KUWAIT: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said in a speech, delivered during the opening session of parliament on Tuesday, that "we are living in a new era that needs a new vision of national work based on the foundations of reform, commitment to wisdom and the effective participation and joint work to achieve the aspirations of the people." Addressing the first session of the 17th legislative term of the National Assembly, the premier added that he hopes clashes and personal interests disappear in favor of the nation's stability, progress and prosperity.

The session was inaugurated by HH the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Sheikh Ahmad continued addressing MPs by saying he was honored to deliver a speech on behalf of HH the Amir on the occasion of the opening of first ordinary session of the 17th legislative term. "It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you for gaining the trust of the Kuwaiti people, who chose their representatives in parliament to respond to their wishes," the premier said, adding, "and I wish you success in serving the people and what they aspire to."

HH the Prime Minister said that he extended his sincerest appreciation and pride to the Kuwaiti people, who responded to the messages and directives of HH the Amir and HH the Crown Prince, in their speech addressed on June 22 to re-correct the course of the political scene and to wisely choose who represents them, which reflected on the real and transparent competition among candidates during the last election. The premier added that such an atmosphere came after the two decrees of law issued urgently in implementation of the provision of article 71 of the constitution to amend and add a number of articles regarding elections for members of the National Assembly, so that voters vote with their civil IDs.

'New era'

"We meet today to open the first session of your esteemed council. We welcome the new era with an atmosphere of optimism, hope and determination to work hard on our national priorities, responsible performance and move towards a new stage of desired cooperation," Sheikh Ahmad said. The premier added as we are in a new era, we must preserve national unity because of "we are responsible for the trust given to us by the people, and we are all partners in carrying on the duties and to be vigilant to take all the necessary procedures based on what the constitution and laws permit us to do, in compliance with the provisions of article 50 of the constitution".

Sheikh Ahmad said that positive cooperation based on the principle of open and democratic dialogue in accordance with the provisions of the constitution together constitute the supporting basis for putting the relationship between the two authorities on the right track in a manner that ensures the stability of the state, achieves its higher interests, and advances the fundamentals of its renaissance. Commitment to the principle of cooperation does not strip any authority of its competencies or confiscate the rights of its members, the premier noted. Rather, it is a constitutional pillar to promote joint action and establish democratic dialogue and constructive criticism.

Fruitful relationship

The premier noted that the government looks forward to a fruitful relationship with the esteemed council, and will present its program of work in implementation of the provisions of article 98 of the constitution, accommodating all the priorities of the next period, which are realistic and feasible for implementation according to a specific timetable in order to ensure meeting the aspirations of citizens.

Sheikh Ahmad went on to highlight the government program, which he said also deals with initiatives related to the sustainability of the state's public finances, diversifying non-oil revenue sources, restructuring the public sector, combating corruption, enhancing integrity, drying up money laundering sources, combating drugs, implementing development projects and renewable energy projects that contribute to advancing development in the country, achieving Kuwait's vision 2035 and the transformation towards a sustainable economy.

The government has begun to take serious steps towards embodying the effectiveness of government work and strengthening the foundations of trust between citizens and government agencies, the premier said. Later, the premier went over current development on the regional and international levels, and alerted all to the importance of unity and cooperation. - KUNA