KUWAIT: Undersecretaries of information ministries from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states convened in Kuwait on Sunday for a preparatory meeting ahead of the 28th GCC Information Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for Monday. Chairing the session, Kuwaiti Information Ministry Undersecretary Dr Nasser Muhaisen emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening the Gulf media sector, particularly amid rapid digital transformation. He highlighted the sector’s vital role in safeguarding social cohesion and reinforcing a collective Gulf identity.

Dr Muhaisen conveyed the greetings of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, expressing his best wishes for a productive meeting. He praised the ongoing efforts to bolster joint Gulf media initiatives and called for continued cooperation to foster a robust and dynamic media landscape.

“This meeting represents a key platform for exchanging expertise, shaping strategic visions, and launching innovative media projects that reflect the ambitions of our societies for a more integrated and prosperous future,” he said. Underscoring the media’s growing influence in shaping public awareness and enhancing regional stability, Dr Muhaisen noted the importance of unified messaging in addressing common challenges and promoting the GCC’s presence on regional and international stages.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information, Dr Nasser Muhaisen

Part of the meeting of the Gulf Information Ministries’ Undersecretaries in preparation for the meeting of the Gulf Information Ministers. – KUNA photos

He further stressed the need for developing national media talent, modernizing media-related legislation, and embracing advanced technologies to support the Gulf media message. “These elements are essential for building a sustainable and effective media system,” he said, adding that periodic Gulf meetings serve to align media strategies and support shared objectives. Dr Muhaisen extended his sincere appreciation to Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC General Secretariat, Khaled Al-Sunaidi, and the supporting teams for their efforts in organizing the meeting. He concluded by invoking God’s blessings for the success of the gathering under the leadership of the GCC heads of state.

In his address, Al-Sunaidi expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairman of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, for Kuwait’s steadfast support of joint Gulf initiatives, particularly in the media sector. He also congratulated Sheikh Mubarak Fahad Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on his appointment as Director-General of the Joint Program Production Institution, wishing him success in his new role and affirming the Secretariat’s commitment to advancing collaborative media efforts.

Al-Sunaidi highlighted several key topics on the meeting’s agenda, including proposed initiatives under the GCC’s Joint Media Cooperation Strategic Plan (2023–2030). These include Kuwait’s proposals for the Excellence and Electronic Publishing Award, the “Gulf of Pride and Glory” and “Behind the Scenes” programs, enhanced cooperation among radio and television libraries, and the integration of artificial intelligence in media. He also cited additional proposals from the Secretariat, such as establishing a Gulf Media Forum, launching a media leaders initiative, and promoting Gulf media dialogues, all aimed at elevating regional media collaboration and innovation. — KUNA

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace on Monday President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dr Thomas Bach, IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry, and members of the IOC and National Olympic Committees (NOCs), on the occasion of their visit to Kuwait for the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The meeting was also attended by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, along with senior state officials.

His Highness the Amir delivered a speech welcoming the distinguished guests and highlighting Kuwait’s pride in hosting the General Assembly. “We welcome you to the land of love and peace and extend our appreciation for your sincere efforts in advancing Asian sports and empowering athletes across the continent,” His Highness said. He reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to sports development, in line with the New Kuwait 2035 vision, which emphasizes investment in youth, inclusivity in sports for all segments of society, and the promotion of peace, tolerance and cooperation through athletics.

“Sports are more than competition — they embody values, determination and unity. They are a bridge for dialogue and mutual understanding across cultures and borders,” His Highness stated. He also expressed Kuwait’s pride in being home to the OCA and stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation among National Olympic Committees, with a focus on women’s sports, sports for people with disabilities, and the integration of technology in sports infrastructure.

Dr Thomas Bach also addressed the gathering, expressing his gratitude for the warm hospitality and lauding Kuwait’s leadership in promoting the values of the Olympic Movement. “The presence of all 45 members of the National Olympic Committees of Asia here in Kuwait reflects the unity of the continent and the OCA’s vital role in connecting Asia with the international Olympic community,” Bach said. He highlighted Kuwait’s instrumental role in revitalizing the Olympic Council of Asia and underscored His Highness the Amir’s commitment to both the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

Dr Bach also announced ongoing efforts by the IOC to embrace the digital revolution, including the Olympic AI Agenda, aimed at harnessing artificial intelligence to benefit athletes worldwide. As a token of appreciation, Dr Bach presented His Highness the Amir with a special commemorative gold medal — a rare honor previously awarded only to heads of state demonstrating exceptional support for the Olympic Movement. The meeting concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts and was attended by senior officials and dignitaries from across the Olympic community. — KUNA

KUWAIT: President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun and his accompanying delegation arrived on Sunday in Kuwait on an official visit to the country. He was received at the airport by HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

National Guard Chief Sheikh Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shareeda Al-Maousherji, Defense Minister and Acting Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Sabah, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and senior state officials were also among those who welcomed the Lebanese president.

Aoun extolled Beirut’s “deep-rooted” relations with Kuwait, saying these ties are based on mutual respect and cooperation across various fields. Expressing his “pleasure” to respond to HH the Amir’s invitation, the Lebanese president told KUNA that his official visit to Kuwait typified the “historic and brotherly” relations that Kuwait and Beirut share. He added the Lebanese people were immensely grateful for Kuwait’s persistent support, particularly at a time when Beirut is in the throes of adversity, citing that his visit should give impetus to a raft of fresh bilateral agreements.

On issues he plans on discussing with HH the Amir, Aoun said existential challenges amid “trying circumstances” and matters of mutual concern were on top of the agenda. The Lebanese president’s visit to Kuwait should be instrumental in ushering in new growth in bilateral relations, while paving the way for broader cooperation between the two nations, he added. — KUNA