KUALA LUMPUR: Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr Kao Kim Hourn, on Sunday underscored the growing importance of bilateral relations between ASEAN member states and Kuwait, commending the Gulf country’s development blueprint, Kuwait Vision 2035. In remarks to KUNA on the sidelines of preparations for the upcoming ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN-GCC-China Trilateral Summits, Dr Hourn described Kuwait’s engagement with ASEAN as a vital pillar in the evolving partnership between the two regional blocs.

He particularly lauded Kuwait’s active role in high-level regional dialogues and its forward-looking vision for sustainable development. Dr Hourn welcomed the anticipated participation of His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who will represent His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, at the summits scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on May 26–27. The Crown Prince is expected to lead the Kuwaiti delegation as part of the country’s current chairmanship of the 45th session of the GCC Supreme Council.

He noted the timing of Kuwait’s attendance as highly significant, citing it as a testament to the Gulf leadership’s commitment to sustaining the momentum initiated at the inaugural ASEAN-GCC Summit held in Riyadh in 2023. That landmark event, which gathered leaders from all ASEAN and GCC member states, was widely regarded as a breakthrough in interregional cooperation. Highlighting Kuwait’s distinguished role in humanitarian affairs, Dr Hourn pointed to the country’s potential contributions to ASEAN’s ongoing efforts in addressing the crisis in Myanmar. Given Kuwait’s global standing as a humanitarian leader, he expressed confidence in its capacity to assist in non-political dimensions of the issue.

KUALA LUMPUR: People take photos in front of the logo of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on May 25, 2025. – AFP

On the economic front, Dr Hourn reported steady progress in the ASEAN-GCC Economic Cooperation Agreement. He revealed that a cooperation framework, adopted by both sides’ leaders two years ago, has culminated in the recent completion of a preliminary feasibility study. This study will soon be shared with member states for review, paving the way for the identification of joint initiatives. While noting that it remains premature to finalize a free trade agreement, Dr Hourn described current developments as promising. He explained that ASEAN is presently focused on deepening economic integration among its own members while also nurturing bilateral partnerships with key external stakeholders, including the GCC.

Turning to ASEAN’s long-term strategic outlook, Dr Hourn elaborated on the association’s Vision 2045, which is structured around four core pillars: political-security cooperation, economic integration, socio-cultural community development and enhanced regional connectivity under the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025). He described the vision as a comprehensive roadmap designed to navigate future regional challenges and transformations.

Dr Hourn further emphasized ASEAN’s commitment to its founding principles and values, affirming that the upcoming summits would serve to reinforce these tenets. ASEAN continues to engage with major global partners — among them China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia — while maintaining an active role in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a multilateral trade agreement encompassing 15 countries. He concluded by expressing optimism that the upcoming engagements in Kuala Lumpur will deepen mutual understanding and chart new avenues for ASEAN-GCC cooperation across strategic, economic, and humanitarian domains. — KUNA

KUWAIT: A team of Kuwaiti and international bird experts recorded the sighting of rare oceanic bird species during a recent expedition in Kuwaiti territorial waters, the Environment Public Authority’s bird monitoring and protection team member Mohammad Al-Hudhaina said on Sunday. Among the notable discoveries were the short-tailed shearwater and the arctic skua, both considered unusual sightings in the region. According to Al-Hudhaina, this marks only the fourth recorded appearance of the short-tailed shearwater in Kuwait.

The bird was previously observed in 2014, 2021, and again earlier this month during the current voyage. Al-Hudhaina noted that the short-tailed shearwater is typically found across the Pacific Ocean, ranging from the North to the South Pole. “Its presence outside its native migratory route is rare,” he said, adding that the bird is similar in size to the common gull and is distinguished by its unique and efficient hunting style.

Short-tailed shearwater

Commenting on the arctic skua, Al-Hudhaina said it appears sporadically in small numbers in Kuwait during migration periods. “It is one of the fastest and most agile seabirds in flight, capable of sharp acceleration that gives it a predatory profile,” he explained. Known for its opportunistic feeding behavior, the arctic skua often chases gulls and terns mid-air and is notably larger than the common gull, making it identifiable from a distance.

These rare observations underscore Kuwait’s role as a significant environmental station along the migratory routes of seabirds, Al-Hudhaina affirmed. He emphasized that the continued efforts of local and international experts contribute to documenting the rich biodiversity of Kuwait’s marine ecosystem. The survey team included Kuwaiti birdwatchers Abdulrahman Al-Sarhan, Omar Al-Shaheen and Hamoud Al-Shaiji, as well as European specialists Peter Alfre from England and Belgian observers Vincent Legrand and Julien Hainaut. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) affirmed on Sunday that the 22nd meeting of the Permanent Committee for the Convention on the Conservation of Wildlife and Their Natural Habitats in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states reflects the ongoing commitment of GCC nations to environmental cooperation and the protection of the region’s ecological heritage. Speaking to KUNA, Acting Director General of the EPA, Nouf Behbehani, said the meeting—held in Kuwait—comes in line with the directives of GCC leaders to strengthen joint environmental action, preserve natural resources and ensure ecological sustainability and biodiversity across the region.

Behbehani noted that the gathering brings together representatives from GCC states, environmental specialists, and officials from the GCC General Secretariat. Discussions will focus on key environmental developments, including updates to the environmental operational plan extending to 2030, and Kuwait’s proposal to form technical working groups to support biodiversity-related environmental agreements.

Acting Director General of the Environment Public Authority, Nouf Behbehani

Engr Abdullah bin Ali Al-Rubaie

The meeting’s agenda also includes preparations for the first Gulf Wildlife Conference, the adoption of a unified logo for the event, and updates to the Gulf Wildlife Agreement and the GCC’s environmental strategic framework. Participants will explore enhanced coordination in implementing global environmental treaties such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Ramsar Convention, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Additional topics include the regulation of falcon ownership and broader wildlife protection measures. The committee is expected to issue a series of recommendations and action plans, including the endorsement of a unified framework for electronic CITES permits and the approval of upcoming training workshops aimed at protecting endangered species and rehabilitating ecosystems.

Meanwhile, Head of the Human and Environment Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat, Eng. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Rubaie, underscored the importance of the meeting, describing it as a significant step toward achieving greater accomplishments in wildlife conservation in accordance with international best practices. Al-Rubaie praised Kuwait’s leadership and continued commitment to environmental treaties, commending the collaborative efforts of GCC representatives, experts, and officials in promoting environmental sustainability for future generations. — KUNA