KUWAIT: The Chinese embassy in Kuwait hosted a farewell reception on Monday in honor of the outgoing Chinese Ambassador. During his speech, Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Zhang Jianwei expressed his deep appreciation to Kuwaiti leadership, officials, and people as he concluded his diplomatic mission after three years of service, highlighting the remarkable development in China-Kuwait relations and the warmth of the Kuwaiti society.

Ambassador Jianwei shared that his arrival in Kuwait on May 22, 2022, marked the beginning of a significant and unforgettable chapter in his diplomatic career. “Over the past three years, I had the pleasure of witnessing Kuwait’s remarkable journey toward progress under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The New Kuwait 2035 Vision has achieved tremendous success across multiple sectors, elevating Kuwait’s regional and international standing,” he said.

Regarding Kuwait’s cultural richness, he said: “From the majestic Grand Mosque to the vibrant Souq Al-Mubarakiya, from traditional Sadu weaving to modern architectural marvels like Al Hamra Tower and the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, the blend of heritage and modernity left a deep impression on me.”

The Ambassador highlighted key accomplishments during his term, adding that there were two meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal that fostered strategic alignment.

On economic cooperation, he mentioned that China remained Kuwait’s largest trading partner for 10 consecutive years, explaining: “Substantial progress was achieved in landmark ventures such as Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and renewable energy initiatives.”

He noted that the first Chinese Cultural Center in the Gulf was established in Kuwait during his tenure, and exchanges among students, academics, media and youth increased.

The ambassador also welcomed the recent Chinese decision to grant visa exemptions to Kuwaiti passport holders, saying: “We warmly welcome more Kuwaiti friends to explore China.” Concluding his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador affirmed his confidence in the bright future of China-Kuwait relations and pledged to continue promoting this enduring friendship wherever he goes.

KUWAIT: In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and the UAE signed a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on Tuesday at Bayan Palace.

The signing took place during Sheikh Mansour’s official visit to Kuwait, aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties and addressing issues of mutual interest. The visit reflects the enduring partnership between the two Gulf nations, which has evolved over six decades into a model of regional cooperation rooted in shared goals and mutual support.

The agreements span a wide range of sectors, including diplomacy, transportation, social development, industry, education, energy, justice, investment, healthcare and data protection. Officials from both governments signed the agreements in the presence of their respective ministers, reflecting high-level commitment to deepening collaboration.

HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah accompanies Sheikh Mansour and Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah.

Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works, Dr Noura Al-Mashaan, and the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Mohamed Al-Mazrouei pose for a picture after signing an MoU on land transport and road development.

Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah and UAE Minister of Community Development Shamma bint Suhail Al-Mazrouei pose for a photo.

Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei and UAE’s Minister of Education Sarah bint Yousif Al-Amiri pose for a photo.

Among the agreements was an MoU between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Kuwaiti Diplomatic Institute, signed by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and UAE’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khalifa Shaheen Al-Marar. In the field of infrastructure, an MoU on land transport and road development was signed by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al-Mazrouei.

Social development cooperation was formalized through an MoU signed by Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah and UAE Minister of Community Development Shamma bint Suhail Al-Mazrouei. Industrial and technological collaboration was also addressed in an MoU signed by Kuwait’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel and UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Jaber. In education, an MoU was signed between Kuwait’s Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei and UAE’s Minister of Education Sarah bint Yousif Al-Amiri.

Kuwait’s Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait, and his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Awad Al-Nuaimi.

Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, and UAE Minister of Investment, Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi.

Kuwait’s Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Misfer Al-Adwani and the UAE’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Khalifa Hareb Al-Khaili.

In the energy sector, Kuwait’s Minister of Oil Tariq Al-Roumi and UAE’s Suhail Mohamed Al-Mazrouei signed an MoU on cooperation in oil and gas. Two additional MoUs were signed in the areas of justice and human trafficking, by Kuwait’s Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait and his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Awad Al-Nuaimi. Cooperation in electricity, water, and future energy was also formalized through an MoU signed by Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, and again by Suhail Mohamed Al-Mazrouei.

In the area of economic collaboration, an MoU to promote direct investment was signed by Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority and UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi. Health sector cooperation was formalized through an MoU signed by Kuwait’s Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi and UAE Minister of Health and Prevention Abdulrahman Al-Owais. Finally, a security-focused MoU on protecting shared data and information in joint projects was signed by Kuwait’s Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Misfer Al-Adwani and UAE’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Khalifa Hareb Al-Khaili. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti environmentalist and photographer Dr Abdullah Al-Zaidan has successfully observed and documented the rare natural phenomenon of Al-Hala Island, located in the southern part of Kuwaiti waters, specifically in the Al-Zour area. The island is a stunning and unusual natural feature.

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Tuesday, Al-Zaidan explained that Al-Hala is a temporary sandbar that emerges during low tide and completely disappears during high tide. Its unique nature makes it a favored destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.

He added that the island’s transformation is a key attraction, making it a prime spot for environmental marine tourism. Visitors are drawn to this nontraditional experience amid the clear waters of the Gulf, where they can engage with untouched nature far from pollution and urban development.

Al-Hala Island

Fish swim near the coral reefs in the waters surrounding Al-Hala Island.

An endangered green turtle swims underwater at the island.

Al-Zaidan emphasized that visiting Al-Hala Island helps raise environmental awareness and promotes sustainable tourism, which balances enjoyment with the preservation of natural ecosystems.

Regarding the surrounding area, he noted that the Al-Zour coastline is ecologically significant due to minimal human activity and construction, making it a vital habitat. It hosts endangered green turtles, which come to nest and lay eggs during specific seasons, and it is home to vibrant coral reefs essential to marine biodiversity.

The area also serves as a resting site for migratory and resident seabirds, which use the island as a natural stopover along the coast. Dr Al-Zaidan concluded by stressing the importance of protecting these fragile marine areas and encouraging mindful visits to help preserve marine life and ensure ecological balance for future generations. — KUNA