Thur, June 17, 2021
News Summary Report
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
GCC Declares Satisfaction with Achievements
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states concluded the 148th session of their ministerial council on Wednesday manifesting satisfaction with the achievements that have been made since the council saw the light in 1981. The meeting conclusion statement, read by GCC Secretary-General Nayef Al- Hajraf, underlined the chain of accomplishments, made over the past four decades, noting the desire to make more achievements in the future for sake of stronger security, stability and prosperity.
The GCC ministers lauded the statement addressed by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz at the climatic conference, hosted by the US in April, also praising Riyadh’s launch of the “green Saudi Arabia” and the “ green Middle East”
initiatives, declared in March.
They congratulated the UAE on its election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council and declared support for the UAE hosting of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), due in Abu Dhabi 2030. They also felicitated Saudi Arabia on its election as a board member of International Labor Organization for 2021 -2024.
Moreover, they lauded the GCC health ministers and the sector personnel for the great efforts in fighting the coronavirus, noting necessity of increasing vaccinations against the Pandemic.
They applauded the G7 states’ decision to secure more than one billion doses of the vaccines to developing countries, an approach that will speed up recoveries worldwide.
On bolstering joint GCC action, the ministers examined action at this level by the GCC specialized committees, namely with respect of executing resolutions of the GCC 41st session (Sultan Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah Summit), namely the
vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz for cementing the common action in various spheres.
Moreover, they examined the process of inter-GCC economic integration particularly the implementation of resolutions issued by the GCC Supreme Council on requirements of the custom union, the GCC common market – toward attaining the full-fledged economic merger set in 2025.
The GCC ministers affirmed the continuation of the cooperation programs and all processes designed to enhance joint action. They lauded the inking of the accord for establishing the Gulf statistics center in Muscat. On terrorism, they affirmed the GCC unwavering renunciation of the scourge and their commitment to the war on terrorism, as part of the international coalition, namely the war on the so-called Islamic state (known also as Daesh) and all other radical groups and drying up origin of their financing.
Continuing hostile and terrorist operations by the Iran-backed Houthi militias targeting civil targets in Saudi Arabia constitutes a dangerous threat to regional and international security, the ministers stressed in the statement. They also reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia in the face of these operations and any measure it may take to deter these terrorist acts. The council called on the international community to shoulder the responsibility vis-à-vis these terrorist acts and the powers that support the Houthi milias, and intensifying the efforts to prevent the militias from smuggling arms. It lauded effective efforts by the Saudi air force and the coalition for supporting the legitimacy in Yemen in confronting attacks with missiles and drones by the Houthi militias.
The GCC ministerial council condemned Iran’s support for the terrorist groups, sectarian milias in Iraq, Syria and Yemen and other countries, posting a threat to the Arab nation security, destabilizing Arab countries and attacking the international coalition that is fighting Daesh.
The ministers condemned terrorist operations taking place in Afghanistan, targeting innocent civilians, civil installations, such as schools and worship places as well as hospitals, affirming solidarity with Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism and restoring security and stability on the country’s territories.
As to Iran’s occupation of the UAE islands, the council re-affirmed the unwavering stance, rejecting the occupation of Greater, Lesser Tonbs and Abu Moussa, emphasizing support for the UAE sovereignty on the islands, territorial water and air space, in addition to the continental shelf as well as the exclusive economic zone.
Any practices and actions on Iran’s parts on the three UAE islands are illegitimate, the council stressed, urging Tehran to respond to Abu Dhabi’s calls to resolve the issue through direct negotiations or by submission to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
KUNA
GCC Meeting Urges Iraq, UN to Complete Maritime Demarcation with Kuwait
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministerial council called on Iraq and the UN Wednesday to complete the demarcation of maritime border with Kuwait after the mark 162.
In its final statement of the 148th session hosted by Riyadh, the council renewed its support to the Security Resolution No. 2017 of 2013 regarding referring the issues of the Kuwaiti missing persons, properties and archive to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
The Council said that it looks forward to Iraq’s continued cooperation to guarantee making progress in these dossiers.
KUNA
Info Minister Stresses Kuwait’s Support to Palestinian Cause at All Forums
Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi affirmed that Kuwait fully support the Palestinian cause at all regional and international forums.
This came in a speech by the minister, Wednesday, during the 51st session of the Arab Information Ministers at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.
The minister stressed that this is a Kuwaiti firm policy until the Palestinian people obtain their inalienable rights to establish their independent state.
He pointed out that the media has an important role in defending the issues of the Arab nation, on top of which is the Palestinian cause, noting that the meeting deals with a number of important topics in light of the development of the media.
