‘Kuwait needs to solidify age-old economic, cultural ties with India’
“AS A matter of fact the Kuwaiti-Indian relations were not established only post Kuwait declaration of independence and the establishment of the diplomatic relations more than 60 years ago, rather these relations began a long time before that, particularly since we know that the two countries were linked with each other through a deep-rooted commercial, economic and investments relations,” columnist Saud Al-Samaka wrote for Al-Seyassah daily.
“In other words, for India, Kuwait the economic, commercial, cultural and knowledge-depth ties existed since the very beginning when Kuwait was an ‘Emirate’ prior to the discovery of oil and these relations between India and Kuwait have stood the test of time and continue to be deep-rooted.
“Our relationship with the Republic of India during the recent years is no longer like before in spite of all of the privileges and the mutual interests that link us with this country. During these years, India has made remarkable progress in the economic field to such an extent we venture to say New Delhi currently competes for the position of global force to be reckoned as economic powerhouse.
“Not just that, India which recently transformed into one of the pioneering countries in the field of the technology industry, it remains distinguished for its technical skills and manpower. Apart from the above the Indian people are distinguished when it comes to humanitarian culture and the ability to co-exist with all their kindness, reciprocal respect, truth and honesty.
“Consequently, we say the distinguished attitude of H.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah in terms of boosting the bonds of relations with the friendly Republic of India, can be deemed as an expression and appreciation for all of the distinguished values that the Indians are known for.
“It is needless to say the flurry of diplomatic activity undertaken Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah at the level of relations of the State of Kuwait with the world in general and the states throughout the world in particular, actually represents an extension of boosting historical role that distinguishes Kuwait’s foreign policy since the very beginning of the foundation of this tiny nation.
“Such being the case, our distinguished relations with the friendly country -- the Republic of India – fully keeps abreast with the necessities of the current phase and the changes that shall bring about the positive development on the population structure level and this can be realized through the positive experiments of the Indian manpower in various fields in general and in the security field in particular.
“Hence, we suggest boosting bilateral relations between the friendly Republic
of India and the State of Kuwait, could certainly be deemed as a victory for the two states.
“Thanks to the good offices exerted by HE Sheikh Dr. Nasser Al-Mohammad ; we wish him further success for the good of his country under the instructions of HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, we pray to Almighty Allah to protect him and HH the Crown Prince, for making the Kuwaiti foreign policy top of their priorities.”
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‘Kuwait’s political history since the independence has seen the formation of 38 governments over 59 years, and this is an indication that the lifespan of governments in Kuwait is very short on an average and does not exceed one year and a half,” columnist Owaied Al-Sulaili wrote for Al-Shahed daily.
‘‘The large number of government formations and their number was and still is the result of an old political and economic struggle and attempts to polarize the politics and struggle for influence and power.
“The political conflict in Kuwait has seen multiple roles, and comprises of two types. There is the internal conflict within the Council of Ministers, which is the conflict of the poles and it is one of the most dangerous conflicts, as it plays a role due to lack of solidarity of successive governments before the National Assembly, and as a result become scapegoats and are sacrificed on the altar of conflicts of interest.
“The other type of political struggle is a struggle for influence. In other words, the economic struggle, which attempts to acquire and control the state, its economy and its tenders, and it is the most influential conflict in the state as well as its development plans in addition to its tools, given the fact more often than not this game is played by ministers, MPs, senior officials, media, politicians and others.
“The struggle for influence operates within a scheme and agendas based on the support of the cronies for senior positions and everyone who achieves the agendas of the capitalist influencers and satisfies their desires to increase their wealth and influence inside and outside the state.
“These multiple conflicts are the main reason for the disruption putting brakes on the development as a result of everyone’s preoccupation with the political and economic conflict. Moreover, many governments and ministers have deliberately undone what was accomplished by their predecessor ministers.
“Other important unresolved files are considered by some as a reason for the continuation of the political conflict related to the issue of amnesty for former MPs, the reinstatement of the nationality and the demands to dissolve the National Assembly and change the two presidents, after the relationship between the government and the parliament reached a dead end, which indicates a political situation has placed a heavy burden on the country.
“Will the desired stability be achieved ? Or will the conflict and the attempt to extend influence play its role in disrupting the situation again?”
“When it comes to money ... or trade in general ... or the economy ... or even the field of investment ... I cannot take it seriously because I am ignorant,” columnist Dr Naji Saoud Al-Zaid wrote for Al-Jarida daily.
“However, even ignorant people like me know that we are a nation which lives and breathes on the oil we produce, as well as on keeping its price high.
“In addition, our income is spent on the budget and fictitious projects. Whatever remains after that is invested by Kuwait Investment Authority as a source of income that enhances oil income.
“All of this is beautiful, until you discover through the economic page of Al-Jarida newspaper that our new investment projects are frozen, because the legal period for the Board of Directors of the investment authority has ended and no decision has been taken to appoint a new board for two months! Damn, is this serious talk?!
“Is there anything that prevents the appointment of a new board?!
Why is this happening in such a critical period?!
“No one can express opinions or decide about certain decisions, especially if the global markets are collapsing.
“The so-called ‘post covid’ period is considered a fertile and suitable period for investment!! Who is responsible for this?!”
“Two days ago, Central Bank of Kuwait Governor Dr Muhammad Al-Hashel called for expediting the implementation of the comprehensive reform in the structural imbalances that the Kuwaiti economy has been suffering, particularly the rising public financial imbalance. It was a necessary call, considering his assertion that the current expenditures item constitutes the largest portion of public spending, while the State’s general budget depends largely on oil revenues,” columnist Abdulrahman Al-Awwad wrote for Al-Sabah daily.
“Nevertheless, an important question remains unanswered: Who will ring the bell and initiate this desired reform in the presence of discordant authorities that hardly meet in Abdullah Al-Salem Hall? These are the two authorities entrusted with implementing such reform!
“Over the past months, the National Assembly and the government have been unable to reach a consensus on how to address the liquidity deficit that threatens the public treasury. This has been the case even in the previous Assembly.
“The Public Debt Bill of the government remains unresolved although everyone knows how serious is the situation when they are satisfied with relaying problems and crises without solving them.”