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 Women’s Institute for Development and Peace (WIDP) organized the fifth edition of the Kuwait Deaf Day Forum under the theme “The Cry of the Deaf and Kuwait Vision 2035,” highlighting the importance of empowering individuals with hearing disabilities and enhancing their integration into all sectors of society. Held on May 8 under the patronage and attendance of Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, the forum took place at the Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States. The event resulted in a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at upholding the rights of the hearing-impaired in education, healthcare, and employment.

WIDP President Kawthar Al-Jouan told KUNA on Sunday that the forum put forth general, sector-specific, and health-related recommendations designed to support the inclusion of the hearing-impaired and affirm their right to self-determination. Al-Jouan stressed the importance of expanding educational opportunities for the deaf community, including access to Kuwait University and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET). She also called for the creation of employment pathways tailored to this capable and distinguished segment of society.

The forum featured four dialogue sessions with the participation of experts, specialists, and policymakers from Kuwait and Bahrain. Key recommendations included the employment of hearing-impaired individuals, admission of deaf students into the College of Basic Education, official recognition of Kuwaiti Sign Language as a second language, and revising school hours to align with public education needs. Additional proposals focused on utilizing retired teachers within the Special Education Department and appointing qualified sign language interpreters, with calls to provide financial rewards for their services.

On the healthcare front, recommendations emphasized the importance of early detection of hearing loss, proper use of hearing aids, and granting individuals the right to seek medical treatment abroad when local options are unavailable. Al-Jouan concluded the forum by honoring participants from the Ministry of Education, the Educational Research Center for the Gulf States, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ Committee for Promoting Moderation, the Dean of the College of Education at Kuwait University, and the Director of the Special Education Schools Department, in recognition of their contributions to the forum’s success. — KUNA