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Indonesian envoy invites Kuwaiti investment; trade steadily grows

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KUWAIT: Indonesian Ambassador Lena Maryana praised the progress in Indonesia–Kuwait cooperation across politics, trade, investment, culture, and humanitarian efforts. Speaking to media ahead of her country’s 80th Independence Day, she highlighted the steady growth in bilateral trade, which amounted to $547.5 million in 2024. Maryana also pointed to Kuwait’s participation in negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement between Indonesia and the GCC.

“Indonesia deeply values the strong leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Government of Kuwait. Together, we are confident that our partnership will continue to grow, bringing prosperity and welfare to both nations,” the ambassador said.

Ambassador Lena Maryana.

Ambassador Lena Maryana.

Growing workforce

The ambassador underlined the growing demand for Indonesian workers in Kuwait. “On average, around 4,000 job orders are submitted to our Embassy each year. We are ready to send more skilled and professional workers across various fields,” she said. She also confirmed that the deployment of Indonesian nurses to Kuwait is expected soon through government-to-government cooperation. “It is coming, inshallah, very soon. The Ministry of Health is now directly recruiting nurses from Indonesia,” she said.

In addition to the health sector, Indonesian workers contribute to various fields in Kuwait. In recent months, 37 Indonesian engineers have joined Kuwait’s workforce, she said. “Kuwait is also home to over 6,000 Indonesian citizens, many of whom contribute to healthcare, oil and gas, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors. The Indonesian Embassy continues to work closely with Kuwaiti authorities to promote fair labor practices and strengthen worker protection,” she added.

Maryana emphasized her country’s desire to strengthen its partnership with Kuwait in humanitarian projects across Indonesia. “Several schools and development programs in rural areas were established with support from Kuwaiti charity organizations. We believe this cooperation can be further strengthened to benefit those in need, ” she said.

An invitation to invest

Maryana confirmed discussions with Kuwait Airways to resume direct flights to Jakarta, saying: “Kuwait Airways used to fly directly to Jakarta until 2015. Last year, both sides agreed to increase flights from four times a week to daily, but with the cabinet change in Indonesia, negotiations need to restart. We hope to finalize this soon.”

Regarding tourism, she said: “By the end of 2024, around 5,090 Kuwaitis visited Indonesia. In just the first half of 2025, 581 Kuwaiti tourists had already traveled to our country.” Upcoming visits are also planned, she said. “In October, a delegation from Jambi Province, Sumatra, including business leaders, is expected in Kuwait,” said Maryana.

She also underlined the significance of Indonesia’s newly launched sovereign wealth fund, Danantara (Daya Anaga Nusantara Indonesia), which manages $1 trillion in assets. “Indonesia warmly invites Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in our priority sectors — minerals, energy, digital infrastructure, healthcare, financial services, industrial estates, and agriculture,” she added.

On Indonesia’s capabilities, the ambassador pointed to the country’s advanced industries, including aircraft manufacturing, defense production, and vaccine development. “Our state-owned companies produce military vehicles, helicopters, ammunition, ships, and even submarines. During the pandemic, we developed our vaccine to serve our 280 million people,” she explained.

The ambassador highlighted Indonesia’s progress in democracy and gender representation: “Our National Assembly now has 580 members, and we have introduced a quota system that ensures 30 percent women’s representation.”

This year also marks the first year of the Red and White Cabinet led by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. The Indonesian government has launched its 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan, the first stage of the long-term agenda Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia), focusing on poverty reduction, human resource development, and sustainable economic growth.

As Indonesia marks its 80th Independence Day on Sunday, Maryana said the embassy plans to host an “Indonesian Night” festival to commemorate Indonesia’s Independence Day, involving community cultural and sports activities.

Held under the national theme “United Sovereignty, Prosperous People, and Advanced Indonesia”, Maryana said this year’s Independence Day celebration reflects the spirit of the Indonesian people to remain united. “This theme aligns with Indonesia’s grand vision and represents our determination to build a prosperous and advanced nation while preserving our national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika — Unity in Diversity,” she said.

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Kuwait, UK leaders discuss strengthening bilateral ties

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Crown Prince, Starmer exchange calls • Coast Guard discusses security with UK official

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.

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

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Kuwaiti PM rep. reaffirms commitment to dialogue, regional security

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 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.

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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

 

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Deliveroo Kuwait unveils exclusive global dishes

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KUWAIT: Deliveroo Kuwait is serving up a global culinary journey with the launch of the new dishes from “The Exchange Program”. The first-of-its-kind initiative sent four of Kuwait’s top chefs abroad to explore viral food trends. Each created a fusion dish inspired by their journey, available exclusively on Deliveroo.

The program kicked off with Chef Khaled Al-Baker of Young Po, who took inspiration from the bustling streets of Seoul, South Korea, to introduce Rabokki. The dish combines chewy rice cakes and ramen noodles in a spicy, savory sauce, bringing the authentic flavors of Korean street food straight to Kuwait.

From Rome, Italy, Chef Faisal Al-Nashmi of San Ristorante is introducing the Maritozzi Box. Featuring indulgent cream-filled buns, the dish captures the essence of Italy’s sweet traditions while adding Chef Al-Nashmi’s modern touch. Chef Sawsan Daana of Matbakhi is channeling the spirit of Athens, Greece, with the Savory Souffra. Inspired by the communal dining tables of the Mediterranean, this dish celebrates togetherness through a vibrant spread of flavors that highlight the richness and warmth of Greek cuisine.

Finally, OH G!’s Chef Ghalia Hayat is bringing a taste of London, England, with the Donut Pudding Ice Cream. Reinventing classic British desserts, this whimsical dish brings together Hayat’s salted caramel pudding ice cream with a decadent chocolatey fudge swirl and chunks of donut, to deliver a unique sweet experience that will surprise and delight.

Deliveroo Kuwait’s Exchange Program is more than just a menu — it’s a cultural experience. By spotlighting Kuwaiti chefs and their creative reinterpretations of international dishes, the program bridges food trends with local talent, inviting customers to explore the world without leaving their homes. All dishes are available now and for a limited time, exclusively on Deliveroo Kuwait.

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