WASHINGTON, Sept 4 (KUNA) -- On the sidelines of the visit to Washington by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairman and CEO of the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) Salem Muthib Al-Athainah and Corporate Vice President at Microsoft Fred Humphries signed a memorandum of understanding.

The document aims to strengthen cooperation between the two sides in the area of information and communication technology, said Eng. Al-Athainah told KUNA on Tuesday.
"It falls in the framework of Kuwait's quest to diversify the sources of the national income, build information-based economy and leverage the use of ICT in government services," he pointed out.
"Kuwait seeks to boost the e-government system, digital information, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and encourage innovation in these areas," he said.
"Today's MoU focuses on backing up the smart government services, the smart city initiative and entrepreneurship in building ICT system and building the capacity of the national cadres in Kuwait," Al-Athainah went on.
He highlighted the importance of applications of artificial intelligence in the areas of energy and water and the improvement of government services as well as protecting the national information systems through cybersecurity.
"CITRA will organize, jointly with Microsoft, workshops and surveys on how to share the world's best practices of ICT applications," Al-Athainah noted, adding that the Authority would continue protecting the data of the government services and civil servants against hacking.
He expressed joy for working with Microsoft at a time when the Kuwaiti government strives to make better use of ICT.
On his part, Fred Humphries said the signing of the document "means to much to be able to build upon the partnership and relationship we have forged with the (Kuwait) govt. to focus on smart cities and artificial intelligence and be a part of the digital transformation that is already taking place in Kuwait." "This is quiet exciting. It's another step and a great framework to work together to provide more digital technology and transformation.
"The relationship with Kuwait is excellent and there's so many exciting things when comes to the focus on technology that is taking place in Kuwait and we want to be part of it and continue to be part of it," Humphries stated.
He added that with this framework, "we'll be able to do more and better things." (end) si.asf.gb