KUWAIT: Under the patronage and in the presence of HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a ceremony was held at Bayan Palace on Wednesday to launch a national space science center. HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and senior state officials attended the event.

HH the Amir arrived at the venue and was warmly welcomed by Director General of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) Dr Ameenah Rajab Farhan and board members. HH the Amir was apprised of Kuwaiti satellite images and listened to a detailed explanation from the Director of the National Satellite Project Dr Hala Al-Jassar.

Addressing the event, HH the Amir commended the efforts of Kuwaiti creative and distinguished researchers in serving their country. He underlined that supporting scientific research is the key to advancement, in which Kuwait is interested, amid an evolving era of artificial intelligence, renewable energy and space science. He regarded backing scientific research, along with promoting national identity, as the basis of the country’s vision, reminiscing the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s insight for establishing a prosperous scientific, technological and innovative culture for the sake of a sustainable Kuwait.

HH the Amir added that while seeking to create a scientific environment that is based on state-of-the-art scientific research and contributes to developing Kuwaiti people’s capabilities in all scientific fields, especially space science, it is necessary to laud KFAS’ unwavering efforts. The eagerness of KFAS’ administration and staff to boost the efficiency of distinguished and creative people amid mounting requirements and future ambitions must also be admired, he affirmed.

In this context, HH the Amir instructed this august foundation’s staff to keep drawing in distinguished Kuwaitis specializing in various domains and to exert ardent efforts to place Kuwait among pioneering countries

in scientific and technological areas, particularly space science. He affirmed that it would build national capabilities to design, run and operate Kuwaiti space projects following the successful launch of the first Kuwaiti satellite (Kuwait Sat-1) in 2023, and to maintain Kuwait’s position on the map of regional and international scientific and technological accomplishments.

Dr Ameenah Farhan said the planned national space center is mainly intended to promote national identity by means of building capabilities and conducting scientific researches. She spoke highly of KFAS’ great efforts in this regard, hailing this foundation as one of the most significant feats of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber. She also commended HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal for following in Sheikh Jaber’s footsteps of loyalty, belonging and dedication. – KUNA