Rami Tahboub, Ambassador of Palestine to Kuwait

On the occasion of the first anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, appointing his brother His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as Crown Prince, it is my great honor and pleasure to extend to His Highness the loyal Crown Prince my warmest and most sincere congratulations on this joyous occasion — on behalf of myself, my family, the staff of the Embassy of the State of Palestine, and the Palestinian community residing in Kuwait, the land of Arabism and solidarity.

This momentous occasion brings to mind, with pride and appreciation, my time witnessing His Highness’ distinguished service as Minister of Foreign Affairs, during which I had the honor of presenting the credentials of the first Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Kuwait. I was graciously received by His Highness, who then – as now – was the epitome of humility and warmth.

I also had the privilege of organizing His Highness’ official visit in September 2014, which marked the first visit by a Kuwaiti official to the occupied State of Palestine since 1967. I had the honor of accompanying him to the holy city of Jerusalem, where he performed prayers at the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Palestine and its cause have always held a top priority for His Highness – whether during his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs, as Prime Minister, and now as Crown Prince. He has carried it with sincerity and deep commitment in all international forums, firmly believing in the justice of the Palestinian cause and defending it unwaveringly, despite complex political circumstances.

I also witnessed His Highness’ leadership when he was appointed Prime Minister of Kuwait, where he led the government with dedication and competence through several terms, always calm and patient, confronting great challenges with unmatched wisdom. Then came Saturday, June 1, 2024, when His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the country – may God protect him – issued the Amiri Order appointing His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as Crown Prince, entrusting him with the care of the nation and the dear people of Kuwait.

Since becoming Crown Prince, His Highness – may God preserve him – has shown extraordinary humility. He is regularly present at social gatherings, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, where I had the honor of meeting and greeting him at numerous Kuwaiti diwaniyas he visited to offer Ramadan congratulations. As always, he greeted everyone with a warm smile, a reflection of his beloved character.

I pray to Almighty God to protect His Highness, grant him health and well-being, and keep him as a source of strength and support for his brother, the Amir of the country, and for the beloved land and people of Kuwait. May Kuwait continue to prosper and may God protect it from all harm.

Kenichiro Mukai

Kenichiro Mukai, Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait

On behalf of the Government and the People of Japan, I am honored to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the first anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah’s appointment as Crown Prince of the friendly State of Kuwait. His Highness’ appointment was met with widespread warmth and optimism, reflecting confidence in his experience, wisdom, and distinguished record of political work across various senior roles. We will continue working with His Highness and the government of the State of Kuwait to strengthen and enhance the bonds between our nations across all sectors and at every level.

Olivier Gauvin

Olivier Gauvin, Ambassador of France to Kuwait

On the occasion of the first anniversary of the accession of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to his high office, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Republic of France, my warmest congratulations to His Highness and to the Kuwaiti people. This anniversary marks an important milestone in Kuwait’s institutional continuity and reflects His Highness’ wise vision and deep commitment to the country’s stability and development.

France is delighted by the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation that unite it with Kuwait. The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, paid an official visit to Kuwait on April 24, 2025, during which he had the honor of being received in audience by His Highness the Crown Prince. The President of the French Republic invited His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince to pay an official visit to France. These high-level contacts and this invitation reflect the shared desire to continue to strengthen the partnership between our two countries.

We wish His Highness every success in his duties and the friendly State of Kuwait lasting peace, security, and prosperity.

Anne Koistinen

Anne Koistinen, Ambassador of the European Union to Kuwait

On behalf of the European Union, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on the first anniversary of his appointment as Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait. This past year has been a testament to His Highness’ exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and dedication to the welfare of the people of Kuwait, under the wise guidance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The EU and Kuwait share a longstanding friendship grounded in shared values of peace, mutual respect, support to the UN and the multilateral order and collective prosperity. As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we also look forward with optimism to further strengthening our partnership in various domains, including trade and investments, security and regional stability, research and education, digital transformation and AI, as well as energy security and green transition. We wish His Highness the Crown Prince every success in his endeavors and once again, congratulations on this significant occasion.

TOKYO: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, at His Highness’ residence in the city of Osaka, Japan. At the outset of the meeting, His Highness conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, along with his best wishes for continued progress and prosperity to the Kingdom of Bhutan and its friendly people.

The meeting also included a review of the bilateral relations between the two countries and their friendly peoples. His Highness expressed his wishes for the king’s continued health and well-being, and for further progress and prosperity for the people of Bhutan. — KUNA

RIYADH: Kuwait has joined the newly established Global Water Organization as a founding member. On Wednesday, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem signed Kuwait’s charter of accession during a ceremony held in Riyadh at the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. The event was inaugurated by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

Joining Dr Al-Mukhaizeem in signing the charter were several ministers and international officials involved in water-related issues, including Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Pakistan’s Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture Mabouba Diagne, Mauritania’s Minister of Water and Sanitation Amal Maouloud, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam Al-Misnad.

In his opening remarks, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized the importance of the Global Water Organization in addressing global water issues comprehensively, stressing the need for collective action to achieve shared goals. He confirmed that Saudi Arabia will continue working with its partners to achieve the organization’s objectives by providing financial and logistical support for the next five years.

He stated: “The launch of the Global Water Organization affirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting international initiatives and addressing global challenges through partnerships based on mutual cooperation among nations and governments,” adding that the Kingdom envisions the organization as an international platform to promote sustainable solutions and help developing countries enhance their water capabilities.

He invited all UN member states and private sector institutions to join the organization and make it a practical and inclusive platform to address water challenges and develop innovative, sustainable solutions for the global water sector.

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli said that signing the Global Water Organization’s charter and launching its operations from Riyadh reinforces a shared international responsibility to conserve water resources. He added that the significance of the organization stems from the fact that water is not only a resource but also a source of economic and social development and global stability.

He explained that the organization is not merely a platform for gathering countries but serves as a collective global mind working to integrate and develop the efforts of countries and organizations to tackle water challenges holistically. It also supports technological solutions, scientific research, and facilitates funding to enhance transparency in water management, affirming the Kingdom’s pioneering role in launching ambitious global initiatives.

Al-Fadhli noted that the Global Water Organization is a tool for leading international efforts to confront water-related challenges and to shift traditional thinking in managing water. He emphasized that the challenges go beyond water scarcity to include timely and appropriate availability, as well as water’s impact on the global economy, public health, food security, and supply chains amid climate change and related disasters.

He highlighted the need for integrated services including production, transport, storage, distribution, treatment, and reuse, and the adoption of innovative water economics based on cost-benefit analysis, new financing models, and reduced reliance on government subsidies, with strong private sector involvement.

He also stressed the importance of creating an attractive investment environment by reducing risks, adopting reliable privatization models, and supporting eco-friendly engineering research and technologies through green funds. Furthermore, he underlined the importance of adapting financial and engineering models to the specific needs of each country to make water a driver of growth and to accelerate global solutions under the circular economy concept and by utilizing non-traditional resources. 

The Global Water Organization represents a turning point in international cooperation on water issues. Through research and development programs, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions, it aims to promote water sustainability worldwide. The organization’s mission includes supporting countries and institutions in addressing water challenges holistically by exchanging technical expertise, fostering innovation and R&D, and enabling the development and financing of priority projects to ensure water resource sustainability and equitable access. — KUNA