KUWAIT: The Cabinet expressed sincere condolences to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Al-Sabah Family over the passing away of the Commander of Kuwait National Guard His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Salem Al-Sabah. HH Sheikh Salem offered, during his lifetime, countless contributions and services to the homeland and the citizens, the Cabinet recalled during its weekly session, held at Bayan Palace on Tuesday under the chairmanship of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The meeting heard a presentation by Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Dr Noura Al-Mashaan on the project to develop Al-Mubarakiya marketplace, according to statements by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sharida Al-Maousherji. The project aims to build a hotel with a classical architecture, a shopping complex, a parking lot and numerous facilities at the site.

Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, Family and Childhood Affairs and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah briefed the meeting on the activities of the committee on national cooperative projects, including the cooperatives’ center for addiction treatment, the cooperatives’ center for pediatric hereditary disease treatment and the social care complex.

The Cabinet session approved the minutes of the higher committee on verification of Kuwaiti citizenship, including citizenship withdrawal cases under Act 15 (1959) and the subsequent amendments. Based on the recommendations of the ministerial committee on legal affairs, the Cabinet decided to: Approve draft bills to amend Act 16 (1960), Act 31 (1970) and the Penal Code 16 (1960) to toughen the penalties for aggression on civil servants and prohibit dropping of complaints or barring reconciliation with the aggressor.

It also approved a draft bill to amend Act 35 (1976) on real estate lease and a draft bill to amend Act 20 (1981) on setting up a circuit court for quick handling of administrative disputes. The Cabinet agreed to present the draft bills to His Highness the Amir for final endorsement. Ministers also heard a presentation by Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr Adel Al-Adwani on the preparations for the 2024-2025 educational year, including the school rehabilitation and maintenance works across the country. — KUNA