Latest news with #AhmadAbdullahAl-AhmadAl-Sabah
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Cautious Optimism As Kuwait Pushes For Lasting Iran-Israel Ceasefire
KUWAIT CITY, June 25, (Agencies): The Kuwaiti Cabinet on Tuesday welcomed a recently announced ceasefire agreement between parties involved in the regional conflict, urging them to respect it. This came during the Cabinet's customary weekly meeting, held at Bayan Palace under the chairmanship of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The Cabinet commended US President Donald Trump's efforts to put the ceasefire in place in a bid to promote diplomatic efforts to fend off further regional tensions and conflicts that undermine regional and international security and peace. The Cabinet was apprised of His Highness the Amir and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah's chairmanship of a meeting of the Supreme Defense Council earlier in the day. The meeting, which was attended by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, was meant to follow up on the latest regional developments. In this regard, the Cabinet listened to an explanation by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, the current chairman of the GCC ministerial council, about the 49th extraordinary foreign ministerial meeting, held in Doha today as a sign of solidarity with and support for the State of Qatar. At the onset of the meeting, the Cabinet reiterated Kuwait's emphatic condemnation of the blatant attack on Al-Udeid Airbase in Qatar as an obvious breach of Qatar's sovereignty, international law and the UN Charter. It underlined that the State of Kuwait stands side by side with the State of Qatar and backs all measures it is taking to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability It added that the State of Kuwait is ready to harness all its potential and capabilities to support Qatar, wishing Qatar and its sisterly people long-lasting security and stability. Furthermore, the Cabinet restated Kuwait's vehement opposition to military escalation, while calling on involved parties to exert joint efforts to settle international disagreements by peaceful and diplomatic means and continuing negotiations in order to safeguard regional security, peace and stability. Also on Tuesday, Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, the current chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council, chaired the 49th extraordinary GCC ministerial meeting in Doha to look into regional developments and bolster pan-Gulf action. During the meeting, they GCC foreign ministers echoed their utter support for Qatar and condemnation of the Iranian attack on Al-Udeid Airbase, underlining that Qatar's security is an integral part of GCC security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. The ministers, further, welcomed the announced ceasefire agreement, calling for capitalizing on such a step to promote the political option and step up diplomatic efforts to ensure regional security and stability. Following the extraordinary session, the Ministerial Council issued a statement condemning in the strongest terms the missile strikes launched by Iran against a military base in Qatar, read out by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al Budaiwi. The Council expressed deep regret and firm denunciation of the attack, viewing it as a blatant, unacceptable, and dangerous violation of Qatar's sovereignty and airspace, international law, and the UN Charter, Al-Budaiwi said. The Council expressed full solidarity with Qatar, and affirmed its complete support for any measures the country may take to preserve its security and stability. The Ministerial Council praised the capabilities of the Qatari Armed Forces in repelling the Iranian attack and emphasized that the security and stability of Qatar is an integral part of the security and stability of all GCC member states. In this regard, the council welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement of the ceasefire agreement and ending the war between Iran and Israeli occupation forces. Furthermore, the Council statement praised Oman's role in the US-Iran nuclear negotiations, as well as the U.S. and Qatari efforts in mediating to end the war. The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to be holding on Wednesday after a rocky start, giving rise to cautious hope for longer-term peace even as Tehran insisted it will not give up its nuclear program. U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped negotiate the ceasefire that took hold on Tuesday, the 12th day of the war, told reporters at a NATO summit it was going 'very well,' adding that Iran was 'not going to have a bomb and they're not going to enrich.' Iran has insisted, however, that it will not give up its nuclear program. In a vote underscoring the tough path ahead, its parliament agreed to fasttrack a proposal that would effectively stop the country's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. watchdog that has monitored the program for years. Iran Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf criticized the IAEA for having 'refused to even pretend to condemn the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities' that the United States carried out on Sunday. 'For this reason, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran will suspend cooperation with the IAEA until security of nuclear facilities is ensured, and Iran's peaceful nuclear program will move forward at a faster pace,' Qalibaf told lawmakers. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said he had already written to Iran to discuss resuming inspections of their nuclear facilities. Among other things, Iran claims to have moved its highly enriched uranium ahead of the U.S. strikes, and Grossi said his inspectors need to reassess the country's stockpiles. 'We need to return,' he said. 'We need to engage.' French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country was part of the 2015 deal with Iran that restricted its nuclear program but began unraveling after Trump pulled the U.S. out in his first term, said he hoped Tehran would come back to the table. Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program was peaceful, and U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Tehran is not actively pursuing a bomb. However, Israeli leaders have argued that Iran could quickly assemble a nuclear weapon. Israel is widely believed to be the only Middle Eastern country with nuclear weapons, which it has never acknowledged. The Israel Atomic Energy Commission said its assessment was that the U.S. and Israeli strikes have 'set back Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years.' It did not give evidence to back up its claim. The U.S. strikes hit three Iranian nuclear sites, which Trump said 'completely and fully obliterated' the country's nuclear program. At the NATO summit, when asked about a U.S. intelligence report that found Iran's nuclear program has been set back only a few months, Trump scoffed and said it would at least take 'years' to rebuild. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed that the strikes by U.S. B-2 bombers using bunker-buster bombs had caused significant damage. 'Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that's for sure,' he told Al Jazeera on Wednesday, while refusing to go into detail. He seemed to suggest Iran might not shut out IAEA inspectors for good, noting that the bill before parliament only talks of suspending work with the agency, not ending it. He also insisted Iran has the right to pursue a nuclear energy program. 'Iran is determined to preserve that right under any circumstances,' he said. Trump's special envoy to the Mideast, Steve Witkoff, said on Fox News late on Tuesday that Israel and the U.S. had achieved their objective of 'the total destruction of the enrichment capacity' in Iran, and Iran's prerequisite for talks - that Israel end its campaign - had been fulfilled. 'The proof is in the pudding,' he said. 'No one's shooting at each other. It's over.' Grossi said he could not speculate on how bad the damage was but that Iran's nuclear capabilities were well known. 'The technical knowledge is there, and the industrial capacity is there,' he said. 'That no one can deny, so we need to work together with them.' An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the ceasefire agreement with Iran amounted to 'quiet for quiet,' with no further understandings about Iran's nuclear program going ahead. In the Fox News interview, Witkoff said Trump is now looking to land 'a comprehensive peace agreement that goes beyond even the ceasefire.' 'We're already talking to each other, not just directly, but also through interlocutors,' Witkoff said, adding that the conversations were promising and 'we're hopeful that we can have a long-term peace agreement.'
Kuwait News Agency
4 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait News Agency
كونا : Kuwait PM congratulates Qatari Amir on 12th anniversary of post assumption
25/06/2025 LOC15:04 12:04 GMT KUWAIT, June 25 (KUNA) -- His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah sent on Wednesday a cable of congratulations to the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of his post assumption. (end) gta
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait Cabinet discusses national security, regional developments, and legal reforms
KUWAIT CITY, June 25: The Council of Ministers held its weekly meeting on Tuesday afternoon at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Following the session, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sherida Abdullah Al-Muasherji issued a detailed statement on the outcomes of the meeting. At the outset, the Cabinet was briefed on a Supreme Defense Council meeting held earlier in the day, presided over by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The meeting was attended by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the Prime Minister. His Highness the Amir reviewed the latest regional developments and was updated on the efforts and preparedness of Kuwait's security and emergency agencies to respond to any potential threats. The Cabinet praised the Amir's guidance to the Supreme Defense Council members, urging all necessary measures to preserve Kuwait's security and stability. With deep concern, the Cabinet addressed rising regional tensions, condemning in the strongest terms the recent attack on Al-Udeid Air Base in the State of Qatar. The attack was described as a blatant violation of Qatari sovereignty and a breach of international law and the UN Charter. The Cabinet reaffirmed Kuwait's full support for Qatar and its right to take all necessary steps to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and stability. Kuwait also expressed its readiness to extend all available support to the Qatari government and people. Furthermore, the Cabinet reiterated Kuwait's firm stance against military escalation and emphasized the need for peaceful resolutions and diplomatic dialogue to maintain regional stability. In this context, the Cabinet welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire by the United States and praised President Donald Trump's efforts to de-escalate tensions through phased diplomatic engagement. The Cabinet also listened to a briefing from Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Chair of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council, on the 49th extraordinary meeting of GCC Foreign Ministers held in Doha. The meeting focused on expressing solidarity with Qatar in light of the recent events. Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Hamed Al-Mishari presented a visual report on the current conditions in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area and proposed solutions to improve services and infrastructure. In a related initiative, Minister Al-Mishari announced the launch of a new electronic service aimed at facilitating housing-related transactions for elderly citizens and people with severe disabilities. The service, accessible via video communication through the unified government app 'Sahel,' is a significant step in Kuwait's digital transformation in public services. Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Sulaiman Al-Fassam briefed the Cabinet on the coordination efforts led by the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) concerning the investment portfolios of the General Secretariat of Endowments, the General Authority for Minors' Affairs, and the Zakat House. The KIA is working in collaboration with the Fatwa and Legislation Department to oversee the transfer and management of these financial and real estate assets. The Cabinet reviewed the report of the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs and approved several legal measures, including: A draft decree-law to cancel Article (29 bis) of Law No. 47 of 1993 related to housing care, commonly known as the 'who sold his house' law.n A draft decree-law on international judicial cooperation in criminal matters, aiming to regulate extradition, judicial assistance, and the transfer of convicts. The draft law underscores Kuwait's leadership in combating cross-border crime and fulfilling its international obligations. Both drafts are to be submitted to His Highness the Amir for final approval.n The Cabinet also approved the minutes of the Higher Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality, which included decisions related to the withdrawal and loss of Kuwaiti nationality in accordance with Decree-Law No. 15 of 1959 and its amendments. Several other agenda items were reviewed and either approved or referred to specialized ministerial committees for further study and procedural completion.
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
KUWAIT AMIR PRESIDES OVER DEFENSE COUNCIL
KUWAIT CITY, June 24: His Highness the Amir and Supreme Commander of Kuwait Armed Forces Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Tuesday presided over the meeting of the Supreme Defense Council in the presence of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to follow up the latest regional developments. During the meeting, His Highness the Amir was briefed on all the efforts exerted by the concerned authorities in the country, their coordination, the extent of their readiness, and the high level of preparedness among various sectors to deal with any emergency. His Highness instructed all concerned parties to take the necessary measures and precautions to maintain national security and stability. In a related development, His Highness the Amir on Monday evening called Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the aftermath of the missile attack launched by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Al-Udeid air base. During the telephone call, His Highness the Amir voiced Kuwait's emphatic denunciation of this aggression; as it is a clear breach of the sovereignty and airspace of Qatar, as well as the international law and the United Nations Charter. His Highness reiterated that the State of Kuwait totally stands side by side the Qatari leadership, government and people; and fully supports all measures and decisions the latter is taking to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability. He also affirmed that Kuwait is ready to use its capabilities and resources to support the State of Qatar, stressing that Qatar's security and stability are an integral part of Kuwait's security and stability. Meanwhile, the Amir of Qatar expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Amir; wishing His Highness good health and the State of Kuwait and its people progress and development. Moreover, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on Monday chaired the meeting of the Supreme Defense Council at Bayan Palace, with His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in attendance. The council condemned the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar; describing it as a blatant violation of Qatari sovereignty and airspace, in addition to the international law and the UN Charter. It also reviewed the major efforts that Kuwait exerted in various sectors to deal with potential emergencies, stressing that the country is fully prepared for emergencies and there is a high level of coordination among the relevant authorities. The Civil Defense Committee also held a meeting on Monday, chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, to enhance preparedness in view of the recent regional developments. In a press statement, the committee revealed that the meeting took place at the Crisis and Disaster Management Center in Nawaf Al-Ahmad Building. Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Al-Adwani and 32 representatives of various government institutions attended the meeting. During the meeting, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef stressed the need to 'maintain maximum level of readiness and work in a spirit of unity, as the current phase requires collective national efforts and enhanced field and information coordination among all relevant entities.' They discussed the operational mechanisms of specialized field evacuation and shelter teams, emphasizing the importance of strengthening effective communication among concerned authorities. They stressed the need to unify efforts within an integrated system that ensures swift response and the highest level of coordination in crisis and emergency management. They also underscored the need to activate early warning systems and unified control centers to expedite decisionmaking and resource allocation in order to reinforce national readiness and achieve the highest standards of safety and stability. The committee stated that Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef called on all participating bodies to 'continue conducting joint exercises, updating databases, and intensifying qualification and training programs in line with the best international practices in crisis management.' Furthermore, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya said on Monday evening that the State of Kuwait absolutely stands with Qatar, its leadership, government and people in facing threats to its security and stability. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Yahya disclosed that he contacted Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad bin Abdulrahman to express Kuwait's official and public support for everything that will safeguard the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Qatar. He added that the State of Kuwait, as per the directive of the political leadership, puts all its capabilities and resources at the disposal of Qatar out of belief in the 'same destiny and coherence of the Gulf house.' He also confirmed the commitment to maintain regional stability and safeguard its assets. He asserted that Qatar's security is an integral part of Kuwait's security, indicating that such times require a further consolidation of bonds of cooperation and solidarity in dealing with common challenges. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement on Sunday strongly condemning the attacks on Al-Udeid air base in Qatar. The ministry described the attacks as a serious escalation that undermines regional peace, security and stability. It emphasized that the State of Kuwait stands with Qatar's leadership, government and people and backs all measures it is taking to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability; including its right to direct response in a way that aligns with this blatant aggression. It added that Kuwait is ready to harness all its potential and capabilities to support Qatar, while reiterating that Qatar's security and stability is an integral part of Kuwait's security and stability. While commending the Qatari defense systems' interception of this missile attack, the ministry reiterated Kuwait's call for halting regional military operations and conflict spillover due to the Israeli occupation attacks. It also underscored the necessity of unifying efforts and promoting regional and international coordination to settle mattes in a diplomatic manner. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Monday the temporary closure of the country's airspace, as a precautionary measure to ensure its security and safety, in light of similar precautionary steps taken by several neighboring countries. In a statement, the DGCA pointed out 'the relevant authorities affirm that this decision is part of efforts to maintain the highest levels of safety and security amid recent regional developments.' It confirmed that it is fully coordinating with the competent authorities locally and internationally to monitor developments and take all necessary measures. It then urged travelers and airlines to closely monitor official updates and to cooperate with the relevant authorities in implementing this decision. The DGCA announced later that air traffic at Kuwait International Airport has returned to normal, following the stabilization of the airspace surrounding the country. According to data from Flight Radar, 15 flights were diverted to neighboring airports, most of which were to Jeddah and Cairo airports, before flights resumed normal operations at the end of the temporary suspension period. The directorate explained that the temporary closure, which lasted for approximately two hours, led to the delay and cancellation of a number of flights. These flights were rescheduled to depart at later times or return to Kuwait International Airport. It stated that the decisions taken affirm its commitment to ensure the highest standards of safety and security in Kuwaiti airspace, and are based on careful assessments conducted by specialized teams in cooperation with relevant local and international authorities. It praised the passengers and airlines for their understanding and cooperation during the past period, stressing that the safety of everyone and the State of Kuwait was and remains a top priority and will not be compromised. On the other hand, the Kuwaiti Army General Staff denied rumors spread on some social media platforms regarding a missile attack on a military airbase, affirming that 'Kuwait's sovereignty remains safe from any violation or attack'. In a press statement, the Army General Staff urged everyone to obtain news from credible and official sources, and to refrain from believing or spreading misinformation on social media. On the other hand, the Ministry of Social Affairs confirmed the stability of the strategic stock of basic food commodities in cooperative societies throughout the country, stressing that there is no cause for concern