Al-Mutairi also noted that the growth of the political, health, social and cultural events globally and locally, led to the multiplicity of roles played by the media, which contributed to the expansion of its development goals. He added that the Kuwaiti government worked hard to develop a comprehensive strategy for the years 2021 -2026 as a step towards a pioneering sustainable media. The minister expressed his sincere thanks to the Minister of Commerce and Minister of Information in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, for his efforts during the Kingdom’s presidency of the work of the previous session.
He also congratulated the Sundanese Minister of Culture and Information, Hamza Balloul, on his assumption of the presidency of the current session, wishing him success in conducting the work of the meeting.
KUNA
Ban on travelers from Kuwait to Austria stays effective until 30th’
The Austrian Embassy confirmed that the ban on the entry of travelers from Kuwait to Austria remains in effect until June 30, indicating there might be changes at the beginning of July if there are updates in the directives of the Austrian government, reports Al-Qabas daily.
In a special statement to the daily, the embassy disclosed there are exceptions during this period for the entry of some categories as follows: emergency medical cases with only one companion provided they present a certificate from the hospital or physician in Austria that they have an appointment, travel for the purpose of study or research, academic or continuing education, Kuwaiti
diplomats, and those with important business. The embassy called on travelers under these categories to bring their certificate of vaccination, proving that they have completed the two doses of globally approved vaccines.
Those under these categories who recovered from corona must present a certificate proving that six months have passed since they recovered from the infection; in addition to negative PCR test result or an antibody test valid for three months.
Those who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from corona are no longer required to undergo quarantine, but those who have just been tested must self-isolate which will end once their PCR test comes out negative on the fifth day after entry (the day of entry counts as ‘day zero’). It is necessary for all persons wishing to enter the country to complete an online registration form (pre-travel clearance) before each entry into Austria. This can be filled in 72 hours before entry at the earliest.
Arab Times
ECONOMY
Triple- Shock Crisis That Controls Our Economy: Al-Saqer
Chairman of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mohammad Jassim Al-Saqer said that the Kuwaiti economy was hit by a triple-shock crisis during COVID-19 crisis, including drop of oil prices, and absence of vision and capability to manage this complicated crisis.
“KCCI was among the first to warn from the economic repercussions of the pandemic; and it submitted a draft paper on the economic interventions to handle it. He said that KCCI is proud that its proposals to confront the crisis are conforming with the recommendations of the Supreme Economic Motivation Steering Committee and the report of the economic reform team.
He voiced his regret that such harmony of the economic leaderships in the public and private sectors didn’t succeed to bridge the great discrepancy in the tendencies of both authorities. Therefore, executive steps were defective and slow. This led to dropping the sovereign rating of the State of Kuwait and changing the future outlook of its economy.
Al-Jareeda
Kuwait to Boost Private Sector Role on Post-COVID Economic Growth Kuwait is expanding private sector engagement as part of efforts to cushion the economic blow from the coronavirus pandemic, its chamber of commerce said on Wednesday, citing extensive talks over the matter.
Besides being a health crisis of epic proportions, the COVID pandemic has decimated many of the world’s economies, Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Mohammad Al-Sager said amid talks over the pandemic’s impact on the economy. The chamber has “assembled a plan” to help resuscitate the national economy after the ill effects sparked by the pandemic, the official
underlined, saying it involved both the public and private sectors in equal capacity.
On the plan, he said it makes clear the fact that the COVID pandemic could have possibly thrown the economy into “peril”, which necessitates immediate action in the form of relevant legislation to ensure a robust recovery.
KUNA
Kuwait trade surplus with Japan more than doubles
Kuwait’s trade surplus with Japan almost doubled from a year earlier to JPY 37.3 billion (USD 339 million) in May, fueled by brisk export performance, government data showed Wednesday.
The surplus surged by 102.1 percent, up for the second consecutive month, and Kuwait recorded black ink with Japan for 13 years and four months, the Finance Ministry said in a preliminary report. Kuwaiti overall exports to Japan soared 87.9 percent year-on-year to JPY 45.8 billion (USD 416 million) for the second monthly expansion. Imports from Japan also grew 43.7 percent to JPY 8.5 billion (USD 78 million), up for the third month in a row. Middle East’s trade surplus with Japan surged 193.6 percent to JPY 418.1 billion (USD 3.8 billion) last month, with Japan-bound exports from the region jumping 141.0 percent from a year earlier. Crude oil, refined products, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other natural resources, which accounted for 91.8 percent of the region’s total exports to Japan, inflated 151.8 percent.
The region’s overall imports from Japan also rose 51.4 percent on demand for automobiles and machinery. Japan’s global trade balance returned to deficit in May, marking the first red ink in four months at JPY 187.2 billion (USD 1.7 billion). Exports from the world’s third biggest economy grew 49.6 percent from the year before, the sharpest increase since April 1980, thanks to robust shipments of cars and auto parts to the US and China. Imports also expanded
27.9 percent on higher crude oil prices and a rise in purchases of COVID-19 vaccines. China remained Japan’s biggest trade partner, followed by the US.
