News Summary Report
Tuesday/ November 24, 2020
External Affairs
Kuwait FM Sheikh Ahmed meet with Mike Pompeo today in Washington Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohamed Al-Sabah will meet today with the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington, DC. The meeting marks the end of the fourth US-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue Forum (SDF), which began virtually on November 9. During the last two weeks, US and Kuwaiti representatives discussed topics ranging from human rights and education to security and defence. The 2019 SDF focused on finding a solution to the ongoing rift in the GCC that has seen Qatar cut off from its neighbors over its alleged support for pro- Iran militant groups. Kuwait has led efforts to peacefully resolve the crisis, so expect further coordination between Kuwait and Washington on the issue. A renewed joint declaration of security commitments will likely also be announced, which may include new arms sales to Kuwait. Kuwait and the US are committed to a defence partnership and counter-terrorism in the region. After joint exercises between US and GCC troops were held in Kuwait earlier this year, this bond is likely to be reinforced. All Newspapers
Kuwaiti and American officials tackle Iranian nuclear threats
High-level Kuwaiti and American officials on Monday held a virtual meeting on defense cooperation as part of the fourth US-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue Forum.
The Kuwaiti side was presided by Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Planning Brig. Gen. Mohammed Al-Kandari while Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the Middle East Simone Ledeen presided the American side.
Officials from Kuwait and the US armies also took part in the meeting.
Ambassador of the United States of America to Kuwait Alina L. Romanowski also participated in the meeting. Romanowski stated that the discussions between the two sides focused on means to encounter the threats facing the region like the Iranian nuclear program and others. The talks also tackled measures to reduce impacts of covid-19 situation on the military operations through conducting joint future drills to protect the two countries’ interests and encounter terrorism. Al-Rai
Kuwait, UK sign action plan for 16th Joint Steering Group meeting
Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Minister for the Middle East James Cleverly have signed during a virtual meeting yesterday the action plan of the
16th meeting of the UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group, which was held over the summer. The UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group reflects the two countries’
commitment to working together to advance the close Kuwait-UK relationship to the benefit of both countries. The UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group covers a wide range of issues, including healthcare, security, defense, cyber security, trade, investment, education, higher education, scientific research, environment, culture, migration, and international development. The defense sub-group focused on ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries especially on training and joint exercises. The discussions covered Exercise Desert Warrior, emergency planning and crisis response and training of Kuwaiti forces in the UK. Kuwait has agreed to host a regional Aviation Security Conference in 2021. The cyber security sub-group has agreed that Kuwait will host a virtual second Cyber Security Education Research Conference this month. The trade sub-group has agreed to hold joint webinars on digital health, agri-tech, ed-tech and food security. The two parties also agreed to complete cooperation mechanisms, originating from the talks, to strengthen economic and commercial relations and partnerships by encouraging investment in vital and promising sectors in both countries and to discuss commercial opportunities in both countries. The British side, for its part, confirmed the continuation of cooperation with Kuwait after its exit from the European Union. The two sides also expressed their satisfaction with the current volume of trade, which amounts to GBP 3.4 billion, as well as their shared aspiration to exchange experiences, with regard to small and medium enterprises, amid their role in supporting national economies. All Newspapers
Amir Congratulates Saudi King on success of G20 Riyadh Summit & cabinet hails its important outcomes
HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the success of the G20 Riyadh Summit presided over by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
His Highness praised the Summit's distinguished organization that contributed to reaching constructive decisions and fruitful recommendations, especially in the field of strengthening international cooperation to confront the Coronavirus pandemic and limit its repercussions. He also commended stimulating efforts to fulfill the requirements of sustainable development that everyone seeks, and to keep pace with successive developments, especially health conditions. Sheikh Nawaf affirmed that this summit's success, through the keenness of all its members to participate effectively despite the current exceptional circumstances, clearly reflects the esteemed and high position of the Kingdom in the international community. He wished the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques constant good health and the
Kingdom and its people steady progress and prosperity. HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as well as the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- Khalid Al-Sabah also congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the success of the G20 Riyadh summit. In a related news, Kuwait’s Cabinet on Monday praised the “important, positive” results achieved under Saudi Arabia’s leadership of the G20 summit, a minister said on Monday. Ministers at the Cabinet’s weekly session said the talks, held for the first time in the region, would restore reassurance and hope to nations, in light of the difficult economic and health conditions experienced as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, added the minister. Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister and State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh said that the successful outcome of the talks reflects the “positive and vital role” Riyadh plays at all levels.
This is coupled with Saudi Arabia’s record of remarkable achievements regionally and internationally and its sincere commitment to protecting human beings everywhere. All Newspapers
Kuwait continues to believe in GCC - chief lawmaker
Kuwait's National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim said on Monday that his country has huge faith and continues to believe in the Gulf Cooperation Council, describing it as a "political asset with a strategic destiny." This came in a speech he delivered at a videoconference meeting of chief parliamentarians in the six-nation regional bloc, according to a statement by the Kuwaiti parliament's Al-Dostoor news network. Al-Ghanim said that "Kuwait's faith in the Gulf bloc will not waver no matter how fleeting clouds cover its skies," suggesting that this belief is equally shared by all Gulf Arab states. The late Amir, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah would have been "very pleased to have seen us gathered again,"
he said. As does His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah, who has huge faith in the GCC's "solidarity and integrity," added the chief Kuwaiti lawmaker. All Newspapers
Kuwait PM discusses EU relations with European Council chief
His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah discussed Kuwait's "distinguished relations" with the European Union in a phone conversation with European Council President Charles Michel on Monday. The two officials also reviewed aspects of the growing cooperation between the two sides under various fields and means of coordination and exchanged views on current regional and international developments. During the talks, the European Council chief expressed his appreciation for the active role of Kuwait in strengthening the bonds of cooperation with the European Union and its shared pursuit of global peace.
