DHAKA: Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Johar Hayat on Sunday described the ongoing political consultations between the foreign ministries of Kuwait and Bangladesh as the first of their kind, reflecting the depth and strength of bilateral relations. Speaking to KUNA after holding talks with Bangladeshi Undersecretary for Political Affairs Dr. Mohammad Nazrul Islam and senior officials at the Middle East Department in Dhaka, Ambassador Hayat said the round was held in a “positive atmosphere” and forms part of the implementation of existing bilateral cooperation agreements between the two countries’ foreign ministries.

He noted that the discussions covered a wide range of sectors, including political, military, security, economic, and cultural cooperation, as well as collaboration in international forums, trade, investment, and skilled labor. Ambassador Hayat added that the consultations also addressed higher education, scientific research, civil aviation, oil, renewable energy, industry, food security, health, and medical services.

Assistant Secretary of State for Asian Affairs with Bangladesh’s Undersecretary for Political Affairs and senior Bangladeshi officials in the Middle East Department.

The talks further explored ways to strengthen ties between government sectors in both countries and examined issues of common interest. Ambassador Hayat emphasized that the consultations align with directives from the top political leadership to maintain frequent high-level visits and preserve the historical relations connecting Kuwait and Bangladesh. Both sides agreed to intensify technical, legal, and consultative coordination to ensure the implementation of signed agreements and memoranda of understanding, advance ongoing negotiations, and hold regular political consultations to monitor progress. The consultations concluded with a mutual commitment to further develop bilateral relations.

Prior to the consultations, Ambassador Hayat met with Muhammad Hossain, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, delivering a written message from Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya on enhancing cooperation across various sectors. The Kuwaiti delegation included Ambassador Ali Hamada, First Secretary Ahmed Al-Duwailah from the Kuwaiti Embassy in Bangladesh, and Diplomatic Attachés Sharifah Bokhdoor and Altaf Danboh from the Asian Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside senior Bangladeshi diplomats and officials. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) hosted a press conference on Sunday in collaboration with the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Kuwait to mark the official launch of the program in the country. Shamael Al-Sharikh, Head of KPC’s Department of Relations, said the event represents “the intersection of ambition and science” and reflects the corporation’s commitment to supporting education, innovation, digitalization, and the empowerment of Kuwaiti youth. She emphasized that human capital is KPC’s most valuable investment and highlighted the importance of educational initiatives that equip young people with skills in emerging fields, particularly artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

Al-Sharikh described KPC’s partnership with WRO Kuwait as “a natural extension of our corporate values, placing innovation and human capital development at the core of our priorities.” She added that the initiative provides a platform for youth to develop skills, innovate, and compete internationally, noting that STEM education and robotics encourage creativity and critical thinking. “Our strategic direction calls for achieving a sustainable future, which can only be realized through the bright minds and innovations of our youth, who will carry the banner of progress for our nation,” she said.

Shamael Al-Sharikh

Hamidah Rahimi, official organizer of WRO Kuwait, said the WRO was founded in Singapore in 2004 and has grown to include more than 100 countries and 30,000 international teams. Kuwait joined in 2024 and recently hosted a large workshop with participation from universities, the Youth Authority, students, parents, professors, and college graduates. She noted that in the first year of Kuwait’s participation, 27 teams registered and 12 competed, with the Kuwaiti team placing 23rd at the World Championship in Turkey. In the second year, participation rose to 83 teams and 240 individuals, with 12 teams qualifying for regional and world championships.

Rahimi highlighted KPC’s support, noting the provision of 80 educational programs distributed to schools and educational groups to facilitate training, contests, and competitions. She stressed that the WRO focuses on idea creation rather than specific technologies, encouraging innovation in robotics and problem-solving. Vahid Jourabchi, WRO Education Specialist, said the Olympiad now ranks among the world’s largest student robotics competitions, with over a hundred countries participating in the finals. He praised Kuwait’s rapid progress, citing the training of 253 participants in a single day.

“The WRO emphasizes education as much as competition, teaching students skills in AI, robotics, and programming essential for the future,” he said. Jourabchi added that one of WRO’s key categories is Future Innovators, in which Kuwait participates. He explained that in this category, the quality of the idea is paramount, allowing students to use simple or inexpensive robots to implement innovative solutions. The program supports participants aged 8 to 22, providing tools and guidance to develop, program, and present their projects for international competitions.

KUWAIT: Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro visited the offices of Kuwait Times and Kuwait News on Sunday, where he was welcomed by Editor-in-Chief Dr M Ziad Al-Alyan and members of the editorial team. The ambassador was given a tour of the newsroom, studio, printing press and archive. During his visit, Ambassador Mukai discussed with Dr Al-Alyan the growing friendship between Kuwait and Japan.

He praised the rising number of Kuwaiti tourists to Japan, saying it reflects the deep cultural ties and mutual appreciation between the two countries. He also noted positive developments in trade relations, reaffirming Japan’s role as a key economic partner for Kuwait. Japanese car imports, he said, remain a symbol of Kuwaiti confidence in Japanese quality, while both sides continue to explore new avenues to expand and diversify commercial cooperation.

Archivist Yousef Abu-Ghazaleh shows the Japanese Ambassador the News about Japan on Kuwait Times’ issue in the 60s. Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Editor-in-Chief Dr M Ziad Al-Alyan with the Japanese Ambassador at the archive room.

Editor-in-Chief Dr M Ziad Al-Alyan shows the oldest printing machine in Kuwait Times to the Japanese ambassador.

Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait MUKAI Kenichiro with Editor-in-Chief of Kuwait Times Dr M Ziad Al-Alyan

The Head of the printing department, Al-Watheq Bellah Darwish, explains the printing process to the ambassador.

Managing Editor Shakir Reshamwala briefed the ambassador on the editorial workflow and news production process. Archivist Yousef Abu Ghazaleh shared historic editions of Kuwait Times from 1964 and 1965 featuring full-page cultural articles about Japan written by the newspaper’s founder, Yousuf Al-Alyan, underscoring early cultural exchange between the two nations. Head of the Printing Department Al-Watheq Bellah Darwish then guided the ambassador through the printing press, explaining its operations and maintenance.