KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said that the democratic approach can only be achieved with the unity of the people of Kuwait. This came during his speech in the opening of the first ordinary session of the 17th term of the National Assembly on Tuesday. “We are living in a new era that needs a new vision of national work based on the foundations of reform, commitment to wisdom, and the effective participation and joint work to achieve the aspirations of the people,” His Highness the Prime Minister said.

“Justice, the rule of law, seriousness in enforcing it on everyone without exception, equal opportunities for all citizens, fighting corruption and eliminating it from its sources, preserving public money and consolidating the state of institutions, are all basic pillars that the government is keen to respect and work to achieve,” His Highness added. His Highness Sheikh Ahmad said that positive cooperation based on the principle of open and democratic dialogue in accordance with the provisions of the constitution together constitute the supporting basis for putting the relationship between the two authorities on the right track in a manner that ensures the stability of the state, achieves its higher interests and advances the fundamentals of its renaissance.

Moreover, the premier noted that the government looks forward to a fruitful relationship with the new parliament and will present its program of work in implementation of the provisions of Article 98 of the constitution, including all the priorities of the next period, which are realistic and feasible for implementation according to a specific timetable in order to ensure meeting the aspirations of citizens. “We are aware of the impact of the dangerous current conditions the region and the world are facing.

Therefore, it is our responsibility to take serious reform measures to protect Kuwait’s stability,” His Highness the Prime Minister said. He underlined the need for real partnership and cooperation in protecting the country’s unity, refraining from dispute and de-escalating tensions between the two authorities. Work program As part of its duties in accordance with article 98 of the Kuwaiti constitution, the government will present a program on priorities that need to be executed within a specific time frame, including development issues, he noted.

The program includes taking serious measures to establish economic zones north, south and west of the country, with a total space of 19 square kilometers, to provide environmental, storing, commercial and industrial services with international partnerships, while also allowing the private sector to achieve developmental goals as part of the Kuwait 2035 vision, His Highness said. The program is also involved with means of achieving transparency and integrity in the government’s work. This includes fighting corruption, protecting public money and bringing to justice those who violate the law, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad affirmed.

Meanwhile, he called on both the government and the National Assembly to achieve economic reform through executing laws that support monetary policy, in the light of the unstable conditions in international oil markets. “Our reform and development journey must occur in a democratic environment for the benefit of our country and the Kuwaiti people,” he added. The upcoming phase is challenging and tough, thus serious cooperation between the government and the assembly is much needed to overcome these difficulties, His Highness concluded. – KUNA