The trade data are measured on a customs-cleared basis before adjustment for seasonal factors.
Arab Times
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
Cassation Court rejects former MP Al-Dahoum’s three appeals
The Court of Cassation, chaired by Judge Adel Buresli, rejected the three appeals fi led by former MP Bader Al-Dahoum against the decision of the Constitutional Court to nullify his parliamentary membership. Al Dahoum’s parliamentary membership was nullified because he was previously convicted of offending the Amiri entity; hence, he is not allowed to participate in the elections both as a candidate and a voter.
Consequently, MP Obaid Al-Wasmi will remain in his post until the end of the current parliamentary term. He achieved landslide victory in the supplementary elections in May with about 43,000 votes. Meanwhile, MPs Adnan Abdulsamad, Al-Saifi Mubarak Al-Saifi, Ali Al-Qattan, Ahmed Al-Hamad and Fares Al-Otaibi submitted a bill on the establishment of a public authority for evaluating and developing the performance of public investment. According to the bill, the authority will be affiliated to the Finance Ministry but the latter will not interfere in the technical decisions of the authority whose functions are as follows:
Provision of a suitable environment for investment by providing the necessary information and consultations,
Specify the conditions for the investment of foreign currencies in global capital markets,
Lay down the rules in accepting investment opportunities,
Present monthly reports including the recommendations, decisions and consultations to guide public Investment institutions.
The authority’s Board of Directors shall consist of 12 members from the Justice, Finance, Commerce and Industry ministries; Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Union of Investment Companies and Central Bank of Kuwait.
Investment entities covered by this bill must submit quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports to the authority.
Arab Times
Kuwait Created Over 30 Anti-COVID Vaccine Centers to Control Virus- Official
Kuwait has launched more than 30 centers to provide anti-coronavirus vaccines to people across the country, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Dr.
Mustafa Redha said on Tuesday.
The ministry has made many efforts that led to declining the death rates by one percent out of the total infected cases, Redha added in a news conference on the latest developments on health situation.
Since declaring the first infected case, the ministry has been ready to deal with the Pandemic through increasing the number of beds, intensive care units, ambulances and field hospitals, and providing medications and accredited vaccines, he affirmed.
The ministry has been keen to declare transparently the number of infections, and patients at hospitals and ICUs, he said. Up to 43,000 doses were given to people on Monday that reflects the rapid pace of the vaccination process, he revealed.
On vaccinating the pregnant and children aged 12-15, he said that a plan in this regard has been set in line with global recommendations and specialized bodies’
guidelines. He elaborated that global studies and recommendations showed the safety of vaccines for those children. Redha pointed out that the registration for vaccinating this category will begin next July and the vaccination process will start next August. During the next period, vaccines will be optionally given to the pregnant as studies proved the safety of vaccination to this category, he made clear.
Meanwhile, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs Dr. Buthainah Al-Mudhaf said that the ministry is following up the epidemical situation in Kuwait and the world.
She noted that there was an increase in cases and patients at hospitals and ICUs over the past two weeks. The stability of epidemical situation is related to abidance by health requirements so as to return to normal life, she emphasized.
Asked about worries over returning to the first phase of the coronavirus plan after detecting India COVID-19 variant, she pointed out that the public health sector assesses the epidemical situation based on some indicators like the average of the spread of the virus, and the number of patients at hospitals and ICUs.
Furthermore, the Ministry’s spokesman Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad urged people to receive vaccination, wear facemasks, use hand sanitizers and avoid gatherings to control the virus.
Also, Khaled Al-Said, professor of Pediatrics, revealed that 90.5% of patients at hospitals, 89.4% at ICUs and 99.1% of death didn’t receive vaccines. A study issued on Monday showed that those who received two shots of Oxford-Astra- Zeneca vaccines are protected from being hospitalized by 92%, and those who obtained two doses from Pfizer are immunized by 94%, in the presence of the mutated virus, he made clear.
On the effects of the genetic mutation of the virus, he stressed that the epidemical situation is permanently monitored, noting that there are reasons like gatherings, which help spread the virus wider.
KUNA
Sources:
KUNA: http://www.kuna.net.kw/Default.aspx?language=en
Al Rai: http://www.alraimedia.com/
Kuwait Times: http:/36Y5/www.news.kuwaittimes.net/website/
Arab Times: http://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/
MEED: http://www.meed.com/
Al Anbaa: http://www.alanba.com.kw/newspaper
Al-Seyassa : http://al-seyassah.com/
Al-Anbaa: https://www.alanba.com.kw/newspaper/
77777 Al-Jareeda: http://www.aljarida.com/