ANKARA: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Turkey Abdulaziz Al-Adwani affirmed that relations between Kuwait and Turkey have remained close, dynamic and deeply rooted since their establishment six decades ago, characterized by shared visions and common interests across various fields. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion of the upcoming visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Kuwait, Ambassador Al-Adwani said the visit reflects the continued commitment of both countries to strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding. He noted that the visit follows the official trip made by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Turkey in May last year, underscoring the steady exchange of high-level visits that reinforce bilateral relations.

Al-Adwani stressed that the sustained diplomatic engagement between the two nations — which celebrated the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties last year — demonstrates their shared desire to deepen political, economic, and development partnerships. He praised Turkey’s steadfast support for international legitimacy and its historic stance alongside Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion, as well as the significant growth in economic cooperation since 2000.

The ambassador highlighted ongoing coordination between Kuwait and Turkey on regional and international issues through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Gulf-Turkey Cooperation Council, in addition to frequent exchanges between senior officials aimed at boosting cooperation in multiple sectors. He also commended the two countries’ mutual support in times of crisis, noting that Turkey provided medical assistance to Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic, while Kuwait swiftly extended aid to Turkey following the devastating earthquakes in 2023.

Al-Adwani recalled the directives of the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may his soul rest in peace, to establish an air bridge to deliver urgent humanitarian aid, including rescue teams and medical crews, to assist earthquake victims in Turkey. He noted that His Highness also ordered a $30 million donation to support those affected in Turkey and Syria, with the total value of government and public contributions reaching $97.7 million.

The ambassador further highlighted the longstanding partnership between Turkey and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), which provided its first loan to Turkey in 1979 to finance an electricity transmission project across the Bosphorus Strait — marking Kuwait’s first financing initiative in the country. Since then, cooperation has expanded to include energy, water, sanitation, transport, and communications projects. He added that in 2016, the Fund signed an agreement with Turkey to provide a $20 million grant in support of the Syrian refugee response plan, particularly in the health and education sectors, as part of Kuwait’s $500 million pledge during the Third Donors’ Conference in 2015.

Ambassador Al-Adwani emphasized that President Erdogan’s visit to Kuwait represents a continuation of the strong and brotherly relations between the two friendly nations, rooted in mutual respect and shared humanitarian and political principles aimed at promoting peace and prosperity. President Erdogan and his accompanying delegation arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday on an official visit during which he held talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The visit forms part of a Gulf tour that also includes Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman, taking place from October 21 to 23 at the invitation of the leaders of the three countries. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday on an official visit. He was received at the airport by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and other senior state officials.

Also present were His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Sheikh Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, Minister of the Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shereeda Al-Mousherji, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and senior state officials. The Head of the honorary delegation accompanying President Erdogan will be Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.

President Erdogan’s delegation includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Economy and Finance Mehmet Simsek, Minister of Defense Yasar Guler, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Kacir, Minister of Trade Omer Bolat and other senior officials.

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS) has announced the launch of the 26th season of its “Sea Turtle Rescue” campaign, set to begin on November 8 with a beach cleanup at Kuwait Towers. The initiative is organized in cooperation with the Japanese Embassy and the Japanese Society, with participation from government agencies, civil society groups and students from schools taking part in the 15th Green Schools Program this academic year.

KEPS Secretary General and Director of Programs and Activities Jenan Behzad said in a press statement Sunday the campaign aims to raise environmental awareness about the protection of endangered species and the preservation of natural habitats along Kuwait’s coast. She said the initiative reflects civil society’s role in supporting environmental sustainability and safeguarding biodiversity, while underscoring the historical and ecological importance of sea turtles in the Arabian Gulf.

Behzad noted the campaign encourages community engagement by inviting volunteers, citizens and residents to take part in field activities such as beach cleanups, monitoring turtle nests and promoting awareness of the coastal ecosystem. She added the effort represents a model of international cooperation between KEPS, the Japanese Embassy and the Japanese Society in the fields of environment, education and volunteering, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development and marine conservation.

She recalled that last year’s 25th season further strengthened efforts to instill a culture of volunteering and environmental participation among citizens and residents. On turtle species found in Kuwait, Behzad said they include green turtles, loggerhead turtles, hawksbill turtles and leatherback turtles. Despite ongoing environmental challenges, she said recent studies show green turtles are beginning to resume nesting activity, while hawksbill turtles continue to face hatching difficulties. Behzad stressed that the return of turtles to Kuwaiti territorial waters is a positive sign of marine recovery in the northern Gulf, thanks to sustained local and international environmental protection efforts. — KUNA