Cabinet asks KIA to consider privatization of sports clubs
KUWAIT: The cabinet yesterday entrusted the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) with considering a suggestion on privatizing sports clubs, said Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah.
The KIA will make use of specialized international expertise and report the outcome in a study to the cabinet, comprising tools and mechanisms for implementing the proposal, and requirements for success.
The cabinet’s customary meeting was held at the Amiri Airport, and chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak AlHamad Al-Sabah. Sheikh Salman briefed the ministers on efforts by the Public Authority for Sports to promote the sports scene, and developing sports institutions and vital role. Then he proposed privatization of sports clubs with the major goal of upgrading the efficiency of their performance and promoting sports.
The discussions were in line with the elevated directives by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on encouraging sports and paying due care to youth, creating a favorable environment to unleash their creativity and abilities. They were also part of the cabinet’s interest in fostering youth capabilities and potential, especially in sports. The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had suspended sports activities in Kuwait.
Arab Economic Charter
At the onset of the meeting, the cabinet was notified of a message from President of the Arab Thought Forum (ATF) Prince Al-Hassan bin Talal to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, said Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. The message included a copy of the Arab Economic Charter which the ATF launched last August, offering a host of proposals and initiatives for consolidating the pan-Arab economic ties. Then the ministers were informed of the official visit of His Highness the Amir, and an accompanying delegation, to Russia, invited by President Vladimir Putin. The visit is part of the efforts to boost the distinguished ties between the two friendly countries in all fields, Sheikh Salman said. They will also tackle latest regional and international developments.
Following this, First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled AlHamad Al-Sabah briefed the meeting on his talks with his counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina Igor Crnadak during the latter’s recent visit to Kuwait.
The Kuwaiti-Bosnian talks addressed means of bolstering economic ties, to raise them to the level of the good political relations. Crnadak lauded the major humanitarian role of His Highness the Amir, and his efforts to realize peace and fight terrorism.
Memorandum of cooperation
In the meantime, the cabinet approved and referred to His Highness the Amir, two draft decrees on a memorandum of cooperation in infrastructure cooperation with Japan and an agreement on cultural ties with Senegal.
The first drat decree aims to foster cooperation with Japan in infrastructure, highways and sanitary drainage systems, besides safety and protection of the environment and construction works. The second one seeks to support and preserve the cultural identity and enhance bilateral cooperation in literature, arts, cinema, architecture, museums and libraries.
The cabinet endorsed a draft decree for transferring Director of Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) Abdullatif Suraie Al-Suraie to the post of Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice. Yesterday’s meeting was concluded with a review of the current political developments on the Arab and international scenes.