Embassy Highlights
|
U.S. Special Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Conference visited Kuwait
U.S. Special Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Conference Sada Cumber recently visited Kuwait as part of an eleven-country tour. During his time in Kuwait, Ambassador Cumber met with the Minister of Awqaf, Abdullah Saud Al-Mehailbi and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al Sabah, who both expressed Kuwait’s support for Ambassador Cumber’s mission to the Organization of Islamic Conference. Special Envoy Cumber also attended a reception at the residence of Deputy Chief of Mission Alan Misenheimer, which was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait Deborah K. Jones and many distinguished guests.
|
Latest Headlines From the
Embassy |
Zainab Al-Suwaij from the American Islamic Congress Appears on Good Morning KuwaitMs. Zainab Al-Suwaij is the co-founder and executive director of the American Islamic Congress (AIC), a social activist organization founded in the wake of September 11, 2001, to foster tolerance, promote civil society and civil rights, and mobilize a moderate voice in the American Muslim community. In Kuwait at the invitation of the U.S. Embassy, Ms. Al-Suwaij appeared on the Kuwait TV talk show, Good Morning Kuwait.
Commercial Counselor Hosts Receptions for Conference Participants
US Embassy Commercial Counselor Nancy Charles-Parker recently held a reception at her home for the sponsors and participants of the Off-Shore Technology Conference, to be held in Houston, Texas from May 5 to 8. The theme of this year’s conference is “Waves of Change,” and it will feature over 65,000 industry professionals from 150 countries.
Secretary of State Attends Iraq Neighbors’ Conference in Kuwait
 |
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice attended the Third Expanded Ministerial Conference of the Neighboring Countries of Iraq on April 21 and 22 in Kuwait. In her opening statement, she thanked the government of Kuwait and the Kuwaiti people for their generous offer to host the conference. In her intervention remarks during the conference’s opening session, Secretary Rice reiterated the United States’ commitment to fostering a sovereign, democratic, and unified Iraq. She also stressed the need for peace between Iraq and its neighbors. Secretary Rice stated that although much work remains in Iraq, that it is important to reflect on the goals that have been achieved thus far. After attending trilateral discussions with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Turkish Prime Minister Ali Babacan, Secretary Rice described the meeting as successful. She expressed optimism at the overall progress that is being made between Turkey and Iraq on a range of bilateral issues.
Digital Video Conference with Dr. James Thurber
 |
On April 24th, the American Corner at the American University of Kuwait held a digital video conference with Dr. James Thurber, a distinguished Professor of Government and Director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies. Dr. Thurber is also a member of the faculty at American University in Washington DC, a university famous for its political science department. The discussion focused on the U.S. election process, particularly the influence of political parties on the American electoral process. Furthermore, the forum addressed the successes and the limitations of third party candidates in primary and general elections. In addition to third party candidates, the discussion also centered around the electoral college as well as the financial aspects of campaigns, particularly campaign finance reform. Finally, the group analyzed the influence of advertising on election outcomes. In addition to three professors, more than forty students attended the discussion. Also in attendance were the Counselor for Public Affairs of the American Embassy, John F. Berry and the US Embassy Information Research Center Director, May Katkhuda. The US Embassy thanks Dr. Thurber for a stimulating a lively discussion, and looks forward to hosting him at other American corners in the future. Please click on link to watch webcast http://www.cpcwebcast.com/state/
New American Ambassador Arrives in Kuwait
New U.S. Ambassador Deborah K. Jones arrived in Kuwait on April 19. The following day, April 20, she presented a copy of her diplomatic credentials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At a future date the newly installed Ambassador will meet His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to formally present her diplomatic credentials. Ambassador Jones is the fifteenth United States Ambassador to the State of Kuwait since independence in 1961... more
US Embassy Kuwait Begins Courier Pass-Back Visa Delivery
As of April 30, 2008, the US Embassy in Kuwait will utilize a mandatory courier pass-back service for non-immigrant visas. Passports containing non-immigrant visas will be returned to applicants directly by DHL Express Courier service to any location in Kuwait. Recently interviewed applicants who made arrangements to pick up visas at the Embassy will still be able to do so. However, applicants interviewed after April 30 will be required to use this new service. After the interview, applicants will visit the new DHL Passport Express office located just outside the Embassy and provide a Kuwaiti-based address, telephone number and e-mail address on a DHL form. Applicants will pay a fee of KD 5.000 for the basic service directly to DHL on the interview day. When the passport is ready to be returned, DHL will contact the applicant and deliver the passport to the applicant within two business days. Applicants can use their tracking number to check delivery status by visiting the DHL website at www.dhl.com, or by text at: +447720334455 (insert tracking number as text) or DHL Customer Service at 224-6480.
