02/12/2025
Share:
02/12/2025
Share:
Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 2: Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya says Kuwait, since the start of its modern renaissance, has practically demonstrated a fundamental truth - soft power is both a part of the state’s identity and a vital instrument of its foreign policy. He said this during the “Across Borders” event hosted by the Saud Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute on Monday evening, attended by officials and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Kuwait.
The minister affirmed that Kuwait has long shared its culture, arts, and media globally through initiatives such as “Al-Arabi” magazine, which offered the Arab world a window to the world, and the “World of Thought” series, which encouraged dialogue, knowledge, and intellectual exchange. He said, “Today, at this esteemed institution, the Saud Nasser Diplomatic Institute, regarded as the ‘Eastern School’ that shaped Kuwait’s renaissance, history repeats itself as it continues preparing and training diplomats and qualifying future leaders.”
Minister Al-Yahya affirmed that Kuwait’s national symbolism reflects an ongoing commitment to human development. He said, “This very institution has hosted high-level international figures, developed programs to enhance the capabilities of Kuwaiti diplomats and senior officials, and forged connections with young diplomats worldwide through diplomatic hospitality initiatives. When we speak of openness to the world, we recall Kuwait University, the first university in the Gulf region, which, from its inception, has served as a platform for cultural exchange with sisterly and friendly nations.
Kuwait’s doors are open through scholarships, with over 600 awarded this year alone. Over the past decade, the Ministry of Higher Education has sent nearly 145,000 students to 16 countries, enabling them to build international ties while sharing Kuwait’s values and culture. Because human beings are at the core of the State of Kuwait’s vision, we must recognize the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development as a landmark institution that, over more than 63 years, has built a solid foundation for aid and development work. Its activities have reached over 107 countries through development projects, driven by a noble vision to support stability and contribute to peacebuilding. This developmental role has been complemented by the creation of economic and investment bridges with the world.
Since 1953, the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) has been among the top sovereign wealth funds globally, and today it stands as a strategic partner in major world economies, which reinforces Kuwait’s position as a reliable economic actor on the international stage. Through the active roles of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, KIA, and Kuwaiti humanitarian institutions, the pillars of foreign policy help promote peace, encourage growth and prosperity, and uphold human dignity.”
In addition, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information Dr. Naser Muhaisen highlighted the ministry’s keenness to participate in the “Across Borders” event. He highlighted that it reflects the state’s efforts to reinforce Kuwait’s position as a hub of communication and influence, strengthen strategic partnerships with diplomatic bodies and centers within the country, and open new avenues for international cooperation.
By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
