News Summary Report Tue /July 30, 2019
KUWAIT-KOREA RELATIONS
The S. Korean Festival Honors Winners in Voice and Performance Categories
Al-Shammary and Al-Ajmi pioneered in a celebration hosted by ASCC
The S. Korean cultural festival at Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center honored winners of its awards, which are nominated to resume the second round of competitions in the World K-pop competition in Changwon city next October.
The celebration started with a word from Mr. Fahad Al-Sharrah, PR official at the ASCC who underlined the importance of hosting such artistic and cultural events, which enrich cooperation and cultural exchange between countries, especially with South Korea on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the State of Kuwait.
The ASCC hosted a number of events organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the State of Kuwait since the launch of the events of the cultural festival, which included a group of activities that started on July 24 with traditional Korean fashion show, known as “ Hanbok” accompanied with a workshop and a live experience of wearing the S. Korean clothes, said Al-Sharrah.
The second event of the festival is Changwon World K-pop competition, Kuwait preliminary, which entitle winner of the first prize to the finals in South Korea during the coming month of October.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Dr. Hong Youngki, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the State of Kuwait expressed his pleasure of the artistic and cultural communication with Kuwait.
Further, Dr. Youngki underlined the importance of such events in bringing peoples together.
Moreover, cultural exchange is one of the aims of Changwon K-pop festival, which shed the light on artistic talents of young people and entitle them to join the finals in South Korea.
The Ambassador welcomed the attendees who filled the theater, and most of them were young people who were very interactive and enthusiastic with the contestants.
Further, the Ambassador welcomed the judgment panel, which included a number of Korean musicians to select the talents winning the three positions entitled to the festival’s award.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the State of Kuwait has announced accepting applications for the Changwon competition, including singing and dance performance on July 11th. Winners of the competition were announced from a list of 11 contestants from various nationalities.
The preliminary round started that day of the week for competition on 3 awards in each category.
Meanwhile, His Excellency the Ambassador honored winners with the awards.
The first winner of the competition was Ali Muhana Al-Shemmari from Kuwait while the second winner was Abeer Abdul Haqu from Pakistan. The third winner of the prize was Mary France Prencillo from the Philippines.
Moreover, Sara Al-Ajmi from Kuwait won the first prize in dance performance, followed by Retaj Ali from Kuwait and Zahra Makda from India.
Mr. Youngki awarded the winners of the first position a financial award of KD 100 with an opportunity to visit South Korea and participate in the Changwon World K-pop Festival next October.
Moreover, he awarded the winners of the second position a financial award of KD 80 and winners of the third position KD 50.
Al-Jareeda
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Activating the Economic and Commercial Issue in Free Zones with Kuwait:
Al-Halbousi
Mr. Mohammad Al-Halbousi, Iraqi top lawmaker said that there are strong connections for cooperation between the Kuwaiti and Iraqi peoples represented by religion, blood, kinship and geography.
There are also many common ties that we are working to enhance and increase between the two friendly countries for the best interest of their peoples, said Al- Halbousi.
“We need to activate the economic and commercial issues in the free zones and mutual areas between Iraqi and Kuwait in order to contribute in enhancing trade and economic development in both countries. This will also apply to border cities, including Al-Jahraa governorate and Al-Basra in Iraq”, he said.
Al-Halbousi pointed out that economy represents lifeline. The stronger trading and economic relations, the more positive effect will occur on citizens of both countries and also on governments.
As for visas, Al-Halbousi said that both Iraq and Kuwait have previously agreed to handle this issue, which stood as a block for the movement of citizens between the two countries. The first step was between chambers of commerce to present names to the concerned institutions to issue collective visas for those desirous to visit Iraq and vice versa.
As for the establishment of a military base in Al-Basra government and coordination with Kuwait regarding it, Al-Halbousi said that this issue has not been referred to him, however, he will ask about it.
As for the establishment of the artificial river, Al-Halbousi replied that the executive authorities are to be asked about it. We only facilitate procedures.
Meanwhile, Al-Jahra Governor, Nasser Al-Hajraf expressed his pleasure of this visit as Kuwait and Iraq have long historical relations.
Al-Jareeda
Enhancing Security Cooperation with Iraq: Al-Jarrah
Retired Lt. General Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense discussed yesterday with Lt. General Dr. Yaseen Al-Yasri, Iraq’s Minister of Interior enhancing security cooperation between the two countries.
Al-Jarrah underlined the depth of brotherly relations between the two friendly countries and the keenness of the political leaderships in both countries to eliminate all obstacles or difficulties to support such connections and to unify visions regarding all regional and international updates.
