KUWAIT: Acting Director General of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) Wafaa Al-Yahya has emphasized the bureau’s ongoing efforts to enhance the national statistical system through data updates, improving the quality of indicators, and expanding cooperation with government agencies as well as regional and international institutions. Al-Yahya made the remarks to KUNA on the occasion of World Statistics Day, observed on October 20 every five years.

She noted that this year’s theme, “Accurate statistics and reliable data drive change and create a better future for all,” underscores the crucial role of statistics in promoting transparency and informed decision-making. She highlighted the importance of official data in supporting national development and guiding evidence-based policies in line with Kuwait Vision 2035.

“Statistical work today goes beyond mere data collection,” Al-Yahya said, “it serves as a cornerstone for formulating public policies, strategic planning, performance evaluation, and achieving sustainable development goals. It enables the government and decision-makers to understand reality, anticipate future trends, enhance performance efficiency, and improve the quality of life for citizens and residents.” Al-Yahya added that celebrating World Statistics Day offers an opportunity to raise public awareness of the importance of statistics in society and to recognize national efforts to develop the data sector in support of Kuwait’s sustainable development objectives. — KUNA

LONDON: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi affirmed that the distinguished Gulf-British partnership is rooted in a long history of cooperation and mutual trust, expressing confidence in a promising future built on common interests and shared values. Al-Budaiwi made the remarks during his address before members of the British Parliament, including Lords, senior officials, experts and legislators in London. He extended his sincere appreciation to Lord McNicol, Member of the House of Lords and the UK’s Trade Envoy to Jordan, Kuwait and the Palestinian Territories, for the invitation and warm reception. He also lauded Lord McNicol’s efforts in promoting stronger ties between the GCC and the United Kingdom.

The GCC chief underscored that relations between the two sides have evolved from traditional cooperation to a comprehensive partnership encompassing political coordination, security and defense cooperation, cultural exchange, and robust economic and investment ties. He highlighted the strategic importance of the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the GCC and the UK, noting that talks have reached advanced stages thanks to the shared determination of both parties.

Al-Budaiwi said that finalizing the FTA would represent a significant milestone in broadening horizons for trade, investment, and innovation — particularly in the fields of clean energy, modern technology and digital services. “It will also link the ambitious developmental transformations in GCC countries with the global economic strengths of the United Kingdom,” he noted.

He further emphasized that the Gulf-British partnership extends beyond economic cooperation, describing it as a partnership grounded in principles of dialogue, respect for international law, and joint action to promote security, stability, and peace while combating extremism and supporting global development. “It serves common interests and achieves mutual prosperity for the peoples of the Gulf and Britain,” Al-Budaiwi concluded.

On the sidelines of his visit, Al-Budaiwi met with UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer. The two officials discussed GCC-UK relations within the framework of the strategic partnership and ways to further enhance cooperation to serve shared interests. They also reviewed the progress of the FTA negotiations, a new joint action plan, and the latest regional and international developments, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip.

Al-Budaiwi also held talks with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle and Minister of State for Trade Affairs Chris Bryant, during which they discussed the latest updates on the GCC-UK FTA negotiations. The GCC Secretary General stressed the importance of intensifying joint efforts and bridging remaining gaps in the negotiation process, emphasizing that the agreement would significantly strengthen trade and economic relations and open new avenues for cooperation in multiple sectors. — KUNA

  ANKARA: The upcoming visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Kuwait will renew both countries’ shared vision for cooperation and boost over 60 years of ties, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Turkiye Abdulaziz Al-Adwani said on Tuesday.

Speaking to KUNA, Ambassador Al-Adwani said that the visit to Kuwait and his meeting with His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah—who also visited Turkiye last May—reflects the depth of relations.

Exchanging visits and signing accords and agreements further strengthen six decades of cooperation, added the Ambassador who affirmed that relations were tested during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, with Turkiye siding with Kuwait, leading to liberation in 1991 through an international coalition army.

He asserted that economic cooperation had been developing since 2000, noting that the two countries share similar views within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the GCC-Turkiye framework, and at the bilateral level.

In this regard, he commended the mutual support during the COVID-19 pandemic and also the Kuwaiti support for Turkiye during the devastating 2023 earthquake, which hit both Turkiye and Syria, with Kuwait allocating around USD 30 million to assist victims of the natural disaster.

The total number of government and popular campaigns for the earthquake victims reached USD 97.7 million, he added. The Ambassador also mentioned that the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) had been cooperating with Turkiye since 1979, granting the first loan that year for a power project.

The KFAED also signed an agreement worth USD 20 million with Turkiye in 2016 to help assist Syrian refugees in the country, providing health and educational services, he revealed. Ambassador Al-Adwani noted that this was part of the USD 500 million Kuwaiti pledge during the 2015 third donors’ conference for Syria. — KUNA