SEOUL: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte apologized to Kuwait on Sunday for his “harsh” words at the height of a months-long diplomatic row over the treatment of domestic workers.
The spat began in February when a murdered Filipino maid was found in her employer’s freezer in the Gulf state, prompting Duterte to lash out at the “inhuman” treatment of migrant workers and ban workers from traveling to Kuwait.
“For the first time I would say that I was harsh in my language maybe because that was a result of an emotional outburst. But I’d like to apologize now,” Duterte said, addressing Kuwait directly in a speech before expatriate Filipinos living in South Korea.
“I’m sorry for the language that I was using but I’m very satisfied with... how you responded to the problems of my country.”
Authorities in Manila say around 262,000 Filipinos worked in Kuwait before February, with many employed as household maids.
They are among over two million Filipinos employed in the region, whose remittances are a lifeline to the Philippine economy.
Kuwaiti authorities expelled Manila’s envoy in April over footage showing embassy staff helping Filipino workers flee allegedly abusive bosses in Kuwait.
Tensions cooled last month after the two nations sealed an agreement on workplace safety guarantees for Filipinos working in Kuwait, prompting Duterte to lift the employment ban.
On Sunday, Duterte said he hoped to visit Kuwait to express his gratitude.
“I’d like to thank the Kuwaiti government for understanding us and keeping their faith (in) us and practically (giving in) to all of my demands,” Duterte said.
His demands included giving Filipino workers a day off and seven hours of sleep each night, as well as allowing them to keep their passports and phones — often confiscated by employers, Duterte said.
Philippines’ Duterte apologizes to Kuwait for ‘harsh’ words
Philippines’ Duterte apologizes to Kuwait for ‘harsh’ words
Top US official eyes ‘critical’ mineral deals during Pakistan visit
- Eric Meyer, a senior official of the US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, said he was thrilled to attend the minerals investment forum in Islamabad
- Pakistan is showcasing its mineral resources, worth an estimated $6 trillion, at the two-day show in Islamabad on Apr. 8-9, seeking to attract foreign investment
ISLAMABAD: A top United States (US) official on Tuesday said they were eyeing “critical” minerals deals with Pakistan as he visited Islamabad to attend the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum.
Pakistan is showcasing its mineral resources, worth an estimated $6 trillion, at the two-day show in Islamabad on Apr. 8-9, seeking to attract investment from the US, China, Saudi Arabia and the European Union (EU).
Eric Meyer, a senior official of the US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs who is currently leading a US interagency delegation to Pakistan, said he was thrilled to be in Islamabad to attend the minerals investment forum and to strengthen Pakistan-US partnership.
“I commend Pakistan for convening the Minerals Investment Forum here in Islamabad and for taking steps to ensure a level playing field for investors,” he said at the forum.
“Critical minerals are the raw materials for our most important technologies, and President [Donald] Trump has underscored the importance of securing America’s minerals future.”
Although Meyer has been visiting Islamabad to focus on minerals, he highlighted recent successes in economic partnership between the two countries.
“We recently celebrated the return of US soybean exports to Pakistan. Four vessels carrying more than 260,000 tons of soybeans have arrived over the last few weeks,” he said.
“It’s a win-win for US exporters and for Pakistanis alike, and we look forward to more such wins in the future.”
The US’s goods trade with Pakistan was at an estimated $7.3 billion in 2024, according to the US Trade Representative, a federal agency responsible for developing and promoting foreign trade policies.
US goods exports to Pakistan in 2024 were $2.1 billion, up 4.4 percent ($90.9 million) from 2023, while US goods imports from Pakistan totaled $5.1 billion in 2024, up 4.9 percent ($238.7 million) from 2023.
“What makes me most optimistic about the US-Pakistan partnership is that our cooperation is based on the close and enduring ties between our peoples,” Meyer said.
“Many of you have studied in the United States, participated in our exchange programs, have family, friends and business partners in the US. I’m looking forward to working with each of you as we work together to lead the charge in deepening the partnership between the US and Pakistan.”
Red Sea Fund opens applications for production grants
- Foundation provides financial grants that enable promising cinematic voices to complete their projects and share their narratives with the world
- Second cycle of the fund supports projects ready to move into production, offering grants for feature-length films
RIYADH: The Red Sea Fund, a program of the Red Sea Film Foundation, is now accepting submissions for production support as part of its second cycle for 2025.
The foundation provides financial grants that enable promising cinematic voices to complete their projects and share their narratives with the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The second cycle of the fund supports projects ready to move into production, offering grants for feature-length films (60 minutes or more), whether fiction or animation, from directors in Saudi Arabia, the Arab region, Africa and Asia.
The grants will also support TV series (25–59 minutes per episode) from the same eligible regions, and short films (under 60 minutes), including fiction, documentary, or animation, exclusively from Saudi directors.
Filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Africa and Asia can apply through the website redseafilmfest.com before the April 21 deadline.
Established in 2021, the fund has supported more than 280 film projects. Several former recipients have gone on to earn global recognition and accolades.
US discontinues its undergraduate exchange program for Pakistani students amid Trump aid cuts
- Launched in 2010, the program gave Pakistani students opportunity to study in US for one semester
- Fulbright Program for foreign graduate students remains available and continues to offer scholarships
ISLAMABAD: The United States (US) Department of State has discontinued its Global Undergraduate (Global UGRAD) exchange program for Pakistani students after 15 years, the US Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) said on Tuesday.
The move is part of President Donald Trump’s broader aid cuts that are aimed at pressuring governments to align with the US foreign policy. These have cuts affected various food, education, medical and cultural exchange programs.
Global UGRAD, launched by the US in 2010, provided Pakistani undergraduate students with the opportunity to study in the US for one semester. The program aimed to foster mutual understanding between Pakistan and the US through cultural and academic exchange.
