KUWAIT: Kuwait is commemorating on Friday the first anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assuming leadership of the country. This historic occasion marks the beginning of a new era and a shining chapter in the proud history of Kuwait’s rulers.

The speech delivered by His Highness the Amir on December 20, 2023, outlined the guiding principles and vision for the future development and advancement of Kuwait. Since His Highness delivered this speech in front of the National Assembly, the country has witnessed steady progress in all fields, in line with the directives of HH the Amir, which set out a comprehensive roadmap for reform.

The speech followed His Highness the Amir’s oath, taken on that day, in response to the government’s request, as stipulated by Article 60 of the Constitution and Article 72 of the internal regulations of the National Assembly.

In his speech, His Highness the Amir pledged to God and the loyal people of Kuwait, as their representative, to be a dedicated citizen working for the welfare of the country and its people. He vowed to safeguard national unity, strive for the country’s progress and prosperity, uphold the true religion, respect constitutional principles, and combat all forms of corruption.

His Highness the Amir added: "Our lives are defined by our deeds,” emphasizing the country’s continued leadership role in cooperation with both brotherly and friendly nations on various issues of mutual concern. He also affirmed Kuwait’s commitment to maintaining its Gulf, regional, and international obligations. His Highness stressed the importance of "responsible follow-up, monitoring, and objective accountability within the framework of the constitution and law, to address neglect, shortcomings, and the mishandling of the country’s and citizens’ interests.”

Sustainable development

Over the past twelve months, His Highness has issued directives across various sectors, including economic, developmental, political, diplomatic, security, social, and scientific fields. These directives are designed to strengthen the country’s ability to face future challenges and achieve sustainable development, in line with the aspirations of the Kuwaiti people.

In terms of development, His Highness emphasized the need to accelerate the implementation of strategic projects, prioritize key initiatives, and address critical issues in infrastructure, healthcare, housing, and education. He also called for empowering local governorates, granting more authority to governors, and encouraging citizen involvement in future projects by soliciting their ideas and feedback.

Additionally, His Highness stressed the importance of enhancing the role of the media in showcasing the government’s achievements in executing development projects, ensuring that these projects align with the hopes and expectations of the people.

On the economic front, His Highness’s directives focused on developing economic and investment sectors, enhancing Kuwait’s business environment, and encouraging foreign investment. He emphasized the importance of national unity, adherence to the law, and maintaining Kuwait’s identity while enhancing its international partnerships.

His Highness also stressed the need for continuous dialogue with the public, using feedback to improve services and implementing necessary reforms to ensure the efficient performance of government institutions. He directed those qualified and experienced leaders be appointed to key positions and called for greater transparency, the elimination of favoritism, and the promotion of digital transformation.

Bolstering research, security

Furthermore, His Highness called for greater attention to scientific research and the development of human resources, including efforts to empower youth, support women’s rights, and integrate people with special needs into society by providing them with the necessary care, education, and employment opportunities.

His Highness also emphasized the importance of maintaining the readiness and performance of the Ministry of Defense, encouraging collaboration between military and civilian institutions to protect the nation’s cybersecurity and enhance its defense capabilities. His directives to the Ministry of Interior underscored the need to prioritize the country’s security, develop the skills of security personnel, and ensure outstanding services to citizens and residents. He also called for strengthening regional and international security cooperation.

On the international front, His Highness’s guidance has led Kuwait to enhance its international relations, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council and beyond, reaffirming Kuwait’s diplomatic role globally. His visits to several countries, particularly in the Gulf, have laid the foundation for a robust diplomatic framework.

His Highness also called for Kuwait to continue its active role in global humanitarian efforts, emphasizing the importance of supporting initiatives driven by pure humanitarian values. He reminded the nation of the significant responsibility it carries, particularly in the face of complex global economic challenges, urging all Kuwaitis to unite in fostering hope and optimism as they work together to achieve the country’s goals. — KUNA