 Filipinos work in Kuwait, the fifth largest foreign community, many of whom work as domestic helpers. Meanwhile, the court of appeals on Wednesday upheld a life term against a Kuwaiti and 15-year sentences against an Iranian woman and two Egyptians for attempting to smuggle 58 kg of hashish. Kuwaiti coastguards seized the boat and the suspects attempting to smuggle the drugs into Kuwait by sea from Iran.

KUWAIT: Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait Rami Tahboub on Tuesday underscored the importance of the recent wave of international recognitions of the State of Palestine, while stressing that true progress requires concrete measures to hold Zionist entity accountable. “Well, I think that this is a very important step coming from such powerful countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, France, Portugal – and for us, all countries who recognize Palestine, even the smaller ones, mean a lot for us,” Tahboub told Kuwait Times.

“Yet, we are looking forward to much more implementations on the ground, to impose sanctions over (Zionist entity) so as to put pressure on (Zionist entity) to stop this ongoing genocide against our people, particularly in Gaza and also in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.” Tahboub emphasized that the recognitions by major Western powers carry not only symbolic but also legal weight. “The Palestinian flag is now raised high in London, Paris, Canada, and Australia. This is no longer a matter of formality – it is legal. The State of Palestine will now enjoy the rights of other states in international relations,” he said.

Palestinian Ambassador Rami Tahboub

He credited the wave of recognitions to sustained diplomatic efforts by Palestinian leadership, alongside strong support from Arab allies. “All these recognitions came out of the big efforts by Palestinian diplomacy and leadership, in addition to the great support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which led the coalition for the two-state solution together with the Republic of France,” Tahboub explained. He also praised Jordan and Egypt for their firm stance against Zionist policies, particularly attempts to displace Palestinians.

The ambassador stressed that a unified Arab position has strengthened international momentum toward a two-state solution. “I do believe that this is the first step on the track towards returning the rights of the Palestinian people in order to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital,” he said. Tahboub also highlighted shifting political currents in the United States, where for the first time in modern history, a visible divide has emerged in Congress over recognition of Palestine. “There are members in both the House of Representatives and the Senate working toward US recognition of the two-state solution – something that never happened before.