Digital Video Conference with Ambassador Greg Schulte
On April 9th, the American Corner at Kuwait University held a digital video conference with Ambassador Greg Schulte, Permanent U.S. Representative to the United Nations in Vienna. The topic focused on Iran’s nuclear capability and the potential threat it poses toward the region, as well as the history of U.S. diplomatic efforts to deal with the problem. More than seventy students from two political science classes attended in addition to their professors. Also in attendance was the Counselor for Public Affairs of the American Embassy, John F. Berry, and the Embassy’s Information Research Center Director May Katkhuda.
Counselor for Public Affairs Speaks at Kuwait University
Mr. John F. Berry, Counselor for Public Affairs at the American Embassy, participated in a discussion in Arabic with Kuwait University students, on April 9, at the invitation of Mass Communication professor, Dr. Taghreed Al-Mulla. The discussion covered the role of women in American elections, political campaigning, and security issues pertaining to Kuwait, Iraq and Iran.
Assistant Secretary Welch Talks with Al-Qabas Reporter
 |
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State, C. David Welch discussed U.S-Kuwait relations and regional issues with a reporter from Kuwait’s Arabic-language daily Al-Qabas on April 2. Welch, visiting Kuwait as part of a regional tour, held meetings with senior Government officials, including the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister. At his talks, he discussed progress underway in the Middle East peace process, security in the Gulf, and the upcoming Iraq Neighbors Conference, scheduled to be held in Kuwait later this month. Addressing several regional issues, Welch underscored the U.S. desire for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, encouraged Kuwait’s vigorous support of the Middle East peace process, and commented that he would like to see political progress in Iraq match recent gains in security and economic development seen there. On Lebanon, he bemoaned the “many hands” interfering in that country’s internal affairs and expressed solidarity with the people of Lebanon and their hope to live free of external interference. Remarking on the Kuwaiti elections currently underway, Welch said that the U.S. respects the Kuwaiti process. In this regard, he said, Kuwait can act as model for the democratic process in other parts of the region.
DHS Secretary Chertoff Visits Kuwait
 |
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff made a two-day visit to Kuwait March 24-25. During his trip he toured border facilities and met with Kuwaiti leaders to discuss security cooperation and to promote travel and trade. The Secretary held meetings with a number of government officials, including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al Sabah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, and the President of the National Security Bureau Sheikh Ahmed Fahed Al-Ahmed al-Sabah. Secretary Chertoff toured border crossing facilities in northern Kuwait. At Camp Buehring, he lunched with American troops and met with soldiers who are soon to be naturalized as U.S. citizens, a function which is under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security. He met with representatives of the National Union of Kuwaiti Students – U.S.A. Branch to discuss issues related to foreign students in the U.S. At a roundtable discussion at the U.S. Embassy and during a live appearance on KTV’s “Good Morning Kuwait” program, the Secretary explained U.S. airport entry-exit procedures... see more of the Secretary's visit
Toes Tap in Kuwait with Visiting Exegesis Jazz Band
The New York-based Jazz quartet Exegesis visited Kuwait March 12-17 to perform for audiences, conduct jam sessions with Kuwaiti music students, and discuss this uniquely American art form on Kuwait TV. The group, known to break down the traditional Jazz format of soloist and accompaniment, gave two private performances in Kuwait City before an appreciative crowd of Jazz enthusiasts. The band’s reached out to young music students in Kuwait at workshops at the Universal American School and the American School of Kuwait. Band members Nick Demopoulos, guitar; Michael Blanco, bass; Tomas Fujiwara, drums; and David Cook, piano; met with more than 100 students to share their techniques and inspiration, and to explain the origins and sound of American Jazz. During their five-day visit, the group made a live appearance on the popular morning talk show “Good Morning Kuwait” and was interviewed by a reporter for “Movies” magazine for a special feature on their art and visit to Kuwait. The Kuwait tour was part of a regional program as American Cultural Ambassadors that included stops in Yemen, Oman, U.A.E., and Bahrain... see pictures
American Educational Fair in Salmiya
