KUWAIT: Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Meshari praised the efforts behind the redevelopment of Shuwaikh Beach, extending special thanks to the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) for its generous contribution that made the project possible.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, Al-Meshari said the reopening of Shuwaikh Beach in its new form marks the start of wider efforts to upgrade Kuwait’s coastal areas. “This is a genuine step toward humanizing vital and touristic sites and transforming them into safe and enjoyable spaces for citizens and residents alike,” he noted.

The minister revealed that similar waterfront initiatives are underway, with new projects planned in Sulaibikhat and Jahra to be announced soon. He also confirmed that the Municipality is restructuring its projects sector to adopt new mechanisms for launching major developments, adding that more announcements will follow in the near future.

On housing, Al-Meshari said contracts for the South Sabah Al-Ahmad and South Saad Al-Abdullah housing projects have been awarded. Construction progress at South Saad has already exceeded 15 percent, with land delivery expected by 2028.

Capital Governor Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah stressed the Shuwaikh Beach project reflects Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its waterfronts and transforming them into modern, integrated public spaces. He said the new beach was designed as a model recreational environment, featuring modern facilities, green areas and dedicated zones for sports, leisure and social activities.

“This project is the beginning of a series of developmental initiatives that embody the leadership’s vision for a brighter future,” he said, urging citizens and institutions to preserve the beach’s cleanliness and sustainability so it remains a landmark for generations to come.

Deputy Director General for Projects Sector Affairs at Kuwait Municipality Maysa Boushehri described Shuwaikh Beach as a milestone achievement. “This project demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships, with NBK’s generous support and the cooperation of various government ministries,” she said.

Boushehri emphasized sustainability as a central design principle, citing recycled materials used for the jogging track, accessible play equipment for people with disabilities, and wheelchair-friendly pathways for the elderly and special-needs visitors. She added that the project also addressed previous environmental challenges and upgraded infrastructure to create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable public space. “We hope Shuwaikh Beach becomes a landmark destination that combines modernity, sustainability, and community spirit,” Boushehri concluded.

KUWAIT: Kuwait and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their strong bilateral relations in a series of high-level discussions this week, covering diplomacy, regional security, and maritime cooperation. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received a telephone call on Wednesday from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to review the “distinguished and close” relations between the two countries and explore ways to further enhance them.

Prime Minister Starmer wished His Highness continued health and wellbeing, and expressed hopes for Kuwait’s ongoing progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In response, the Crown Prince thanked the Prime Minister, describing the communication as a reflection of the “deep and solid” ties between the two friendly nations. He emphasized the shared commitment to further strengthen historical relations and expand cooperation across all fields, wishing continued prosperity to the UK and its people.

According to a statement from the UK foreign affairs department, the Prime Minister said the UK would work with close allies including Kuwait to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. The Prime Minister added that he felt a strong sense of responsibility that this plan delivered an end to the fighting in Gaza and a long-term pathway to peace.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

In parallel developments, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Defense Council, presided over a meeting of the council at Bayan Palace to review key regional developments and recent international affairs.

On the security front, Kuwait’s Coast Guard Director-General, Commodore Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah met with the UK’s Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren to discuss shared security interests and ways to enhance cooperation. The meeting took place at Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base and included senior Coast Guard officials.

During the visit, Commodore Mubarak Al-Sabah highlighted the “historical depth” of Kuwait-UK relations and the ongoing development of military and security cooperation. Admiral Ahlgren was briefed on recent updates at the Coast Guard, including the new coastal monitoring system and the integration of naval drones into Kuwait’s maritime fleet. The visit underlined both countries’ shared commitment to strategic cooperation in security and maritime domains, aiming to strengthen regional stability and safeguard mutual interests. — Agencies

 ALULA, Saudi Arabia: Representing His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah stressed Wednesday that Kuwait’s participation in Munich Security Conference (MSC) Leaders Meeting, reflects commitment to regional dialogue and cooperation.

In remarks to KUNA, on the sidelines of the meeting in AlUla city, Sheikh Fahad condemned Israeli aggression against Qatar and Gaza as a violation of international law, emphasizing that the assault posed a direct threat to Gulf collective security and broader regional stability, urging urgent international attention.

He noted that the meeting provided a vital platform to discuss pressing global and regional security challenges, particularly the escalating conflicts and humanitarian tragedies in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, where participants agreed sustainable security remains impossible amid ongoing Israeli aggression.

He warned of grave consequences from escalating conflicts caused by Israeli occupation’s aggression, stressing risks to Gulf stability, while noting deliberations also addressed maritime and energy security, non-proliferation, food and water security, economic challenges, and shared transnational threats facing the international community.Reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment under its current presidency of the GCC, Sheikh Fahad stressed the importance of bolstering collective security, unifying Gulf positions, and strengthening regional and international partnerships, while praising Saudi Arabia’s warm hospitality and MSC’s role in organizing this vital meeting. — KUNA