Kuwait Cabinet approves amendments to Public Tenders Law
. . . moves to simplify and speed up procedures; seeks faster, more transparent process
The Council of Ministers has approved a draft decree-law amending provisions of Public Tenders Law No. 49 of 2016, to simplify tender procedures, address practical difficulties and give the concerned authorities greater flexibility in handling actual circumstances.
The proposed amendments are intended to ensure that public tenders are conducted more quickly, efficiently, transparently and fairly. The draft decree-law has been submitted to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
At its meeting chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, the Cabinet also reviewed the latest regional and military developments.
Defence Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah briefed ministers on developments following the Iranian attacks on Kuwait last week and stressed that the Armed Forces remain ready and are taking necessary measures to protect Kuwait’s sovereignty, territory, security, stability, citizens and residents.
Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah briefed the Cabinet on Kuwait’s diplomatic efforts in response to regional and international developments.
He also reported on recent discussions with Lesotho’s Foreign Minister Lempho Tao and a telephone call with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar concerning bilateral relations and regional developments.
The Cabinet strongly condemned Houthi attacks on civilian and economic targets in Saudi Arabia, which injured dozens of civilians, including women and children. It also condemned continued attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and reaffirmed Kuwait’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
The Cabinet separately condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks on Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan, describing them as violations of sovereignty and international law. It reaffirmed Kuwait’s right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, interests and territory under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Kuwait also condemned the reported Iranian attack on the Saudi tanker Sidr while it was crossing the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in crew deaths, and called for an immediate halt to escalation and respect for freedom of navigation.
The Cabinet further reviewed reports and minutes from ministerial committees, approving several items and referring others to the relevant committees for further study and recommendations.