Students from Kuwait and their families had a unique opportunity to talk about educational opportunities in the United States with recruiters from 19 American colleges and universities on March 11 at the Marina Crescent Hotel in Salmiya. The three-hour educational fair was organized by the U.S. Educational Fair Group in partnership with AMIDEAST and the American Embassy. Recruiters were on hand to promote study at their respective institutions and to provide information about degree programs, admission standards and financial aid opportunities... more
Johnette Downing, wows Kuwaiti English language students and teachers with music for education
 |
Johnette Downing, a children’s book author and musician from New Orleans, Louisiana, visited Kuwait as an English Language Specialist from February 9-11, 2008. During her two-day visit, Ms. Downing led workshops for children and adults using music as an educational tool. She performed for approximately 500 students during her visit to Kuwait, including young children and teenagers taking English language courses. Additionally, Downing conducted a workshop for public and private school English language teachers entitled, “Say it with a Song”. The hugely popular workshop promoted creative ways to teach English to young learners. Ms. Downing traveled next to Manama and Abu Dhabi to continue her tour of the region and help children and teachers through her creative approach of teaching English as a second language. Downing also brought a touch of diversity to Kuwait with her special brand of culture and hospitality from her hometown New Orleans, Louisiana.
African-American Poetry Night Draws Crowds
More than 150 people packed Kuwait’s Al-Babtain Library on February 3 for an evening of African-American poetry and music in celebration of U.S. Black History Month. Headline performer Gina Loring, a California-based poet, singer and writer, delighted the Kuwaiti audience with renditions of her award-winning spiritual-inspired poetry, including "Somewhere There is a Poem." She also performed several of her original songs that showcased the Hip-Hop and Jazz inspiration of her art. The evening was kicked off with remarks by Chargé d’Affaires Alan Misenheimer who honored the achievements of African-American men and women. “Their sacrifices and accomplishments,” he said, “shaped America into the inclusive multi-cultural nation that it is today.” ... more
President Bush Visits Kuwait
 |
President Bush arrived in Kuwait on January 11 for a two-day visit. Kuwait is part of an eight-day six-nation tour that reflects the President’s commitment to the Middle East region. The goals of the trip are to build international support for the Israeli-Palestinian peace effort and to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to regional security in the Middle East. While in Kuwait, the President met with H.H. the Amir; visited American and coalition troops at Camp Arifjan; met with U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and Commanding General Multi-National Force - Iraq David Petraeus, viewed a photo exhibit from KUNA’s collection depicting the U.S. role in liberating Kuwait from Iraqi occupation in 1991, and U.S.-Kuwaiti cooperation in support of liberation in Iraq; and held a roundtable discussion on democracy and development with Kuwaiti women activists. While visiting the U.S. Embassy, President Bush also addressed the Embassy community and met members of the Kuwait Little League baseball team. For more photos and visit details visit www.whitehouse.gov... more
American Embassy Celebrates Youth with an Entire Week of Activities
Ready, Set, Go: From Knowledge, to Preparation, then Action. The American Embassy in Kuwait partnered with the American University of Kuwait, Gulf University of Science and Technology (GUST), Kuwait University, AMIDEAST, and Al-Babtain Library to provide a week-long celebration with daily activities geared towards young people. These events were part of Embassy Kuwait’s longstanding mission to engage youth and empower them with knowledge and information to impact the global arena. The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy, Alan Misenheimer, inaugurated the first event with encouraging words and a warm welcome to all the young people in attendance. The first day of Youth Week introduced students to various professions during Career Day at the U.S. Embassy. Next, young scholars at GUST were able to test their knowledge of American history and culture during the American Trivia Day on their campus. Later in the week, students from various universities and high schools were taught how to develop arguments during a debating workshop, and how to improvise on stage or in life during an acting workshop. Finally, children were entertained during the Youth Week celebration with stories, arts and crafts at the Al-Babtain Poetry library... more
| |
|
