Single GCC Tourist Visa by the End of This Year
KUWAIT CITY, Jun 3: The longstanding Iraq-Kuwait border dispute returned to the spotlight during a meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers, as the Council reiterated calls for Iraq to resolve key pending issues and respect international agreements.
GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi expressed optimism that a unified Gulf visa system could be finalized before the end of the year. However, much of the diplomatic focus centered on Iraq, with Kuwait's Foreign Minister and current chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council, Abdullah Al-Yahya, calling for tangible progress from Baghdad on the unresolved files of prisoners, missing persons, and seized Kuwaiti property.
Speaking to the press following the ministerial session, Al-Yahya underscored the need for continued UN Security Council oversight, including the appointment of a senior coordinator to carry forward efforts following the expiration of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
'The Council reaffirmed Iraq's obligation to respect Kuwait's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime borders under international resolutions,' Al-Yahya said. He noted the Council's firm rejection of any violation of Kuwaiti territory, including land, islands, highlands, and maritime areas.
He further emphasized Kuwait's commitment to the outcomes of the 47th extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, held on May 6, particularly concerning maritime border demarcation beyond Marker 162. Al-Yahya urged Iraq to honor existing agreements on maritime navigation in the strategically vital Khor Abdullah waterway.
Kuwaiti-Syrian Relations Also in Focus
In a separate diplomatic development, Foreign Minister Al-Yahya confirmed that recent talks between Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah covered a wide range of bilateral and regional issues.
The Amir reaffirmed Kuwait's support for Syria's sovereignty and territorial unity, Al-Yahya noted, adding that President Al-Shara met with members of the Syrian expatriate community and private sector representatives during his visit.
Looking ahead, the foreign minister said additional meetings are expected between Syrian and Kuwaiti counterparts, both at the governmental and civil society levels.
Regarding the potential reopening of Kuwait's embassy in Damascus, Al-Yahya stated that the process is underway, though the timeline is tied to Kuwait's internal administrative procedures and not related to any political considerations with Syria. He confirmed that the matter is progressing and expected to be finalized soon.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Arab Times
New judicial fees move to take effect early July
KUWAIT CITY, June 28: Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait has issued a decision to introduce new judicial fees for the Experts Department, covering six categories based on the time and effort required to carry out assignments, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The decision sets a fee of KD 30 for inspection sessions and KD 20 for expert attendance at court sessions. These fees will be increased by 100 percent in cases where the value of the report's subject exceeds KD 500,000. The decision will come into effect in early July. Article 1 of the decision outlines the following judicial fees for expert services: KD 10 for each session held by the expert at the headquarters of the General Experts Department or any of its branches to carry out the assignment. KD 5 for each procedural session held by the expert without requiring the presence of the parties. KD 30 for inspection sessions conducted at the dispute site or for sessions held to review documents outside the department's headquarters. KD 20 for the expert's appearance in court to discuss the report. KD 15 for travel expenses. KD 20 for filing the report. Article 2 - The fees outlined in Article 1, clauses A, B, C, and D will vary based on the number of experts assigned to the committee. These fees shall be doubled (100%) in cases where the value of the report's findings exceeds KD 500,000. Article 4 - If an assignment requires specialized expertise from outside the General Department of Experts, the matter shall be referred to the court, which will determine the appropriate fees and expenses. The decision also sets fees for assignments based on the type of property or case as follows: Category A - KD 100 for assignments related to private residences or residential units located in private, model, investment, chalet, or commercial areas. Category B - KD 250 for assignments related to residential or commercial complexes. Category C - KD 200 for assignments related to industrial plots, agricultural plots, or areas designated for investment housing or commercial use. Article 6 of the decision repeals Resolution No. 232/2017. Article 7 mandates the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice to implement this resolution, effective July 1.
Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait strategic ally of Italy
PARIS, June 28: Kuwait's Ambassador to Italy Nasser Al-Qahtani spoke with the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, at the Chamber's headquarters in Rome recently. A statement by the Kuwaiti Embassy in Rome said that both sides discussed bilateral relations during the meeting and ways of strengthening them in an array of fields. The President of the Chamber of Deputies expressed his gratitude for the historic relations his country has with Kuwait to say that Kuwait is considered an 'important strategic ally of Italy,' given the strong political, diplomatic, economic, defense, and cultural relations that unite the two sides. Fontana also praised Kuwait's ambitious economic vision, which aims to diversify sources of income and implement major development projects, as he emphasized that this vision opens up broad horizons for Italian companies to contribute to implementing these projects and enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.(KUNA)
Arab Times
3 hours ago
- Arab Times
Lebanese Business Council honors outgoing Chargé d'Affaires
KUWAIT CITY, June 28: In a gesture of loyalty and appreciation for his distinguished diplomatic career, the Lebanese Business Council in Kuwait organized a farewell ceremony in honor of Chargé d'Affaires at the Lebanese Embassy Ahmed Arafa, on the occasion of the end of his diplomatic mission in Kuwait and his appointment as Permanent Representative of the Lebanese Republic to the United Nations in New York. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan to Kuwait Ambassador Zubaydullo Zubaydzoda. Representative of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the Protocol Department Muhanna Al- Muhanna, members of the diplomatic corps, economic and social figures, and representatives of the Lebanese community attended the event to express their sincere appreciation for Arafa's contributions throughout his tenure in Kuwait. President of the Lebanese Business Council in Kuwait Ali Hassan Khalil delivered a heartfelt speech on behalf of the council and the Lebanese community. He said 'since assuming your duties, you have been a symbol of modern diplomacy. You combined political, economic and social representation. You are Lebanon's honorable voice abroad and a shining example of its values and morals. We will never forget your oversight of the rehabilitation of the Lebanese mission headquarters to become a unifying home for all Lebanese. Kuwait will not forget the 'Kuwait Needs Your Safety' campaign, which embodied your humanity and demonstrated the highest value of solidarity between the two brotherly peoples. Today we bid farewell to the Chargé d'Affaires ... to welcome the Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations, the bearer of the nation's message in international forums, with strong confidence in your ability to represent Lebanon with the highest levels of responsibility and competence.' Meanwhile, Arafa expressed his deep gratitude. He stated 'I stand today overwhelmed with the love of my friends and colleagues, and with the warmth of a country that embraced me as it embraces its own people. Kuwait has truly been my second home, with the generosity, authenticity and sincere love I have witnessed.' He extended his deep gratitude to the Lebanese community that he described as 'the beating heart,' emphasizing that it has been the best support and an honorable symbol for Lebanon. He added: 'I carry with me these memories, these relationships, and these values, to represent Lebanon at the United Nations, carrying its voice and true image based on dignity, justice, diversity and humanity.' Zubaydov, praised Arafa's professional and humanitarian qualities, emphasizing that he 'was an example of a professional and proactive diplomat who worked tirelessly to develop Lebanese-Kuwaiti relations and consolidate them. His fingerprints will remain firmly in the memory of the missions and the records of bilateral relations, especially after the success of the recent visit of His Excellency the Lebanese President to Kuwait, which he contributed to organizing and making a success in an effective manner.' The ceremony witnessed a remarkable interaction among the attendees who praised Arafa's professional and friendly behavior, and his continuous presence at various events of interest to the Lebanese community. At the end of the ceremony, an honorary shield was presented on behalf of the Lebanese Business Council, in appreciation of his efforts and as a token of love from his fellow citizens in Kuwait, with best wishes for his success in his new position in New York.