The meeting including talks session between both sides through which they discussed all security issues in the region and the means of activating mutual coordination and cooperation between the security systems in both countries, especially in land and marine border monitoring, combating terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking and weapons.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Minister of Interior expressed his gratitude for the warm welcoming and his strong comfort to the issues discussed during the meeting. He pointed out that there is complete consensus in both sides’ visions.
Al-Jareeda
Kuwait lauds Bahrain efforts to preserve national heritage
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah Tuesday praised efforts exerted by Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities to preserve the national heritage and archaeological sites.
These efforts reflect the bright side of Bahrain and enhance its historic role and status among world countries, Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad said in a statement received by Directorate of Moral Guidance and Public Relations at the Ministry following his meeting with President of Bahrain’s Authority Sheikha Mai Al Khalifa, at Bayan Palace. He also stressed on depth of brotherly and historic relations linking Kuwait and Kingdom of Bahrain. The meeting was attended by Director of the National Theater at Bahrain’s Authority Hani Jamal and Director of Media and Public Relations Programs.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah discussed bilateral ties with Tajikistan’s Ambassador to the country Zubaydullo Zubaydov at Sief Palace on Monday. Sheikh Nasser later received Ukrainian Ambassador to the country Dr. Oleksandr Balanutsa, where they discussed issues of mutual concern, according to a defense ministry statement. During the meetings, Sheikh Nasser expressed content over the depth of friendly relations between Kuwait and the two friendly countries.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah sent a cable of condolences on Monday to Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Mohammad Bin Salman, in which he expressed sincere condolences over the demise of Prince Bandar Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah also sent a similar cable to the Governor of Riyadh Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz, according to a defense ministry press release.
Arab Times
ECONOMY
Oil Price is Up with Expectations of Low US interest Kuwait Oil Barrel Drops 42 Cents to Become $ 64.09
Kuwait oil barrel drops 42 cents yesterday to reach $ 64.09 opposite $ 64.51 per barrel on Friday as per the price announced by Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC).
In international markets, oil prices are up for the 4th session. There is an optimism that the Federal Reserve Council (the US Central Bank) will lower interest rates this week for the first time since 10 years and this will support demand on fuel in the biggest oil consumer in the world.
Brent Crude is up 46 cents or 0.7% to $ 64.17 pb after it rose 0.4% in the previous session.
The US crude is up 41 cents or 0.7% to $ 57.28 pb after it increased 1.2%
yesterday.
Al-Jareeda
5.2% Bank Facilities Growth for the Various Sectors: Al-Hashel The CBK issued its Annual and Economic Reports for the year 2018
Dr. Mohamed Al-Hashel, governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait announced in a press statement that the bank issued its 47th annual reports for the fiscal year 2018/2019 and the 47th economic reports for the year 2018. This is in addition to highlights on the economic report.
The annual report includes the financial statements for the CBK for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2019. Moreover, it includes a summary of the most significant indicators and total cash for the above-mentioned fiscal year.
Further, the report includes the most important supervisory and monitoring efforts undertaken by the CBK and the most significant banking operations completed by it as well as the actions taken to enhance and develop its candidates.
The economic report includes the up-to-date data and statistics related to the various aspects of economic performance of the State of Kuwait during 2018.
During the fiscal year 2018/2019, the CBK resumed its pursuits that aim to maintain proportional stability of Kuwaiti dinar exchange rate opposite other currencies as per the system that connects Kuwaiti dinar exchange rate with a basket of currencies for countries that Kuwait has strong and influential commercial and financial relations.
This became significantly clear in the developments seen in foreign exchange market as the medium rate of US dollar opposite KD for the fiscal year 2018/2019 reached nearly 302.743 fils for each dollar, opposite 302.052 fils for each dollar for the previous fiscal year. This represents a slight rise in US exchange rate with the value of 0.692 fils with a percentage of 0.2%.
Al-Jareeda
Kuwait's crude oil exports to Japan jump 22.9 pct
Kuwait's crude oil exports to Japan jumped 22.9 percent in June from a year earlier to 6.47 million barrels, or 216,000 barrels per day (bpd), for the fifth consecutive monthly expansion, government data showed Wednesday.
As Japan's fourth-biggest oil provider, Kuwait supplied 7.8 percent of its total crude imports, compared with 7.3 percent in the same month of last year, the Japanese Natural Resources and Energy Agency said in a preliminary report.
Japan's overall imports of crude oil in June grew 16.0 percent year-on-year to 2.78 million bpd, up for the second month in a row. Shipments from the Middle East accounted for 87.8 percent of the total, down 1.0 percentage points from a year before.
