Mon Oct 4, 2021
News Summary Report EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Korean Amb: Now it’s time to move forward into a new era of partnership Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kuwait Chung Byung-ha released the following message on the National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day of his country: “On the occasion of ‘the National Foundation Day and armed Forces Day of the Republic of Korea’, I extend my best wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity to the State of Kuwait. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on the first anniversary of his accession to the throne and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah on the first anniversary of his appointment as Crown Prince, wishing them everlasting health and success. I also convey my best wishes of good health and success to His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and my sincere greetings to all the people of Kuwait. “To begin with, I would like to express appreciation to the Kuwait government’s effective quarantine measures and expansive vaccination policy that have led to a dramatic decrease in the number of daily COVID-19 confirmed cases in Kuwait. Being convinced that we are now approaching the beginning of the end of the pandemic, I am very pleased to see that our two countries have maintained relentless cooperation even during the pandemic. “There are many reasons as to how this is possible. First, our two countries have continued to build up a comprehensive partnership. Ever since the establishment of our diplomatic ties more than four decades ago, we have developed our relations based on a profound friendship and steadfast mutual trust in diverse fields and various ways. “Second, we have always been working together to benefit each
other. It has remained the epitome of the spirit of mutual benefit. Korea is the second largest importer of Kuwait’s crude oil, while Kuwait is Korea’s second largest oil supplier. The accumulated amount of tender awarded to Korean companies here is reaching up to a remarkable $49 billion. Korea is the 10th largest investor in Kuwait at the moment. Furthermore, Korea has supplied more than 1.4 million test kits so far to help Kuwait fight against the pandemic.
Third, we focus on the future. Korea has been seeking to expand the areas of our cooperation with Kuwait to new sectors such as health care, renewable energy, IT, smart city, smart farm, aviation and education etc. “Now is the time to move forward into a new era of partnership. The State of Kuwait has laid out
‘New Kuwait Vision 2035’ with its pillars such as sustainable diversified economy, living environment and creative human capital. Also, the Republic of Korea has announced ‘Korean New Deal 2.0’, which is the national development strategy for surmounting the pandemic and climate change. Our two visions, pursuing similar objectives, will create a synergy effect if we share our experiences and strategy. I assure you that Korea will continue to be a faithful partner in Kuwait’s great journey toward realizing the Vision 2035.
“Last but not least, the members of the Korean community have always worked together with Kuwaiti friends through thick and thin. I am absolutely sure that they will continue to make significant contributions to the co-prosperity of our two nations. Therefore, I wish to reiterate on this occasion that everlasting friendship and solidarity among our peoples will further grow. Once again, I wish for peace, prosperity and progress of the State of Kuwait and its great people.”
Kuwait Times
HH Amir congratulate S. Korean president on Nat’l Foundation Day
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent, on Sunday, a cable to President of South Korea Moon Jae-in, congratulating him on his country’s National Foundation Day. His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar cables.
Arab Times
N. Korean Ambassador hails Kuwait’s foreign policy and efforts in combating COVID-19
Al-Anbaa Auditor-in-Chief Yusuf Khaled Al-Marzouq discussed with the North Korean Ambassador to the State of Kuwait Cho Myung-Chul and Counsellor Cho Kang ways of supporting media and culture cooperation between Al-Anbaa newspaper and the Embassy.
During the meeting, the North Korean Ambassador conveyed congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad on the occasion of the first anniversary of HH’s assumption of power, wishing HH long life and everlasting health, and to the friendly Kuwaiti citizens more prosperity under the auspices of His Highness’ wise leadership.
The Ambassador also said that the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad will be remembered by the whole world as the Amir of humanity, and Korea testifies to this fact.
The North Korean Ambassador expressed his appreciation of Kuwait’s foreign policy that Kuwait abides by without any fluctuations and with balanced steps, starting with the basic principals, such as respecting the other states’
sovereignty and resolving conflicts through dialogue, and seeking friendship and peace.
He further expressed his appreciation of the great efforts that Kuwait exerted in combating COVID-19 and he commends on the accomplishments achieved in this field.
Ambassador Cho Myung-Chul said that this year marks the 10th anniversary of Leader Kim Jong-un’s assumption of power. Throughout these years he implemented several projects and accomplished many achievements. One of the most important achievements is dedicating Workers’ Party of Korea to serve the Korean citizens, beside defending the country and developing its economy through its own resources.
On the sidelines of 76th UNGA, the president of the assembly called for war ending in the Korean peninsula as a part of the South Korean initiative, the North Korean Ambassador said regarding the statement: “We stand with peace and security in the Korean Peninsula, and it is important to see an actual practice and to avoid double standards and hostile policy towards North Korea, and these are our most important demands from the US and its allies.”
Deputy Auditor-in-Chief Adnan Al-Rashed and Editor director Mohammad Bassam Al-Husseini attended the meeting as well.
Al-Anbaa
Dubai ruler visits Kuwait’s Pavilion at Expo 2020
United Arab Emirates Vice President, Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum visited the Kuwait pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai yesterday. Kuwait Pavilion’s Commissioner General, Undersecretary of Kuwait’s Ministry of Information Muneera Al-Huwaidi
Kuwait’s pavilion at the Expo reflects the struggle of the Kuwaiti people who spent their lives in building a civilized state among the world countries. The Kuwaiti pavilion, held under the slogan ‘New Kuwait... New opportunities for Sustainability’, represents the Arabic culture and Islamic identity. Visitors flock to the Kuwaiti pavilion to learn about the country’s rich history, heritage and traditions.
