KUWAIT: For the second consecutive year, Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) – KIPCO, Kamco Invest, United Real Estate Company (URC), and United Facilities Management (UFM) came together to organize a blood donation drive in collaboration with the Kuwait Central Blood Bank, under the theme “Be the Reason”. The campaign reflects a powerful message that by choosing to donate blood, each individual has the power to be the reason someone heals, survives, or finds renewed hope. This initiative was held in occasion of World Blood Donor Day, which takes place annually on June 14. Building on the success of last year’s campaign, this initiative reflects the group’s continued dedication to corporate social responsibility and collective action that delivers sustainable community impact.

Hosted at the Chairman’s Club on the 54th floor of KIPCO Tower, the drive witnessed strong engagement from employees across all participating companies, reinforcing a shared culture of collaboration and social solidarity. The initiative aligns with the strategic direction of KIPCO Group companies in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their operations. By actively supporting public health through meaningful initiatives, the group demonstrates its ongoing commitment to sustainability and community well-being. This campaign reaffirms the power of unified efforts between sister companies and healthcare partners in driving real, lasting change.

KUWAIT: Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi reaffirmed the strength of Kuwaiti-Russian relations, which were formally established in 1963, and expressed hope for expanded cooperation in the years ahead.

Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the Russian Federation’s National Day celebration, held Thursday at the Russian Embassy in Kuwait, Marafi noted a significant increase in Kuwaiti tourism to Russia, especially to emerging travel destinations within the country.

On the economic front, Marafi announced that a joint committee is set to convene during the upcoming Energy Summit to explore mutual investment opportunities.

During the event, Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Vladimir Zheltov lauded Kuwait as a longstanding and trusted partner, recalling the historic visit of Russian naval vessels to Kuwait during the reign of His Highness the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, known as Mubarak the Great. He also emphasized that Kuwait was the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with Russia in 1963.

“We value the wisdom and pragmatism of Kuwait’s leadership. Despite global political shifts, our cooperation continues across trade, economy, energy, military-technical sectors, and humanitarian areas,” he said. The ambassador also celebrated the rapid growth of tourism between the two nations.

Marking Russia’s National Day, Zheltov paid tribute to Russia’s history and cultural legacy. “We are proud of our ancestors, who built a unique civilization and a great Russian culture across the vast Eurasian landscape.” He spoke of Russia’s resilience in the face of historic and modern challenges. “Russia continues to champion a fair and multipolar world based on equality and indivisible security,” he said.

Russian Ambassador Vladimir Zheltov and Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi cut a cake at the event.

Ambassador Vladimir Zheltov speaks at the event.

Officials attend the Russian Federation’s National Day celebration.

KUWAIT: Expatriate residents in Kuwait took part in a large-scale blood donation campaign organized by the Embassy of India and the Indian Doctors Forum on Saturday at the Cooperative Blood Transfusion Center in Adan, marking World Blood Donor Day. The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi, who reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening Kuwait’s national blood transfusion system through infrastructure development, staff training, and expanding the donor base.

“We believe that donating blood is not merely a medical procedure, but a noble expression of belonging and compassion. It is also a sign of a society’s maturity and solidarity in facing health challenges,” Dr Al-Awadhi told reporters at the launch. He noted that June 14 is globally recognized as a day to honor voluntary and unpaid blood donors who contribute to saving lives and improving public health.

The campaign was attended by Indian Ambassador Dr Adarsh Swaika, along with senior health officials including Dr Hanan Al-Awadhi, Acting Director of Blood Transfusion Services. Dr Hanan noted that donors from over 75 nationalities living in Kuwait contribute to campaigns year-round. She estimated that up to 200 donors would participate in this drive alone, reinforcing the strategic blood reserve needed for ongoing hospital care. “As long as there are patients in hospitals, the need for blood donations remains constant,” she said.

This is the second consecutive year that the Indian Embassy, in cooperation with the Indian Doctors Forum, has partnered with the Ministry of Health for such a campaign, she said. Ambassador Swaika said the campaign aimed to encourage a culture of voluntary blood donation. He noted that the Indian community has organized numerous similar initiatives in recent years, and expressed appreciation for the ministry’s support in facilitating such efforts. In 2024, various Indian community organizations collectively held over 50 blood donation drives across Kuwait, reflecting a broader trend of community involvement in health-related initiatives.