KUWAIT: Acting Director General of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) Wafaa Al-Yahya has emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination and cooperation mechanisms among technical institutions in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, noting that such efforts directly contribute to the welfare and prosperity of their peoples. Speaking to KUNA following the conclusion of the 12th meeting of the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Affairs, chaired by Kuwait and hosted in Oman, Al-Yahya highlighted the significance of joint Gulf action, consistent follow-up on key files and the implementation of decisions and directives of GCC leaders.

She affirmed that Kuwait’s participation in such meetings reflects its commitment to enhancing joint Gulf action and supporting the work of regional bodies, particularly the Gulf Statistics Center, as well as international organizations concerned with statistical development. She stressed the critical role of accurate data in supporting sound decision-making that benefits the region.

Acting Director General of the Central Administration of Statistics Wafaa Al-Yahya

The meeting’s agenda included following up on recommendations of the 11th committee session, discussing the draft strategic plan for joint statistical work 2026–2030, and considering a proposal to establish a regional working group on population estimates and projections. Participants also reviewed the center’s draft budget for 2026, discussed the e-commerce and digital economy project, examined performance indicators related to the GCC Strategy for Combating Drugs 2025–2028 and reviewed the foreign trade database and environmental performance index. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The 22nd meeting of the heads of financial and accounting audit bureaus of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states commenced in Kuwait on Wednesday, with participants reaffirming their commitment to enhancing joint oversight efforts and safeguarding public funds. In his opening address, President of the State Audit Bureau (SAB) and chairman of the session, Essam Al-Roumi, underscored the importance of the gathering as an extension of earlier initiatives that have contributed to improving the quality and professionalism of supervisory work across the Gulf.

Al-Roumi noted that the agenda includes several key topics aimed at unifying the performance of GCC oversight bodies under the directives of Their Highnesses and Majesties, the leaders of the member states. He stressed that these discussions will pave the way for stronger professional advancement, greater effectiveness, and the fulfillment of the aspirations of Gulf societies.

The SAB chief expressed confidence that the meeting will take joint steps to support oversight work by strengthening cooperation, enhancing institutional capacities, and keeping pace with international and regional developments in the auditing field. He emphasized that coordination at the global level would help Gulf institutions present a unified vision within international and regional audit forums. Al-Roumi thanked GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi, the General Secretariat, and its officials for their continuous support of Gulf oversight committees, while extending special appreciation to Assistant Secretary General for Legislative and Legal Affairs, Counselor Sultan Al-Suwaidi, for his dedicated efforts in following up on the bureaus’ work.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jassim Al-Budaiwi

Chairman of the Audit Bureau of the State of Kuwait, Issam Al-Roumi

For his part, GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi praised the remarkable efforts of member states in protecting public funds and promoting accountability. He said Gulf oversight bodies play a pivotal role in ensuring transparency through coordination, integration, and the exchange of expertise. Al-Budaiwi stressed that the joint efforts of the GCC audit bureaus reflect the deep sense of responsibility entrusted to them by the leaders of the Gulf states. “This keenness has earned our bureaus a prestigious standing at the regional and international levels,” he said.

He conveyed his gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairman of the current GCC Supreme Council session, for Kuwait’s effective stewardship in hosting and supporting Gulf meetings. He also congratulated Saudi Arabia on its 95th National Day and the United Arab Emirates on the Emirates Audit Authority’s election to the INTOSAI Executive Council. Al-Budaiwi explained that the General Secretariat prepared the agenda based on the outcomes of the 26th meeting of GCC undersecretaries, including discussions on the strategic training plan (2023-2025) and its extension (2026-2028) to strengthen capacity-building and enhance professional efficiency.

Other key issues on the table include the results of the sixth GCC auditing and accounting competition, the UAE proposal on auditing the accounts of the General Secretariat, the draft regulations for the Career Excellence Award, and the allocation of a Gulf week for financial auditing and accounting. Al-Budaiwi concluded by commending participants for their dedication and constructive contributions toward raising cooperation, integration, and institutional excellence in the field of financial oversight across the GCC. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah on Wednesday decorated Army Chief of Staff Khaled Al-Shuraian with the rank of Lieutenant General, in implementation of an Amiri Decree issued by His Highness the Amir and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

In a statement, the Defense Ministry quoted Sheikh Abdullah as congratulating Lt Gen Al-Shuraian on the Amir’s confidence, describing the promotion as a reflection of his competence, leadership skills and long record of distinguished service. He wished the Army Chief further success in serving the nation, safeguarding its security and stability and preserving its achievements. The ceremony was attended by Defense Ministry Undersecretary Sheikh Dr Abdullah Meshaal Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of Staff Maj Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and a number of senior officers.

Born in 1968, Lt Gen Al-Shuraian graduated from the Royal Jordanian Military College in 1990 and has since participated in several key operations, including the 1991 Kuwait Liberation War, the 2003 Iraq Liberation War and Saudi Arabia’s Operation Decisive Storm in 2015. He previously served as Commander of the Kuwaiti Air Defense Force and has received numerous medals and decorations in recognition of his service. — KUNA