KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hind Al-Sabeeh and heads of local charities yesterday. — KUNA

KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday ordered giving financial grants to orphans at his personal expense. The Amir made the initiative on the occasion of the 57th anniversary of Kuwait's National Day and the 27th anniversary of Liberation Day. His humanitarian move toward this segment of the society came a day after he ordered the payment of debts of imprisoned citizens and expatriates.

HH the Amir also expressed deep gratitude to Kuwaiti charities for alleviating the hardships of people in need of aid. "I can only say thank you in the name of all your Kuwaiti brethren... you have acted and fulfilled your blessed duties," he said as he hosted Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hind Al-Sabeeh and heads of local charities at Seif Palace. The Amir also praised the associations for taking part in the recently held international conference for the reconstruction of Iraq.

Good and charitable actions are ideal principles instilled in the Kuwaiti people's conscience since olden times and embraced by generations, HH the Amir said, alluding to the multiple initiatives ongoing to relieve the needy and victims of catastrophes in Arab and foreign countries.

Dr Abdullah Al-Maatouq, Chairman of the International Islamic Charitable Organization and Advisor at the Amiri Diwan, indicated that his colleagues and he came to see the Amir to listen to his guidelines and brief him about aid activities. Jamal Al-Nouri, Chairman of Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity, told HH the Amir that $37 million out of $48 million earmarked for Iraq had been disbursed for housing for the displaced, aiding widows and teaching skills to enable the needy to earn money sustainably.

Chairman of Kuwait Relief Society Ahmad Al-Jasser affirmed that the Iraq conference, held on Feb 12-14, constituted an opportunity to shed light on Kuwaiti charitable work. Faisal Al-Zamel, representative of Al-Najat Charity, said he and his colleagues were honored to meet HH the Amir. An identical statement was made by Nabil Al-Oun, General Director of Al-Salam charity. - Agencies