KUWAIT: The US Embassy in Kuwait, in partnership with the American Business Council – Kuwait (ABCK), marked Memorial Day on Monday, with an evening that honored the sacrifices of US service members and celebrated the enduring US-Kuwait partnership. In her remarks, the US Ambassador to Kuwait Karen Sasahara paid tribute to American service members who gave their lives in defense of freedom, while also reaffirming the enduring strength of the US-Kuwait alliance.

“Our first duty is to remember their sacrifice, and our second is to live up to it — by keeping our country secure, strong and worthy of their trust,” she stated. The remarks highlighted the shared history between the US and Kuwait, particularly during the 1990 Gulf War when both nations’ forces fought side by side to liberate Kuwait. The ambassador described this moment as the foundation of a partnership that continues to thrive through military cooperation, economic investment, and cultural exchange.

Reaffirming America’s commitment to a stable and secure Gulf, Sasahara praised Kuwait’s leadership in hosting US forces, investing in American innovation and fostering educational and humanitarian collaboration. “Our remembrance must guide action,” she said, urging deeper cooperation in missile defense, expanded bilateral trade and continued youth exchanges to preserve the legacy of freedom.

Gunnery Sergeant Victor Buendia posted the colors to open the ceremony. US Air Force Colonel Matthew Johnson then offered brief remarks, reflecting on Memorial Day’s significance and reaffirming the two nations’ shared commitment to regional security and peace.

The program featured a screening of an Iraq War documentary that presented first-hand accounts from US, coalition and Kuwaiti figures, underscoring three decades of close cooperation and the sacrifices made by service members stationed in Kuwait and the wider region.

Senior Kuwaiti officials, Chief of Mission personnel and members of the ABCK Founder’s Club attended the reception, reaffirming the broad scope of US-Kuwait ties, including defense, education, commercial, trade and cultural collaboration.

KUWAIT: MP Baijayant Panda, head of a visiting Indian parliamentary delegation, praised Kuwait’s diplomatic role and steadfast efforts in promoting peace and resolving conflicts, describing the country as “a model to be emulated for making the world a better place”. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Panda highlighted Kuwait’s credibility and influential presence on the international stage, particularly in advancing regional and global peace. He emphasized that the collaboration between India and Kuwait is built on shared values and a long history of friendship.

He commended Kuwait for its leadership at the Dushanbe Counter-Terrorism Conference and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in security and defense. Discussions between the Indian parliamentary delegation and Kuwaiti officials also focused on new joint initiatives to combat terrorism, with India expressing appreciation for Kuwait’s swift condemnation of the recent attacks in Kashmir.

Panda noted the shared experiences of India and Kuwait as victims of terrorism and reiterated India’s dedication to enhancing counterterrorism cooperation, building on agreements made during the Dushanbe conference, which Kuwait chaired. “We discussed with our Kuwaiti counterparts new initiatives to enhance security and counterterrorism cooperation. We found a strong and sincere interest on the Kuwaiti side. This was also reflected in the joint committee meetings chaired by the foreign ministersvof both countries last year,” he said.

Clarifying India’s position toward Pakistan, Panda stated: “We have no hostility toward the Pakistani people. But we are ready to build constructive relations only if Pakistan adopts a strategy based on peace and mutual respect.” He explained that India has shifted its approach in recent years, favoring direct responses to terrorist threats over prolonged diplomacy. The new strategy includes economic sanctions related to trade, maritime activity, water access and visas — measures intended to deter state-sponsored terrorism.

He stressed that there is no tolerance for terrorism, regardless of the country or context, adding that while global challenges remain, the critical difference lies in the intent and use of terrorism as a policy tool. On the Palestinian issue, Panda reiterated India’s unwavering support for a two-state solution as the cornerstone of a peaceful resolution, noting that India continues to allocate budgetary aid for economic assistance in Gaza and the West Bank.

Beyond security matters, the delegation emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between India and Kuwait, founded on centuries of trade, cultural exchange, and shared history. A symbolic visit to the National Library of Kuwait — currently showcasing 250 years of documented Indo-Kuwaiti relations — was described as a highlight of the visit.

The delegation, which arrived in Kuwait two days ago and concluded its visit on Tuesday, includes members from a broad spectrum of Indian political parties, both government and opposition, representing all regions and languages of India. Panda noted that this diversity reflects India’s robust democratic ethos. Kuwait is the second stop in the delegation’s four-nation diplomatic tour, part of India’s broader initiative to deepen engagement with key global partners and enhance international cooperation on security and counterterrorism.

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s digital media initiative, Platform 51, has celebrated its first anniversary with major milestones, having garnered 20 million views from users in 190 countries, and more than 22 million hours of viewing and listening time. The platform also ranked at the top of regional app store charts, positioning itself as a strong contender among leading digital services in the Arab world.

Minister of Information Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi highlighted the achievements during a ceremony marking one year since the platform’s pilot launch. “Digital platforms are now the primary source of information and entertainment for Arab youth, which is why we focused on building a strong digital infrastructure and creating an environment that supports project partnerships and good governance,” he said.

Aimed at promoting sustainable media rooted in Kuwaiti identity, Platform 51 has particularly resonated with Kuwaiti students abroad, who have logged more than 300,000 views. The platform offers access to Kuwait Television and Radio services, live broadcasts, and valuable archival content in a safe, family-friendly environment. “Our vision was to present content that reflects our values and identity while showcasing the creativity of our young people,” the minister added.

Al-Mutairi also introduced the Shiraa Media Award to encourage excellence in content creation, reinforcing the platform’s role as a hub for innovation. “Success in media is not a final destination, but a continuous path of development and creativity,” he said, noting the ministry’s integration of artificial intelligence and interactive technologies into future projects.

Progress in digital archiving was another major highlight, with 200,000 hours of television content already preserved, and radio content archiving now underway — efforts credited to the dedication of national teams and ministry staff.

Al-Mutairi concluded by reaffirming the Ministry of Information’s commitment to expanding Kuwait’s digital media presence, guided by national values and the vision of the country’s leadership. He also extended his thanks to partners in the public and private sectors, civil society, and media professionals for their contributions to the platform’s success. — KUNA