Kuwait’s National Assembly Elects Al-Saadoun as Speaker

Ahmad al-Saadoun (KUNA)
Ahmad al-Saadoun (KUNA)
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Kuwait’s National Assembly Elects Al-Saadoun as Speaker

Ahmad al-Saadoun (KUNA)
Ahmad al-Saadoun (KUNA)

Kuwait’s National Assembly (parliament) on Tuesday elected lawmaker Ahmad al-Saadoun as a new speaker.

Al-Saadoun, 87, was elected unchallenged during Tuesday’s vote.

During Kuwait’s September 29 parliamentary elections, al-Saadoun swept to victory with more than 12,000 votes, the highest number in the country’s history.

Before entering the world of politics, al-Saadoun had significant contributions to Kuwait’s sports scene. In 1955, he contributed to establishing the Al-Nahda club, which in 1964 became the Kazma Sports Club.

He also took over the presidency of the Kuwait Football Association from 1968 to 1976. Al-Saadoun also assumed the position of deputy head of the Asian Football Confederation from 1974 to 1982.

In 1975, he won membership in the National Assembly for the first time.

Al-Saadoun was an assembly speaker in 1985, 1992, and 1996.

He obtained the position of deputy assembly speaker in 1981 and was elected as speaker for the first time in 1985.

However, the 1985 assembly was dissolved a year later. The Emir of Kuwait at the time issued an order to dissolve the assembly against the backdrop of a market crisis that led to the collapse of the Kuwaiti stock market.

The country then entered a prolonged political crisis, during which al-Saadoun was active, as were other leaders of democratic action, in demanding the return of constitutional life in the country.

In 1989, a political bloc called for the return of democratic life, but the government responded in 1990 by forming the “National Council” as an alternative to the “National Assembly.” This led to an escalation of widespread opposition and rejection.

After Kuwait’s liberation from the Iraqi invasion and the return of the National Assembly, al-Saadoun returned as a member and head of the assembly in 1992 and 1996.



Bahrain and Oman Deepen Ties During King Hamad’s Visit to Muscat

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
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Bahrain and Oman Deepen Ties During King Hamad’s Visit to Muscat

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hold talks in Muscat on Tuesday. (BNA)

Oman and Bahrain held expanded talks this week aimed at bolstering their strong bilateral relations and widening their partnership.

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq received Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Muscat on Tuesday to discuss opportunities to develop their economic and investment partnership.

They stressed the importance of encouraging the public and private sectors to diversify their fields to meet the aspirations of their people and countries. They also welcomed the establishment of the Omani-Bahraini Investment Company.

King Hamad was in Oman at the head of a senior delegation on January 14 and 15.

The leaders praised the growth of the historic relations between their countries.

They hailed the success of the Omani-Bahraini business council and its role in boosting bilateral cooperation and execution of joint projects that meet their countries’ aspirations.

King Hamad and Sultan Haitham discussed the work of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its success in boosting collective work. They hoped to deepen cooperation and integration between its countries.

They reviewed regional and international developments, underscoring the importance of resolving crises and disputes through peaceful means and bolstering dialogue and international cooperation.

Oman and Bahrain signed 25 agreements and memoranda of understanding during King Hamad’s visit. They covered double taxation, endowments, zakat, meteorology, the stock market, health, media, scientific and educational cooperation, investment opportunities, food security, agricultural production and development and other issues.