Kuwait- The Kuwaiti government stuck to its decision to hike fuel prices at the beginning of September. The National Assembly, however, insisted on its suggestions with regards to the application mechanism; this was the conclusion of the meeting held on Tuesday between the legislative and executive authorities.

National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali al-Ghanim stated that the government and parliament are on consensus with regards to the decision but not the mechanism. Al-Ghanim described the meeting as positive and said that “parliamentarians insisted on adopting the appropriations committee view regarding hiking fuel prices.”

The Speaker reiterated willingness to face economic challenges without letting them be at the expense of citizens.

Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad al-Abdullah said that the decision will be effective starting the first of September, stressing the government’s intention to cooperate with the National Assembly, attend parliamentary appropriations committee sessions and consider new suggestions.

Al-Abdullah highlighted the necessity of keeping up with the regional countries’ monetary and financial policies, given that Kuwait is the last Gulf country to decide on hiking fuel prices.

Kuwait is preparing a comprehensive economic program to face the challenges imposed by the drop in oil prices and to achieve a balance in the national economy via diversifying income sources and putting an end to wasting public funds.

On another level, the Kuwaiti defense minister signed a deal with a French company specialized in manufacturing helicopters to purchase 30 Airbus Helicopters Caracal.

The Kuwaiti minister of defense said that the deal includes providing logistic support and training pilots and technicians. It also includes developing infrastructure and buildings where the helicopters will be put. The ministry added that it aims to possess practical and highly developed helicopters to back the armed forces.