For his part, His Highness the Prime Minister praised the two sides' distinguished level of cooperation in the aim of achieving their interests, particularly regarding the coronavirus pandemic. He said he deeply appreciates the role played by the European Union in supporting just Arab causes and its keenness to promote stability in the Arab Gulf region. The prime minister went on to express Kuwait's solidarity alongside the European Union in facing the terrorist attacks that some European countries were victim to recently. He also stressed Kuwait's firm opposition to all forms of extremism and terrorism and its support for various global efforts to eliminate this phenomenon that threatens the stability and capabilities of nations. All Newspapers
Kuwait condemns Houthi’s attack on oil distribution terminal in Jeddah
Kuwait strongly condemned the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia targeting a fuel tank at a petroleum products distribution terminal in Jeddah. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the persistence of such criminal and sinful acts against civilian lives and infrastructure as well as global energy supplies aims to destabilize the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the entire region. The Ministry affirmed that the State of Kuwait fully stands with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and fully supports all measures it might take to protect its security and stability. All Newspapers
Domestic Affairs
Coronavirus patients to vote in upcoming parliamentary elections
The cabinet yesterday agreed during its weekly meeting yesterday to allow the citizens infected with COVID-19 to cast their votes in the forthcoming national assembly election slated to be held on December 5, local newspapers reported.
Minister of Justice and Awqaf Fahd Al-Afasi told the ministers the committee formed to set the mechanism for the Dec 5 National Assembly elections had sought the opinion of the fatwa and legislation department regarding the participation of people infected with COVID-19, in light of quarantine restrictions. The department concluded that the constitutional right to participate in the election process is an inherent right. A number of candidates had warned the government against issuing any decision to bar those infected with the coronavirus from voting as part of measures to contain the spread of the pandemic. They warned that if coronavirus patients are barred from voting, it could lead to court cases and pave the way for scrapping the election results. All Newspapers
We are optimistic about finding satisfactory solutions for work permits for expats over 60, KCCI President
President of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Mohammed Al-Sager told Al-Qabas daily that KCCI is currently preparing a comprehensive study to address the demographic imbalance and control marginal employment in the country. The study will include KCCI’s viewpoints and solutions for the demographic situation in Kuwait, he said, adding that KCCI will soon present the study for the competent authorities for consideration. Al-Sager noted that KCCI will also announce the study for the general public in Kuwait and ask them to provide their opinions. Asked about the decision of the Authorities to cease renewing work permits for foreigners aged over 60 who do not hold a university degree, Al-Sager disclosed that he deliberated the issue during a recent meeting with the Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Mariam Al- Aqeel and Director General of The director-general of the Public Authority for Manpower, Ahmed Al Mousa, t Workforce Authority Ahmed Al-Mousa. Al-Sager expressed optimism over the possibility of reaching satisfactory solutions to all parties concerned very soon. He warned against the negative consequences of this decision on the local market if the authorities go ahead with its implementation. Al- Qabas
Economy
Bloomberg: From the U.S. to Singapore to Kuwait, governments are making life harder for skilled foreign workers
Take a pandemic, combine it with a global recession and add a sprinkle of pent-up nationalism. For skilled foreign workers around the globe it’s an increasingly bitter cocktail. From financial-powerhouse Singapore to the U.S.’s tech hubs to oil-rich Kuwait, life has gotten much tougher for workers living abroad who until recently were courted for their expertise. Tighter visa criteria, fewer jobs and concerted government pressure on companies to hire locally is forcing many to return home.
“There’s been a bit of backlash from the local population toward expats,” said William Harvey, a professor at the University of Exeter who studies talent management and migration. “It’s easier to lay off people who are not from the country.” Mohamed Faizer is one of many who knows that first hand. In March, the Hong Kong citizen was head of security at Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways and thriving.
Then Covid hit and Faizer lost his job in the wave of cost-cutting that followed. This year the airline was forced to slash its workforce, laying off both expats and Kuwaiti nationals. “Everything was going so smoothly, and I was happy,” Faizer said.
“Unfortunately, Covid-19 changed everything.” Now he’s in Hong Kong scrambling
to resettle while his wife and children remain in the Gulf. “I can’t pull them out without anything to bring them back to,” Faizer said. There isn’t good contemporaneous data on expat movement around the globe, but snapshots from individual countries are striking. In Kuwait, skilled and unskilled foreign workers account for about 70% of its population of 4.8 million. In June, its prime minister said he wanted that cut to 30% to support jobs for Kuwaiti citizens, as the pandemic and a slump in oil prices hit the economy. Kuwait has introduced strict new rules, including one that prohibits work permits for anyone over 60 without a university degree. This poses a challenge for Murali Nair, 59, who moved from India to Kuwait in 1999. The computer-design engineer worked at the same oil contractor for 17 years. When new projects dried up, Nair had to leave in August and hasn’t been paid since July. Waiting in Kerala, India, Nair said that while he wants to go back to Kuwait, the new rules mean he would only be able to stay until his next birthday.
Al-Rai/Al-Anba (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-23/expat- hubs-turn-on-those-they-once-courted)
