Amir receives Wataniya Airways' President, board members

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah listens to a demonstration from Chairman of the Public Authority for Communications and Information Technology Salem Al-Uthaina about the ‘territorial communication pathway’ project. — KUNA photos

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yesterday at Bayan Palace Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh and Chairman of the Public Authority for Communications and Information Technology Salem Al-Uthaina, who presented to His Highness detailed information on a planned communication project.

The project aims to shed light on Kuwait's role in the information technology transfer field in line with international standards. It will also turn Kuwait into a global destination for data transfer between the East and West. Moreover, the project will attract foreign investors and provide job opportunities for Kuwaitis.

IT powerhouse

The planned 'territorial communication pathway' project will put the country directly on the path towards becoming an IT powerhouse, Uthaina said, adding that the project would put Kuwait on par with other global technology hubs such as Frankfurt and London. Uthaina went on to say that factors including Kuwait's location and active diplomacy, as well as its ability to lure foreign investment, all but guarantee the success of the project.

He pointed out that countries with the most solid internet connections are usually the most economically developed, adding that Kuwait is in position to reap financial gains worth KD 102 million ($337 million) through this monumental project. Uthainia revealed that the communication authority has contacted tech giants such as Google and Microsoft in a bid to have them contribute to the project. He stressed that the project will help transform Kuwait into a global IT hub, drawing the approval of His Highness the Amir, who hoped that the project would see the light of day soon.

Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir received Hamad Al-Tuwaijri, accompanied by the President of Wataniya Airways Ali Al-Fowzan and board members of the airways. The meeting was attended by Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah. The board members later met with His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as well.

World Governments Summit

In the meantime, His Highness the Amir received a written letter from UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayid Al Nahayan, which was handed over by UAE Ambassador to Kuwait Rahma Hussain Al-Za'abi. The letter included an invitation for His Highness the Amir to attend the World Governments Summit, scheduled to be held in Dubai next month.

Also yesterday, His Highness the Amir received His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Ahmad Al-Sabah. Separately, His Highness the Crown Prince received His Highness the Prime Minister and His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad. His Highness the Crown Prince also received Al-Jahra Governor Lieutenant General Fahad Al-Ameer and Mayors of Al-Jahra Governorate and Kuwait's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Saud Shamlan Al-Roumi. Meanwhile, His Highness the Prime Minister received President of the Central Apparatus for Illegal Residents Saleh Al-Fadhala. - KUNA