Kuwait Emir Opens Parliamentary Session, Calls for Cooperation

The Emir of Kuwait delivers a speech before parliament on Tuesday. (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait delivers a speech before parliament on Tuesday. (KUNA)
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Kuwait Emir Opens Parliamentary Session, Calls for Cooperation

The Emir of Kuwait delivers a speech before parliament on Tuesday. (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait delivers a speech before parliament on Tuesday. (KUNA)

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah opened on Tuesday the second session of the 16th legislative term of the National Assembly with calls for cooperation.

In a speech to parliament, he reiterated the importance of efforts to reinforce reforms and serve the people.

National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim praised Sheikh Nawaf’s call for dialogue, stressing the importance of dialogue and round-table policy to resolve fateful problems amid sharp political disputes in the country.

He also lauded the national dialogue talks, which have had a great impact on achieving political stability. Al-Ghanim said political stability would be achieved through correct and wise use of constitutional tools.

Sheikh Nawaf had in September called for national dialogue between the legislative and executive authorities to resolve disputes between them.

“The Kuwaiti people will immensely benefit from the solemn cooperation between legislative and executive authorities,” said Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah while delivering a speech on behalf of the Emir.

The dialogue had also resulted in the pardon of several Kuwaitis, continued the Emir, stressing that such a step helped stabilize the political situation in the country.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said the government and people of Kuwait were grateful for the Emir’s intervention and keen leadership.

The cabinet will work tirelessly to address problems facing the people, vowed the PM.

He remarked that the coronavirus pandemic was the biggest challenge affecting all aspects of life in Kuwait and the world.

The prime minister noted that the world was going through severe economic challenges requiring the legislative and executive authorities to focus on reforming the economy through a comprehensive plan that promotes economic diversity.

The private sector should be given the opportunity to share the state’s goal in boosting economic development, urged Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled.

The PM also touched on internal and external security of Kuwait, saying it was a vital component for development and stability. He stressed that the government would work on bolstering the country’s defensive capabilities.



Trump to Visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE on May 13-16, White House Says

US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)
US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)
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Trump to Visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE on May 13-16, White House Says

US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)
US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)

President Donald Trump's upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will take place May 13-16, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday.

Trump would be traveling to the Middle East at a time of ongoing tensions with Iran, the Houthis in Yemen and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

The Middle East would have been Trump’s first foreign destination since returning to the White House, but he will be heading to the Vatican to attend Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia was the destination of Trump’s first foreign visit during his first term as president, underscoring the importance his administration places on the Kingdom’s regional and international role.

Trump had previously described his ties with the Middle East as “good”. He has constantly hailed the trade relations between the US and Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom’s role in establishing peace and stability in the region.

He has praised it for hosting American diplomatic efforts and facilitating ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump has underlined the size of Saudi investments in Amercian companies that amount to nearly $1 billion dollars and has boasted of his strong friendship with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Analysts have said Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE will be very significant and will witness the signing of several trade and military agreements.

The visit will also highlight Qatar’s role as a mediator in the Gaza war, while the US views the UAE as a strategic partner.