amid the current regional situation. In a press release, the ministry stated that cooperative societies continue to operate regularly and all commodities are available in sufficient quantities. It affirmed that strategic and alternative plans are in place to ensure stability of the local market and availability of commodities under various circumstances. It highlighted ongoing monitoring and coordination with relevant authorities to meet the needs of citizens and residents. The Ministry of Health reassured the public that the healthcare system and its staff are fully prepared, based on well-studied rapid response plans to ensure everyone's safety, in full cooperation and coordination with the relevant official institutions. The Ministry of Information emphasized the importance of local media outlets in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and credibility. In a statement issued Monday evening, the ministry stressed the need for accuracy in reporting and broadcasting news. It urged all media institutions to refrain from spreading rumors or publishing unreliable information, warning of the negative impact such actions could have on societal security. Kuwait General Administration of Customs (KGAC) confirmed its full readiness 24/7 at all customs locations at full capacity. The administration explained that the documentation departments are working in complete coordination to ensure the smooth flow of goods and passengers, and enhance security and inspection procedures to preserve Kuwait's security and facilitate trade and transportation. Elsewhere, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was 'in effect' on Tuesday, after expressing deep frustration with both sides and accusing them of violating the agreement he brokered. Israel earlier accused Iran of launching missiles into its airspace after the truce was supposed to take effect. The Iranian military denied firing on Israel, state media reported. Trump expressed anger and frustration as he told reporters at the White House that both Israel, a close ally, and Iran had violated the ceasefire plan. But later he said the deal was saved, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he held off on tougher strikes against Iran after speaking to Trump. 'Following President Trump's conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel refrained from additional attacks,' Netanyahu's office says. Trump told reporters at the White House before departing for a NATO summit that, in his view, both sides had violated the nascent agreement. He had particularly strong words for Israel, a close ally, while suggesting Iran may have fired on the country by mistake. But later he said the deal was saved. 'ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly 'Plane Wave' to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!' Trump said in his Truth Social post. Indeed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he held off on tougher strikes against Iran after speaking to Trump. The conflict, now in its 12th day, began with Israel targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, saying it could not allow Tehran to develop atomic weapons and that it feared the Islamic Republic was close. Iran has long maintained that its program is peaceful. Many worried the war might widen after the U.S. joined the attacks by dropping bunker-buster bombs over the weekend and Israel expanded the kinds of targets it was hitting. But after Tehran launched a limited retaliatory strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar on Monday, Trump announced the ceasefire.
Arab Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
PM stresses implementation of strategic pacts with China
KUWAIT CITY, June 19: His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Thursday urged the concerned ministers to follow up on the implementation of the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between Kuwait and China. This came in a meeting headed by His Highness to follow up on the implementation of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between the governments of Kuwait and China. The 15th meeting of the committee touched on the latest developments of projects included in the agreements between the governments of the two countries on cooperation in the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, the electrical power system, the development of renewable energy, low-carbon green system for waste recycling, housing development, environmental infrastructure for wastewater treatment plants, and free and economic zones. The meeting also discussed expanding cooperation and strategic partnerships, as well as investment and economic opportunities with China, and accelerating the implementation of these major projects in line with the country's development vision. The Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs and member and rapporteur of the Ministerial Committee, Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat, gave a detailed explanation of the cooperation, consultation and coordination existing between the governments of the two countries. The meeting was attended by Head of the Prime Minister's Diwan Abdulaziz Al-Dakheel, Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Al-Mishari, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Al- Mukhaizeem, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr. Meshal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Head of the Fatwa and Legislation Department Counselor Salah Al-Majed, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, and member and rapporteur of the Ministerial Committee Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat. (KUNA)