The United Arab Emirates remained Japan's No.1 oil supplier, with imports from the country surging 75.6 percent from a year earlier to 963,000 bpd, followed by Saudi Arabia with 929,000 bpd, up 1.4 percent. Qatar ranked third with 242,000 bpd and Russia fifth with 87,000 bpd, respectively.
Japan is the world's-third biggest oil consumer after China and the US.
KUNA
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
Naturalization of “Bedoun” Uncovers Falsified Citizenships
The current movements to handle the conditions of illegal residents “Bedoun”
have uncovered the issue of forging citizenship.
MPs have agreed on the importance of handling both the issues of forging citizenships and illegal residents as both of them affect social security and the national identity.
Meanwhile, MP Saleh Ashour said to Al-Rai that the issue of forging citizenship is not less important than handling Bedoun issue. Ashour said combating the issue of forging citizenships is a necessity at the present time.
“Those who have falsified citizenships get privileges on the account of those who deserve citizenship. Moreover, they share Kuwaitis in housing, education, and employment and they don’t deserve that”, said Ashour.
Further, Ashour called all those who got the citizenship by illegal means to modify their conditions before they become subject to other legal procedures.
“Combating the issue of forged citizenships is not less important than the issue of handling Bedoun conditions”, said MP Khalil Abel in a statement to Al-Rai.
He called to the necessity of handling the two issues separately in order to avoid
“shuffling the cards”.
Similarly, MP Ahmed Al-Fadel said to Al-Rai that the issues of Bedoun and falsified citizenships are dangerous and they need a long time for handling. He urged to settle them as soon as possible.
He pointed out that the number of holders of false citizenships is much higher than Bedoun. In addition, he underlined the importance of adopting a treatment plan that takes into consideration social peace.
MP Saadoun Hammad said in a statement to Al-Rai that the proper place for handling the issues of forged citizenships is the public prosecution, however, the issue of the Bedoun is a legislative one that belongs to the National Assembly.
Al-Rai
An Important Role for Accountants in Developing Accounting Work Environment: HH the Crown Prince
His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad received at Bayan Palace yesterday Mr. Marzouq Al-Ghanem, Kuwait Chief Lawmaker.
Moreover, HH the Crown Prince received HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad and Mr. Yousef Saleh Al-Othman, the honorary president of Accountants and Auditors’ Association, Faisal Abdul Mohsen Al-Tbeekh, the Chairman of the Association and the board of directors on the occasion of forming a new board of directors.
HH the Crown Prince congratulated all of them and hoped success for all of them.
He lauded the role exerted by the Association of Accountants in optimizing the profession of accountancy and developing accounting work environment.
HH underlined the importance of giving due care to the practical and scientific aspects in accordance with the best recent accounting approaches to optimize the efficiency of accountants to be in pace with the comprehensive economic development witnessed by our beloved nation in all fields.
Al-Anbaa
Interior Ministry firm on tackling human trafficking
The Interior Ministry on Tuesday underlined its commitment to combating the crime of human trafficking and has set up various departments solely for that goal.
The remarks were made in a speech delivered by the Director of Public Investigations Major General Fahad Al-Dosari at the launching ceremony of an awareness campaign on the issue.
The ceremony is organized jointly by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) under the auspices of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah in the presence of the Representative of the Secretary-General and United Nations Resident Coordinator Dr. Tareq Al-Sheikh, and head of the UN migration mission in Kuwait, Eman Erekat.
Al-Dosari added the ministry is also keen to preserve human rights and dignity in Kuwait, praising the continuous cooperation between the Ministry, the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations and embassies accredited to the country to combat human trafficking.
The official noted that Kuwait's achievement in this field constitutes an international recognition in its sincere desire to combat such crime and reflects the real efforts to take all necessary measures to put international laws and conventions into practice.
He pointed out that the lifting of Kuwait place in the annual report of the US State Department to "the second degree" comes as a culmination of efforts exerted by all concerned parties to combat this humanitarian crime, which is contrary to the teachings of the Islamic religion and international and treaties.
Al-Dosari said the report by the US State Department is also a positive indicator of the views of the committees that carry out human trafficking cases whether they are pre-emptively disclosed, received or followed up.
Kuwait had also contributed to the enactment of a law on domestic labor and the establishment of its own administration to deal with complaints submitted by workers, which aims at preserving their rights, Al-Dosari noted.
KUNA Sources:
KUNA: http://www.kuna.net.kw/Default.aspx?language=en
Al Rai: http://www.alraimedia.com/
Kuwait Times: http://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/
