KUWAIT CITY, July 16: The Cabinet held its weekly meeting on Tuesday morning at Bayan Palace under the chairmanship of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Following the session, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sherida Abdullah Al-Muasherji issued a statement detailing the key discussions and decisions.

At the outset, the Cabinet was briefed on the results of the recent official visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the French Republic on July 13 and 14. During the visit, His Highness held high-level talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. The discussions reaffirmed the strong and historic bilateral relations between Kuwait and France and focused on enhancing cooperation in all fields to serve mutual interests. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

Among the key outcomes of the visit was the signing of two declarations of intent between the Government of Kuwait and the Government of the French Republic. The first agreement establishes a strategic investment partnership for the period 2025–2035, while the second aims to boost cultural cooperation and celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations in 2026.

His Highness the Amir and the accompanying delegation also attended France’s National Day Bastille Day military parade in Paris, alongside President Macron.

During the visit, His Highness held meetings with the French Minister of Foreign Trade and French Citizens Abroad, Laurent Saint-Martin, and representatives from the French Chamber of Commerce. He emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to fostering investment in key sectors, enhancing strategic collaboration with leading French firms, and encouraging the transfer of knowledge and capital to support Kuwait’s economic growth and youth employment.

Additionally, His Highness met with the CEO of Gustave Roussy Hospital, Professor Fabrice Barlesi, and International Advisor Rémi Thiolet. He stressed the significance of deepening health sector cooperation, enhancing medical capabilities, and achieving a transformative leap in Kuwait’s healthcare system. His Highness praised the hospital’s pioneering role in cancer research and treatment.

The Cabinet was also informed of letters received from the Amiri Diwan addressed to His Highness the Amir from leaders of friendly and brotherly countries, expressing their desire to strengthen bilateral ties and promote joint cooperation across various fields.

The Cabinet reviewed a presentation by Sheikh Ahmad Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Government Performance Follow-up Agency, regarding the agency’s 2024 annual report. The report covered six key areas, including government compliance with Cabinet Resolution No. 713 of 2024, ministerial decision follow-ups, progress of government projects, public opinion surveys, an analysis of the Audit Bureau’s budget report for 2023–2024, and other agency assignments.

The Council praised the diligent efforts of the Chairman and the agency’s leadership in improving government performance. It directed all ministries and government bodies to address the observations and implement the recommendations outlined in the report, and to report back on actions taken.

In another key agenda item, the Cabinet reviewed a briefing by Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Abdullah Al-Ajeel Al-Askar on the launch of the second part of the third phase of the Capital Market System Development Program. The Minister highlighted the project’s strategic importance in modernizing Kuwait’s financial infrastructure. The program, a cornerstone initiative of the Capital Markets Authority, involves coordination among the Central Bank of Kuwait, Boursa Kuwait, Kuwait Clearing Company, settlement banks, brokerage firms, custodians, and portfolio managers.

He noted that this long-term effort is vital for aligning with Kuwait’s development goals and for elevating the country’s status to that of an advanced emerging market. The Cabinet expressed its gratitude to all participating entities for their contributions to the successful rollout of this critical program.

The Cabinet also reviewed a presentation by Minister of Information, Culture, and State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Badah Al-Mutairi on the Cultural Path Project in Kuwait City. The initiative aims to establish a cultural and tourism hub that reflects Kuwaiti identity, promotes national awareness, and preserves historical memory.

The project envisions an integrated urban corridor connecting cultural landmarks using sustainable design principles, modern transportation methods, and eco-friendly infrastructure. The Minister emphasized the project’s alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035 and its potential to position Kuwait as a vibrant cultural destination and investment magnet in the tourism sector.

The Council referred the project to the Joint Ministerial Committee for Economic Affairs and Public Services for a comprehensive review and recommendation.

In closing, the Cabinet reviewed and approved a number of agenda items and referred several topics to relevant ministerial committees for further study and action, in line with procedural requirements.