KUWAIT CITY, Dec 2: Kuwait has strengthened its international standing by leveraging soft power and expanding its cultural, humanitarian, and developmental presence worldwide, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya said Monday.

Speaking at the “Across Borders” symposium organized by the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Kuwait Diplomatic Institute in cooperation with Ooredoo Telecommunications Company, Al-Yahya said human and cultural exchange has long been a cornerstone of Kuwait’s foreign policy. The event highlighted Kuwait’s role in enhancing international cooperation, diplomatic relations, and investment opportunities, as well as economic, technological, and cultural partnerships among nations.

Al-Yahya noted that Kuwait has shared its culture, arts, and media globally through initiatives such as the Arabic-language Al-Arabi magazine and the World of Thought series. He added that more than 600 scholarships were offered to foreign students this year to study in Kuwait. In contrast, roughly 145,000 Kuwaiti students have studied in 16 countries over the past decade, strengthening global ties.

He also highlighted the contributions of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and the Kuwait Investment Authority in promoting economic cooperation and supporting global stability, as well as the work of Kuwaiti charities and humanitarian organizations worldwide. “This event embodies Kuwait’s story as a beacon of knowledge and peace, reaffirming our commitment to a more stable and humane future,” Al-Yahya said.

Representing the Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Undersecretary Dr. Nasser Al-Muhaysin stressed the importance of technology and communication in building bridges between cultures and enhancing Kuwait’s global presence. He said the “51” platform strengthens Kuwait’s international media outreach, while the “Visit Kuwait” digital platform showcases the country’s tourism vision. He emphasized investing in youth, activating their potential, and developing digital content that supports cultural exchange and the knowledge economy.

On the sidelines, KFAED Acting Director General Waleed Al-Bahar described the Fund as a key part of Kuwait’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. He said the Fund has provided more than 1,037 soft loans totaling approximately KD 7 billion (USD 22 billion) to 107 countries over nearly 64 years, financing projects in infrastructure, health, education, and social services. The Fund has also extended 349 grants and technical assistance packages worth KD 392 million (USD 1.27 billion), and Al-Bahar pledged its continued support for global development and humanitarian initiatives. “Developmental and humanitarian work has become a fundamental pillar of Kuwait’s foreign policy, making it a leader in humanitarian action,” he said.

Ooredoo CEO Abdulaziz Al-Babtain highlighted the role of technology in advancing digital diplomacy and fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors. He said investing in AI-powered data centers is a strategic step for Kuwait’s digital transformation and national digital sovereignty. Al-Babtain reaffirmed Ooredoo’s commitment to working with state institutions to enhance Kuwait’s global presence and build a digital future for the country.

The event featured the screening of the documentary Across Borders, which showcased Kuwait’s digital diplomacy, development projects, and international partnerships. Additional films highlighted the achievements of the Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain Cultural Foundation and KFAED, demonstrating their lasting impact on culture, development, and humanitarian work inside and beyond Kuwait.