Kuwait National Assembly ‘Opener’ Set for April 21

Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour invited lawmakers to attend the new National Assembly’s opener on Sunday, April 21
Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour invited lawmakers to attend the new National Assembly’s opener on Sunday, April 21
TT

Kuwait National Assembly ‘Opener’ Set for April 21

Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour invited lawmakers to attend the new National Assembly’s opener on Sunday, April 21
Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour invited lawmakers to attend the new National Assembly’s opener on Sunday, April 21

Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour, the second oldest lawmaker in the National Assembly who will chair the house’s opening session, invited lawmakers on Tuesday to attend the new parliament’s opener on Sunday, April 21.

Ashour said the Assembly’s secretariat contacted former speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun, who is the oldest member at 90 years old, to chair the opening session, but he apologized because he plans to run for the speaker’s post.

As a result, Ashour officially became the lawmaker to chair the opening session.

Ashour told the press at the National Assembly’s media center that the Assembly is meeting on April 21 as per constitutional deadlines for the 18th legislative term, as stated in Article 87.

Around 37 MPs confirmed they'll attend the opening session, following constitutional timelines.

Ashour clarified that due to Decree No. 67 of 2024, the session planned for April 17 is canceled, with the Assembly now convening on May 14 instead.

He emphasized that the April 21 session is in line with constitutional requirements, held after the two-week post-election period, ensuring transparency and dispelling any doubts.

Moreover, Kuwaiti lawmakers have urged Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the newly appointed Prime Minister, to focus more on citizens’ daily struggles.

His appointment comes after the previous caretaker Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, stepped down following the recent parliamentary elections.

Ashour stressed that the new premier must prioritize citizens’ welfare in his government’s plans.

Ashour stated that they hope Sheikh Ahmad’s cabinet will include qualified ministers committed to addressing citizens’ needs and improving their lives with a realistic action plan.

Lawmaker Fayez Al-Jumhour, on his part, stressed that the parliament and government should collaborate to improve citizens’ living standards.

MP Janan Boushahri also noted on “X” that the new prime minister has time to select competent ministers dedicated to the constitution.

Boushahri emphasized that cooperation is vital when it benefits the state and citizens.

She added that oversight is essential if the government deviates from the constitution or protects wrongdoers.



Saudi, Thai Foreign Ministers Co-Chair First Saudi-Thai Coordination Council Meeting

The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand - SPA
The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand - SPA
TT

Saudi, Thai Foreign Ministers Co-Chair First Saudi-Thai Coordination Council Meeting

The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand - SPA
The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand - SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Maris Sangiampongsa co-chaired the first meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council in Bangkok on Thursday.
The convening of this meeting underscores the advancing relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Thailand, aiming to enhance coordination and collaboration across various sectors to fulfill the aspirations of both nations' leaders and peoples. This aligns with the shared objectives of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council, focusing on enhancing cooperation, connectivity, and integration between the two countries through the council and its subcommittees in areas such as politics, security, defense, energy, economy, investment, education, culture, tourism, and other mutual interests, SPA reported.
During the meeting, the co-chairs reviewed the bilateral relations and emphasized the significance of sustained joint efforts between the two friendly nations. They expressed contentment with the outcomes of the committee sessions, which produced over 70 joint initiatives spanning various fields.
They highlighted the importance of upholding and advancing the council's work and collaboration among its committees while reinforcing coordination to amplify its effectiveness as an institutional mechanism framing bilateral cooperation. They also underscored the importance of implementing the recommendations and initiatives of the committee heads with the support of the council's general secretariat, looking forward to the upcoming second council meeting in Saudi Arabia.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the two ministers signed the minutes of the first meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council.
Following the meeting, the two sides signed a cooperation program between the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies, and the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA).