KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah chairs the Cabinet’s meeting yesterday. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Cabinet yesterday hailed Kuwait's quantum leap from the 110th spot to the 56th in the Commonwealth's Global Youth Development Index (YDI), describing this as a remarkable accomplishment.

In its weekly meeting at Kuwait International Airport, presided over by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Cabinet underscored the need of diligent efforts to support the youth and cater to their needs.

On a related note, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah briefed the Cabinet on endeavors that would enable the youth to hone their skills and display their creative prowess.

Moreover, Sheikh Salman spoke of the Ministry of Information's (MoI) preparations to cover upcoming parliamentary elections, an event the ministry hopes will expose Kuwait as a bastion of democracy. The Cabinet also thanked the MoI for its efforts to develop the country's media sector.

Business environment

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Anas Al-Saleh offered an explanation on the fifth report of the works of a delegation tasked with ameliorating the business environment in the country.

The Minister of Finance noted that the government and private sectors should collaborate to create a vibrant business environment, adding that around 70 percent of projects are well on course to be completed. He also revealed that a special "SWOT Team" has been formed to remedy any flaws and glitches in the country's public budget.

With a heavy heart, the Cabinet received news of the passing of former Qatari Amir Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani, as it reminisced on the late leader's contributions towards regional prosperity. The Cabinet conveyed its deepest condolences to the people of Qatar in this difficult time.

Furthermore, the Cabinet also looked over a letter sent to His Highness the Amir by Jordanian King Abdullah II, which dealt with solid bilateral ties. Another letter, by Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, extended an invitation to His Highness the Amir to attend an international conference on economic investment in the north African nation, slated for November.

His Highness the Prime Minister also informed the Cabinet of a recent visit by Queen Silvia of Sweden, where she held talks with His Highness the Amir on issues running the gamut from bilateral ties to youth-related matters.

His Highness the Premier apprised the meeting of the outcome of the visit President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo paid to Kuwait and the content of the talks he held with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The talks focused on promoting bilateral ties in all fields for the good of both sides, besides other issues of common concern.

Sporting clubs

Then the meeting reviewed a report by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Oil Anas Al-Saleh on privatization of sporting clubs, making use of specialized international expertise.

This follows directives by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on caring for youth and sports, creating a favorable environment for Kuwaitis to honor their country on the world's sports arena. The Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) cooperated with a leading international consultancy house on the issue, and submitted a final report in September, comprising all details on the issue. - KUNA