Kuwait’s Ruler Calls For Comprehensive Reform, Warns Against Fabricating Conflicts

Kuwait Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al Ghanim | Photo: KUNA
Kuwait Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al Ghanim | Photo: KUNA
TT

Kuwait’s Ruler Calls For Comprehensive Reform, Warns Against Fabricating Conflicts

Kuwait Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al Ghanim | Photo: KUNA
Kuwait Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al Ghanim | Photo: KUNA

Kuwait’s ruler has called on the parliament to work with the government and prepare a comprehensive reform program, in light of the challenges faced by the country.

The reform is needed to help Kuwait exit its worst economic crisis in decades, Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah said, stressing that there was no time for “fabricating conflicts.”

His remarks were made on Tuesday during the inauguration of the National Assembly’s (parliament) opening session of the 16th legislative term.

“Our country’s path faces serious problems and big challenges that call for putting in place a comprehensive reform program,” Sheikh Nawaf noted.

“There is no room for wasting more efforts, time, and capabilities on fabricated conflicts, disputes, and settling accounts which have become a source of frustration and discontent for citizens and an obstacle to any achievement.”

The success of the comprehensive reform program requires effective cooperation between the assembly and the government, and firmness in implementing the law and positive dialogue and avoiding division, he added.

Sheikh Nawaf stressed that respecting the law and constitution, defending people’s freedoms, interests and money, and working honestly are the primary missions for which people have elected the assembly members to fulfill their hopes and aspirations.

The inauguration session was held following parliamentary elections on Dec.5, which resulted in major reshuffle in the assembly’s structure. It saw an over-60 percent turnout of the country’s more than 560,000 registered voters. Two-thirds of lawmakers and the country’s only female legislator lost their seats.

The final count carried on state media showed that 31 new lawmakers had been elected to the 50-seat assembly.

Marzouq al-Ghanim was re-elected on Tuesday as the speaker of Kuwait’s National Assembly.

Out of the 64 members present, 33 members voted for Ghanim.

The speaker affirmed his keenness to cooperate with everyone to achieve the aspirations of the Kuwaiti people.



Egyptian Government Approves Formation of Higher Coordination Council with Saudi Arabia

The formation of the Higher Coordination Council reflects the level of partnership between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The formation of the Higher Coordination Council reflects the level of partnership between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Egyptian Government Approves Formation of Higher Coordination Council with Saudi Arabia

The formation of the Higher Coordination Council reflects the level of partnership between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The formation of the Higher Coordination Council reflects the level of partnership between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

In an effort to strengthen the partnership between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the Egyptian government approved on Wednesday the establishment of a higher joint coordination council.

On September 10, 2024, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty held a joint news conference with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, during which he announced that the two countries were in the final stages of launching the Egyptian-Saudi Higher Coordination Council, chaired by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He emphasized that the council would serve as a comprehensive framework for deepening bilateral relations and fostering collaboration in politics, economics, trade, development, and investment, aligning with the interests of both nations’ peoples.

In its Wednesday session, Egypt’s Cabinet approved the decision to establish the council. According to a government statement, the body will seek to “intensify communication and enhance cooperation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia in areas of mutual interest.”

The council, as outlined by the statement, will include ministers and officials from both countries covering relevant sectors. It will convene regular meetings alternately in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, with provisions for extraordinary meetings as needed.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Ayman Mohseb, deputy chairman of the Arab Affairs Committee in Egypt’s House of Representatives, said that the move reflects the advanced level of partnership between the two nations, describing the council as a “cornerstone for activating relations and expanding cooperation in various fields.”

“This step will significantly advance cooperation across diverse domains, driven by the political will of the two countries’ leaderships,” Mohsab said, adding that the new body would facilitate coordination between Cairo and Riyadh on a wide range of regional issues and areas of mutual interest.

During a meeting with Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan on Tuesday, El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s “pride in its historic relations with Saudi Arabia, both at the leadership and popular levels, and across all sectors.”