US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Sabeh and other high-ranking officials in Kuwait to discuss bilateral relations and the future of Afghans who have supported US operations in their country over the past 20 years.
The US said it will resettle thousands of those who helped the military and could suffer Taliban reprisals after its troops withdraw from Afghanistan and the insurgents take control of more territory.
Mr Blinken did not announce any deals or disclose critical details about the process, during his visit on Thursday.
Sheikh Nawaf and Mr Blinken discussed ties and the Kuwaiti leader hailed the 60-year relationship between the two nations.
Mr Blinken conveyed a message from US President Joe Biden. He also met Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid and Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al Ghanim, who led a tour of the legislature.
As US troops complete their withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Biden administration has come under heavy pressure to quickly relocate Afghan interpreters, drivers and other workers who find themselves at risk of Taliban retribution.
“The United States is committed to helping those who helped us during our time in Afghanistan over the last 20 years,” Mr Blinken said at a joint press conference with his Kuwaiti hosts.
"We’ve had very brave Afghans who have stood with us, with our soldiers, with our diplomats, mostly as translators, and interpreters, and as a result of that service, benefit from the possibility of securing a visa to come live in the United States," he said.
"We’re actively engaged in that process and notably in relocation planning for those brave Afghans and their families. That is a subject that came up today as it’s come up in conversations with a number of other allies and partners.”
Resettlement planning, which could affect tens of thousands of Afghans, comes as the Taliban gain more ground throughout Afghanistan, seizing large areas of the countryside and fuelling fears of a violent future. Civilian casualties surged in the first half of the year, a UN report said.
Afghan allies have complained of a bureaucratic maze as they try to obtain the special immigrant visas offered to foreign nationals deemed to be in need of protection because of their co-operation with the US government.
Mr Blinken also said that the continuing negotiating process with Iran to revive a 2015 nuclear deal could not go on forever after the Iranian leader criticised the US this week for stalling the process.
"We are committed to diplomacy, but this process cannot go on indefinitely," Mr Blinken said.
"We have clearly demonstrated our good faith and desire to return to mutual compliance with the nuclear agreement ... The ball remains in Iran’s court, and we will see if they're prepared to make the decisions necessary to come back into compliance."
His comments came as indirect talks between Tehran and Washington to revive the nuclear pact, from which president Donald Trump withdrew the US in 2018, adjourned on June 20, two days after hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi was elected president of Iran.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
Coffee: black death or elixir of life?
It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?
Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.
The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.
The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.
Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver.
The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.
But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.
Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.
It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.
So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.
Rory Reynolds
Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Expert input
If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?
“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett
“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche
“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox
“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite
“I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy
“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra
'Moonshot'
Director: Chris Winterbauer
Stars: Lana Condor and Cole Sprouse
Rating: 3/5
The biog
Name: Samar Frost
Born: Abu Dhabi
Hobbies: Singing, music and socialising with friends
Favourite singer: Adele
The squad traveling to Brazil:
Faisal Al Ketbi, Ibrahim Al Hosani, Khalfan Humaid Balhol, Khalifa Saeed Al Suwaidi, Mubarak Basharhil, Obaid Salem Al Nuaimi, Saeed Juma Al Mazrouei, Saoud Abdulla Al Hammadi, Taleb Al Kirbi, Yahia Mansour Al Hammadi, Zayed Al Kaabi, Zayed Saif Al Mansoori, Saaid Haj Hamdou, Hamad Saeed Al Nuaimi. Coaches Roberto Lima and Alex Paz.
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
