Kuwait Cabinet Focuses on Drug Smuggling Prevention and Infrastructure Overhaul

Kuwait City: The Kuwaiti Cabinet, led by Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, focused on several critical national issues including drug smuggling, infrastructure enhancement, and international relations during their weekly session at Bayan Palace. The meeting also covered the preparations for the upcoming Gulf Cup and the state of bilateral relations following international visits. According to Kuwait News Agency, the session included briefings on various national and international topics. Among the key discussions was the preparation for the Gulf Football Tournament, known as Khaleeji "26", scheduled between December 21, 2024, and January 3, 2025. The Cabinet reviewed the efforts to prevent drug smuggling into Kuwait, highlighting a recent operation coordinated by the general directorate for combating narcotics and the directorate general of the coast guards which thwarted a significant drug smuggling attempt via the sea. The ministers also discussed the state of the nation's roads, wit h Minister of Public Works Dr. Nora Al-Mashaan announcing the signing of 18 contracts for extensive repairs and paving work in anticipation of the winter season. This infrastructure overhaul is deemed crucial for both safety and functional road usage across the country. International relations were a key agenda item, with the ministers briefed on the official delegation's participation in the first joint GCC-EU Summit in Belgium. The delegation, led by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, aimed to strengthen ties and enhance cooperation with EU states. The Acting Prime Minister also shared insights from his recent visit to Bahrain, where discussions focused on bolstering bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors with Bahraini leaders. On a somber note, the acting prime minister expressed condolences over the recent loss of Flight Lieutenant Mohammad Mahmoud Abdul-Rasoul, who died in a training accident north of Kuwait. The session concluded with a positive n ote on the economic front, as the ministers reviewed the annual report of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), which showed promising growth in sectors like industry, IT, and health.