Kuwait Times
ECONOMIC
Dubai firm assists in Kuwait gas recovery pilots
MEED Agency reported that Gulf Cryo supplied liquid CO2 for two enhanced gas recovery pilot projects undertaken by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC).
The main supplier of industrial gases The Emeriti company Gulf Cryo said that it is going to supply KOC with liquefied gas to resume 2 gas recovery projects using CO2 in Al-Roudatin oil field.
On its part, KOC said in a statement that Gulf Cryo participated in a Microfluidic pilot deal for Al-Baten with KOC.
The contract has been signed with the company through the American companies Hallinerton and Chlumberger, and they are main contractors to implement main projects in Kuwait to import more than 1000 metric tons of liquefied CO2 to Al-Roudatin oil field.
Al-Anbaa
MoEW updates digitalization strategy 20-30
Minister of Electricity and Water Dr. Mishan Al-Otaibi on Sunday affirmed that his ministry has updated the strategic objectives of its plan for digital
transformation and renewable energy (2020-2030) in keeping with Kuwait Vision 2035.
“The recently introduced changes cover a great part pf the future energy projects in order to ensure the needs of consumers in a sustainable way,” he said at a press conference.
“The digitalization aims to ensure provision of high quality service to consumers, institutional excellence and development of human resources,” he revealed.
On top of the Ministry’s plan for 2030 are the electricity generating projects which envisage securing up to 5,000 megawatts over this period, which constitutes an increase by 45 percent, Al-Otaibi pointed out.
The seawater desalination projects aim to increase the production capacity by 350 million imperial gallons per day, the minister added.
KUNA
South Saad Al-Abdullah Committee: 658,000 citizens without proper houses
South Saad Al-Abdullah Committee called both the legislative and executive authorities to take serious measurements regarding housing issue and to provide the needs of the Kuwaiti families of a proper house in order to settle and avoid the high rents after long years of waiting.
On the occasion of the housing welfare international day, a press statement said that although Kuwait has all financial abilities and available lands, Kuwait still suffers from a real housing crisis, while pending housing applications reached 94,000 because of the indecisiveness in managing the issue of housing by the concerned authorities.
Al-Shall: KD 5.8 bln deficit expected in 2022/2021
According to Al-Shall weekly report by the end of September 2021, the 6th month of the Kuwaiti fiscal year 2021/2022 ended and the average price for Kuwaiti oil for September stood at US$ 75 per barrel, higher by US$ 30 or 66.6% than the new hypothetical price in the current budget of US$ 45 per barrel. Also by the end of September, half of the current fiscal year 2021/2022 has ended during which the average Kuwaiti oil price scored US$ 70.8 per barrel, which is higher by US$ 27.2 than the average price for the past fiscal year at US$ 43.5 per barrel, yet lower by US$ 19.2 per barrel than the new budget's parity price (US$ 90 per barrel) according to the Ministry of Finance’s estimation, after cancelling the deduction of 10% to the benefit of the future generations' reserve. Kuwait is supposed to have achieved actual oil revenues in September of about KD 1.4 billion. Assuming that production and prices continue at the current levels - an unrealistic assumption - Kuwait's total oil revenues for the current fiscal year would amount to nearly KD 15.4 billion, after deducting production cost for the entire current fiscal year. That value is KD 6.3 billion higher than that estimated in the current budget at KD 9.1 billion. Adding KD 1.8 billion in non-oil revenues, total budget revenues for the current fiscal year would reach KD 17.2 billion. If the Cabinet’s decision to reduce current budget expenditures by at least 10% is adhered to (i.e. decreasing expenditures from KD 23 billion to approximately KD 20.7 billion), then it is likely that the general budget for the fiscal year 2021/2022 to record a deficit of KD 3.5 billion. Yet, it is an unrealistic commitment as all the actual undertaken decisions and actions contradict it. Thus, according to the estimates of the current budget and the performance of the past six months, the hypothetical deficit is expected to reach KD 5.8 billion, lower than the originally estimated
figures. The lower deficit reached is not to be credited to the public administration but to the stability of the oil prices.
Al-Rai
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
Kuwait reports 72 new COVID-19 cases, one deaths
Kuwait’s daily coronavirus cases rose by 72 to 411,803 as total deaths remained unchanged at 2,452, according to the health ministry on Sunday.
Another 51 people were cured of the virus, raising the total of those to have overcome the disease to 408,694 ministry spokesperson Dr. Abdallah Al-Sanad said in a statement.
The number of people hospitalized with the virus currently stands at 40, with 10 of them in intensive care units, he added, revealing that another 657 are receiving regular treatment.
KUNA
Prime Minister’s interrogations obstruct National Dialogue
Disputes of the “31 opposition party” in the parliament threatens the success of the expected National Dialogue. Today the National Dialogue begins its first session hoping to achieve mutual agreement for both sides on minimum demands, in order to move to next executive stage.
High sources informed Al-Seyassah that “31 opposition party” members are adhering to their high demands which collide with the government’s conditions to resolve the conflicts between both authorities. These conflicts threaten chances of success of today’s first session.
Al-Seyassah
Kuwait increases work permit fees next year
In an attempt of Kuwait Cabinet to balance the working market in the private sector and to increase non-oil revenues, Al-Qabas has been informed that Kuwait Cabinet assigned the Public Authority of Manpower to update the work permit system for expats and to increase the renewal fees of the permits, and to review all fees strategies that PAM gains.
Same sources added that the assignment of the Cabinet will include making a plan to implement fee increase on services provided by PAM in the second and third quarters of 2022, and to include foreign labor fees and work permit system in order to combat “Residency businessmen” and random labor that don’t add to the value of Kuwait’s economy.
Al-Qabas
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/
Al-Jareeda: http://www.aljarida.com/
