KUWAIT: Implementing the order of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Cabinet approved a draft regarding dropping the rest of punishment against former MP Fahad Al-Khanna in the criminal case No. 1541/17. This came during the Cabinet's weekly meeting held on Monday at Bayan Palace under the chairmanship of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah
At the outset of their meeting, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh said the Cabinet discussed the insinuations of His Highness the Amir's speech at the opening of the fourth session of the 15th legislative term of the National Assembly last week, as well as advice and directives in which His Highness the Prime Minister pointed to the difficult circumstances of the region, including escalation and instability that requires overcoming differences and put the country's national interest above all considerations. Saleh added such measures also requires the consolidation of national unity and rejection to causes of strife and division, as His Highness the Amir pointed in his speech to entrust the National Assembly Speaker and His Highness the Prime Minister in this regard and for their fruitful role in embodying the desired cooperation between the two authorities to achieve national goals.

The Cabinet also discussed the contents of His Highness Amir speech which was delivered by His Highness the Prime Minister, in which it highlighted the government's keenness to enhance relationship with the National Assembly within the framework of an approach that allows the development of a consensus formula, and to rise to the level of responsibility in achieving the desired goals and aspirations. In all government sectors, Saleh stressed that all efforts should be exerted to consolidate unity and word behind the wise leadership to protect the security and stability of the State of Kuwait and promote development and prosperity. The Council of Ministers expressed its deep pride and appreciation for the directives of His Highness the Amir, which reflects His Highness's keenness to ensure the best interests of Kuwait and its people, affirming commitment to work hard to translate these directives and serve as a guiding light for the Government in its work.

Later, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah briefed the Cabinet on the results of the recent visit of King Abdullah II of Jordan to the country, and the talks he held with His Highness the Amir which focused on bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. The Council also welcomed the visit by President of Singapore Halimah Yacob and her accompanying delegation and wished her Excellency and the accompanying delegation a good stay in the country. The cabinet also welcomed the visit by Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid, wishing the guest and the accompanying delegation a pleasant stay in the country.

Afterwards, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah informed the cabinet about the report of US Secretary of State on terrorism that lauded Kuwait's efforts and capabilities in combating this phenomenon. The report pointed to Kuwait's participation in the international coalition to defeat the so-called Islamic State (IS). Therefore, the Cabinet expressed satisfaction over the report which embodies Kuwait's firm stance rejecting terrorism in all its forms and manifestation, and whatever its justifications. This also reflects Kuwait's serious commitment to the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on exerting efforts to eliminate this destructive scourge in collaboration with international organizations and countries.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh briefed the Cabinet on the results of his participation, on behalf of Minister of Defense, in the sixth session of GCC Ministers of Defense held in Oman last week. The session discussed the regional developments and their impacts on the safety and security of GCC member states. It also focused on the freedom of international navigation into the Arabian Gulf, denouncing the attack on the oil facilities of Saudi Aramco, he said. In addition, the conferees adopted some decisions aiming to contribute to enhancing defense integration amongst GCC states, he noted.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet reviewed the legal affairs committee's recommendation on the minimum terms of the posts of members of the Fatwa and Legislation Department. The Cabinet approved the recommendation and referred it to His Highness the Amir. The Cabinet was briefed on the parliament's decision on nominating Faisal Fahad Al-Shaya to head the State Audit Bureau's (SAB), endorsing the draft and referring it to His Highness the Amir. The conferees expressed appreciation to late head of the SAB Abdulaziz Al-Adsani and his key role in the bureau.

The conferees discussed the political affairs in light of the reports on the current political developments on both Arab and international levels. Furthermore, they expressed sincere condolences to Pakistan over the victims of the fire erupted into a travelling train in Karachi city. The Cabinet congratulated Filipe Jacinto Nyusi on being re-elected as president of Mozambique, expressing its confidence in continuing developing the friendly ties between Kuwait and Mozambique. The ministers, during the meeting, condemned the terrorist assault on Mali last Friday that killed and wounded a number of security personnel and civilians. They stressed Kuwait's stance rejecting such terrorist acts, which run counter to religions and humanitarian norms, renewing the call to the international community to counter terrorism and its organizations in its forms and manifestations. - KUNA