Kuwait Prime Minister calls for unity to prioritize national interests and drive development

• The Council of Ministers is committed to meticulously organizing the December GCC summit to highlight Kuwait’s role, strengthen the GCC, and advance member states’ interests.

• The Council of Ministers has declared Sunday, September 15, an official holiday for the Prophet’s birthday, with work resuming on Monday, September 16.

The Council of Ministers held its weekly meeting on Tuesday at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister, according to Al Anba newspaper.

Following the meeting, Sherida Al-Mawsharji, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, announced that the Council of Ministers has declared Sunday, September 15, as an official holiday in observance of the Prophet’s birthday for the year 1446 AH. This decision applies to all ministries, government agencies, public bodies, and institutions, with work resuming on Monday, September 16.

Entities with specialized functions will have their holiday schedules set by the relevant authorities, ensuring the public interest is maintained.

Kuwait receives insights from global leaders on boosting bilateral ties

At the beginning of its meeting, the Council of Ministers was briefed on the messages received from the Amiri Diwan, addressed to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, from the leaders of some brotherly and friendly countries, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance joint cooperation between Kuwait and those countries in various fields.

Prioritizing the country’s interests

On the other hand, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister, delivered a speech welcoming the new ministers— Khalifa Abdullah Dhahi Ajeel Al-Askar, Minister of Commerce and Industry; Abdullatif Hamed Hamad Al-Meshari, Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs; Dr. Nader Abdullah Mohammad Al-Jallal, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Education; and Nora Suleiman Al-Fassam, Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment—following the issuance of Amiri Decree No. 140 of 2024 on the recent ministerial reshuffle last Sunday

He expressed his gratitude for their acceptance of the responsibility at this critical stage, highlighting the wise directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, given after the new ministers took their oaths of office on Monday.

On the occasion of their appointments, His Highness emphasized the importance of collective efforts, always prioritizing the country’s interests above all else, and striving to enhance government performance to achieve the nation’s goals and development, address challenges, meet the hopes and aspirations of citizens, and develop practical solutions for the benefit of all.

His Highness the Prime Minister called for the need to redouble efforts, work with a unified team spirit, and accelerate the process of development and construction in the country to achieve ambitions, enforce laws equally, and address the concerns of citizens.

His Highness also expressed his gratitude to Dr. Anwar Al-Mudhaf, the former Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, and Dr. Adel Al-Adwani, the former Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, for their efforts during their tenure, wishing them good health and well-being.

Kuwait to host GCC summit in December

On the other hand, the Council of Ministers reviewed a visual presentation by Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sabah, Undersecretary of Financial and Administrative Affairs, along with employees of the Amiri Diwan, on the preparations and arrangements for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit, which Kuwait will host in December 2024.

The presentation highlighted the tasks undertaken by the Supreme Committee for Preparation and the various subcommittees, reflecting the Council of Ministers’ commitment to overseeing all details related to the summit to ensure it is conducted in the best possible manner. The goal is to showcase Kuwait’s prominent role in hosting this important Gulf event, which will contribute to strengthening the GCC and achieving the interests and aspirations of the peoples of the GCC countries.

Seamless digital government transformation

The Council of Ministers also reviewed a visual presentation by Omar Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communications Affairs, and the team responsible for developing the unified government application for electronic services, ‘Sahel.’

The presentation covered the latest developments and details concerning the new services to be added to the Sahel application, which aims to facilitate the digital transformation of the government and eliminate paper-based transactions with government agencies as efficiently and smoothly as possible.

Cabinet approves key legal decrees and international agreements

On the other hand, the Council of Ministers reviewed the recommendations from the minutes of the meeting of the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs regarding draft decrees with laws and draft decrees for several agreements and memorandums of understanding between the State of Kuwait and brotherly and friendly countries, as well as international and regional organizations. The Council of Ministers decided to approve them and submit them to His Highness the Amir.

Council of Ministers condoles Lebanese PM, honors Dr. Salim Al-Hoss’s support during 1990 invasion

On the other hand, the Council of Ministers expressed its deepest condolences to His Excellency Prime Minister Najib Azmi Mikati of the brotherly Lebanese Republic on the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Salim Al-Hoss.

The council recalled the deceased’s courageous and principled stance during his tenure as Prime Minister, particularly his unwavering support for Kuwait from the very first day of the Iraqi invasion in 1990. The council prayed that God Almighty would grant the deceased His boundless mercy and provide comfort and patience to his family during this difficult time.