KUWAIT, Aug 19 (KUNA) — Over the years, August 19 has marked several significant developments in Kuwait’s national journey. r n r nIn 1961, the then Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, issued a decree to form the Foreign Affairs Department, naming Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah as its inaugural leader. This step laid the foundation for the country’s structured diplomatic engagement. nIn 1995, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, serving as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, opened the Aqua Park located near the iconic Kuwait Towers, adding a recreational landmark for residents and visitors. nA major step in telecommunications was taken in 1996 when Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah ratified a law creating the Telecommunications Company, aiming to modernize the nation’s communication infrastructure. nIn 1998, the same Amir appointed Mohammad Al-Ojairi as chairman of the board and general director of the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), granting him the rank of Undersecretary, reinforcing the agency’s institutional standing. nIn 2003, a decree was issued by Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah establishing a temporary committee to oversee municipal affairs following the end of the Municipal Council’s term. The body was mandated to function for one year or until new legislation was enacted. nThe year 2006 saw the passing of religious figure Ali Abdulatif Al-Jassar at age 84. He had contributed to Kuwaiti media since its early days, joining Kuwait Television in 1961 and later working with the radio service. nIn 2009, the Ministry of Health confirmed the first death from swine flu in the country, marking a critical moment in Kuwait’s public health response to emerging infectious diseases. nKuwait marked World Humanitarian Day in 2013 by hosting a United Nations office dedicated to coordinating humanitarian efforts, highlighting its role in global relief initiatives. nIn 2014, Boubyan Bank introduced a pioneering ATM withdrawal system using civil ID cards, enhancing digital banking accessibility. nIn 2020, the National Assembly passed legislative amendments addressing private-sector employment rules, domestic violence protections, media regulations, and provisions for future generations’ financial reserves. nIn 2021, Kuwait provided Turkey with six fire-fighting vehicles and related equipment to assist in battling widespread wildfires, demonstrating regional solidarity. nIn 2024, Dr. Fotouh Al-Ragom, who leads the Energy Efficiency Technologies Program at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), was honored by the American Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) with induction into the 2024 Energy Managers Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to sustainable energy practices. (end) r ngta
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Today in Kuwait’s history
KUWAIT, Aug 19 (KUNA) — r n r n1961 — Kuwait Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah signed a decree to establish the Foreign Affairs Department, appointing Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah as the first head of this department. n1995 — First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah inaugurated the Aqua Park, adjacent to Kuwait Towers. n1996 — Kuwait Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah signed a law for establishing the Telecommunications Company. n1998 — Kuwait Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah signed a decree appointing Mohammad Al-Ojairi as board chairman of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) and its general director with an Undersecretary’s rank. n2003 — Kuwait Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah signed a decree establishing a panel to manage municipal affairs as of the expiry of the Municipal Council’s mandate. The panel was tasked to serve for a year or until issuance of a new municipal law. n2006 — Religious scholar Ali Abdulatif Al-Jassar passed away at the age of 84. He served at Kuwait Television in 1961 and later worked at the radio station. n2009 — The Ministry of Health declared the first death due to infection with swine flu. It was the first fatality caused by the epidemic among citizens. n2013 — Kuwait celebrated the World Humanitarian Day by establishing a UN office for humanitarian affairs’ coordination in the country. n2014 — Boubyan Bank launched the first money withdrawal system from ATMs with civil ID cards. n2020 — The National Assembly approved bills stipulating amendments of some regulations for work in the private sector, domestic violence, publishing and next generations’ reserves. n2021 — Kuwait granted Tukiye six fire engines and equipment to help combat wildfires. n2024 — Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) announced that Manager of the Energy Efficiency Technologies Program at KISR Dr. Fotouh Al-Ragom was chosen by the American Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) as the 2024 Energy Managers Hall of Fame Inductee. (end) r ngta