Over the last 15 years, the undergraduate exchange program benefited more than 2,500 Pakistani students, enhancing their leadership skills, academic knowledge and cultural awareness, according to the USEFP.
“We regret to inform you that after 15 incredible years, the Global UGRAD has come to an end,” the USEFP said on X. “The US Department of State informed USEFP that the global UGRAD-Pakistan program will no longer be offered.”
https://x.com/usefp/status/1909552532566712697?
The USEFP, which offers a range of educational and cultural exchange programs for Pakistanis, termed the news as “disappointing” for students who applied this year, highlighting the life-changing experiences and the program’s significant impact over the years.
However, the US Fulbright Program for foreign graduate students remains available and continues to offer fully funded scholarships. Mid-career professionals can apply for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, while young English teachers may join the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program, according to the USEFP.
The Community College Initiative Program (CCIP) provides technical skills through one-year certificates at US community colleges. Additionally, the Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program supports government school teachers in enhancing their classroom techniques.
Art Week Riyadh: Al-Mousa Center brings together pioneering and emerging artists
RIYADH: In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital city, the Al-Mousa Center has transformed into a vibrant hub for creativity, with over 15 galleries presenting a mix of solo and group exhibitions as part of Art Week Riyadh. The event brings together trailblazing artists and rising stars from the region and beyond, offering a dynamic platform for contemporary artistic expression.
Once a bustling commercial complex in the 1980s, the Al-Mousa Center originally served as a premier destination for wedding attire — where some of the city’s best tailors still practice their craft today. The building’s dated architectural style adds a nostalgic vibe to the space, evoking memories of the past while providing a fitting backdrop for contemporary art.
When a framing shop opened and quickly flourished, art began to gradually replace garments in the complex. While a few stores continue to sell suits and dresses, the mall has since transformed into a lively cultural center, now housing approximately 20 art galleries.
“When I heard about Art Week Riyadh, I was excited to be part of it. I’m a third-generation Saudi artist with 28 years of experience as an aircraft maintenance engineer, pilot and instructor pilot. Now, I’m an artist. I’m from Riyadh, and this is a chance for us to celebrate art and showcase our local talent,” said Nasser Al-Kharji, who founded Art Connection, one of the participating galleries.
Al-Kharji’s father launched a pioneering cartoon column in a local Saudi newspaper in 1965 — a legacy that Al-Kharji honors by framing the columns prominently in his gallery, alongside his own work and that of other regional artists.
Perched upstairs, galleries such as Ahlam Gallery relocated to their current expansive 360-square-meter space in 2022, offering a dynamic platform for both emerging and established artists. Founded by Dr. Ahlam Al-Shedoukhy, a retired medical doctor who turned to art as a source of healing, the gallery now stands as one of the largest spaces in the complex.
Other participating galleries include Abdullah Hammas Studio, Errm Art Gallery, Marsami Gallery, and Alestudio, each contributing to the rich diversity of Riyadh’s growing art scene.
While most of the curated talks during Art Week Riyadh are taking place at JAX District in Diriyah, a special panel titled “The Value of the Past is a Measure of the Future” was held at the Al-Mousa Center on Monday. The discussion focused on how Saudi Arabia’s visual arts heritage is not only a part of the nation’s history but also continues to serve as a wellspring of inspiration, shaping the future of art in the Kingdom.
The inaugural Art Week Riyadh, organized by the Visual Arts Commission, runs from Apr. 6 to 13, activating galleries and creative spaces across the city. Anchored in JAX District in Diriyah, the weeklong program features a range of exhibitions, talks, and curated events that underscore the diversity and dynamism of the Kingdom’s evolving visual arts scene.
Closing Bell: Tadawul climbs 109 points as Gulf bourses rebound
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s main equities index rose for a second straight session on Tuesday, tracking a broader rebound across Gulf markets after recent declines.
The Tadawul All Share Index gained 108.74 points, or 0.97 percent, to close at 11,302.76, supported by gains in industrials and consumer stocks.
Trading turnover reached SR7.97 billion ($2.13 billion), with advancers outnumbering decliners 150 to 91.
Zamil Industrial Investment Co. was the best-performing stock on the main market, surging 9.92 percent to SR36.
Saudi Paper Manufacturing Co. followed with a gain of 8.15 percent to SR58.40, while Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services Co. climbed 6.82 percent to SR141.
Shares of Americana Restaurants International Co. declined 5 percent to SR1.90, making it one of the worst performers of the day.
The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu shed 176.81 points to close at 28,473.47, while the MSCI Tadawul Index edged up 0.83 percent to 1,432.48.
On the announcements front, United Electronics Co., also known as Extra, reported a first-quarter net profit of SR103.36 million, up 10.12 percent from the same period last year.
The company’s revenue rose 10.03 percent year-on-year to SR10.03 billion. However, net profit dropped 41.81 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.
Extra’s share price edged up 1 percent to SR90.90.
United International Holding Co. posted a net profit of SR57.79 million in the first quarter, marking a 52.35 percent increase year on year.
Its shares fell 1.61 percent to close at SR158.40.
Arabian Shield Cooperative Insurance Co. announced that Fitch Ratings has affirmed its long-term issuer default rating at A- with a stable outlook. The rating reflects the company’s strong capitalization and overall financial health, positioning it for future growth.
Shares of the insurance firm rose 0.59 percent to SR17.10.
Regional markets
Gulf markets rebounded on Tuesday after two sessions of declines.
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange rose 0.44 percent to close at 8,989.10, while Dubai Financial Market jumped 1.90 percent, adding 91.32 points to end at 4,890.33.
Qatar Stock Exchange gained 1.34 percent to reach 9,896.65. Boursa Kuwait advanced 3.08 percent to close at 8,302.45.
