Latest news with #AbdullahAl-Yahya
Libya Review
7 days ago
- Business
- Libya Review
GCC Ministers Reaffirm Support for Political Dialogue & Sovereignty in Libya
On Tuesday, the Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council renewed their call for a political solution in Libya, urging all parties to commit to dialogue and national unity. The message was included in the final communiqué of the GCC's 164th ministerial session, held in Kuwait on Monday under the chairmanship of Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya. The council expressed concern over the recent escalation of tensions in Tripoli, which began in mid-May, and emphasized the need to resolve internal disputes through peaceful, Libyan-led means. The statement called on all Libyan actors to act with reason and prioritize national interests over conflict, to safeguard the country's sovereignty and stability. The GCC reiterated its firm support for a political process rooted in Libyan ownership and in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions. It also called for the full withdrawal of foreign forces, mercenaries, and armed foreign groups from Libyan territory, describing this as essential to restoring sovereignty and ending external interference. In a show of backing for the UN's role in the country, the council welcomed the appointment of Hanna Serwaa Tetteh as the new Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, as of January 24, 2025. Ministers also welcomed the recent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2769, which allows Libyan institutions to invest frozen financial reserves in time deposits with global financial institutions. The council voiced full support for the UN's efforts to organize simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections, unify Libya's divided institutions, and help the country transition toward peace, security, and development. The ministerial meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and the GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi. Tags: GCCGulf Cooperation CouncillibyaPolitical Dialogue
Leaders
02-06-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi FM Takes Part in GCC Ministerial Meeting in Kuwait
The Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, is participating in the 164th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Meeting, taking place in Kuwait, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Prince Faisal bin Farhan was received at the Kuwait International Airport by his Kuwaiti counterpart, Abdullah Al-Yahya, and Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Kuwait, Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khaled. On Monday, the Ministerial Meeting kicked off under the chairmanship of the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Abdullah Al-Yahya. The Foreign Ministers and heads of delegations from the GCC countries are taking part in the meeting, according to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). The GCC Foreign Ministers will explore ways to strengthen joint cooperation among Gulf countries, as well as exchanging views on the latest regional and international developments and efforts made to address them. Furthermore, the meeting will discuss resolutions regarding the follow-up of decisions issued by the GCC Supreme Council at the 45th summit in Kuwait City in December 2024, the GCC Secretary-General, Jasim Al-Budaiwi, said in a press release. It will also discuss reports and memoranda submitted by the ministerial and technical committees and the General Secretariat, in addition to dialogues, strategic ties and free trade agreements between the GCC countries and foreign countries and blocs. Short link : Post Views: 35
Kuwait Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait plays a pivotal role in GCC-ASEAN-China summits
Events aim to deepen regional integration and bolster cooperation KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwait's participation in the upcoming GCC-ASEAN and GCC-ASEAN-China summits in Kuala Lumpur reflects the country's steadfast commitment to fostering international partnerships and enhancing communication with regional blocs, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya said on Saturday. Speaking to KUNA, Al-Yahya confirmed that preparations are underway for Kuwait's involvement in the high-level meetings, to be held from May 26 to 28, alongside a concurrent economic summit. He announced that His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, representing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, will lead the Kuwaiti and GCC delegations as part of Kuwait's current presidency of the 45th GCC session. Al-Yahya stated that Kuwait's participation underscores its strategic diplomatic approach aimed at deepening multilateral cooperation amid growing ties between the Gulf states, ASEAN countries, and China. He stressed that Kuwait views these engagements as vital platforms for dialogue, policy coordination, and the advancement of shared interests. Highlighting the scope of the 2024–2028 GCC-ASEAN cooperation framework, the minister pointed to four priority areas: political and economic dialogue, energy and food security, and collaboration in global forums. He described the summits as a timely opportunity for participating leaders to exchange views on pressing regional and international developments and to align on common policy stances. The summit agendas are expected to cover a wide range of strategic issues, including food and energy security, digital transformation, innovation, logistical connectivity, education, and tourism. These focus areas, Al-Yahya said, are central to achieving sustainable development, strengthening regional stability, and broadening economic integration. Recalling the inaugural GCC-ASEAN summit held in Riyadh last year, he said the upcoming gatherings build upon the cooperative foundations laid there and reflect Kuwait's proactive role in advancing developmental diplomacy and global engagement. 'These summits serve as important bridges of communication and coordination, promoting mutual understanding and reinforcing Kuwait's international partnerships,' he added. Al-Yahya expressed confidence that the summits would help shape a comprehensive roadmap for institutional cooperation between the GCC, ASEAN, and China. Such a framework would enable the implementation of joint initiatives and contribute to enhancing partnerships in key sectors of mutual interest. He also noted that His Highness the Crown Prince would meet with heads of participating delegations on the sidelines of the events, aiming to bolster bilateral relations, explore cooperation opportunities, and discuss regional and global developments. In related remarks, GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations Dr Abdulaziz Al-Owaisheq praised Kuwait's leadership in coordinating unified Gulf positions ahead of the two summits. Speaking to KUNA, Dr Al-Owaisheq noted that Kuwait, as the current GCC chair, plays a pivotal role in advancing Gulf-Asian cooperation in political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. He emphasized that Kuwait has been instrumental in articulating Gulf and Arab priorities to Southeast Asian partners, including support for the Palestinian cause and efforts to resolve crises in Syria and Yemen. Dr Al-Owaisheq highlighted that the institutional framework for GCC-ASEAN cooperation was initiated in 2009 in Bahrain, leading to the establishment of working groups focused on trade, investment, education, food security, and cultural exchange. With senior-level delegations from all six GCC states expected to attend, the summits will focus on operationalizing the GCC-ASEAN Joint Action Plan (2024–2028). Dr Al-Owaisheq described China as a key strategic partner for both blocs, noting that GCC-China trade exceeds $200 billion annually, while trade between the GCC and ASEAN stands at approximately $150 billion, collectively comprising about 40 percent of the Gulf's foreign trade. 'Together, the GCC, ASEAN, and China represent over a quarter of the global economy,' he stated, emphasizing the summits' role in strengthening trilateral cooperation across sectors such as trade, energy, education, security, and diplomacy. He confirmed that preparatory meetings in Kuala Lumpur are already in progress, with the aim of generating concrete proposals and establishing a follow-up mechanism to ensure implementation of outcomes. On the trade front, Dr Al-Owaisheq revealed that negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the GCC and China are nearing conclusion, amid Beijing's interest in expanding economic ties. While formal FTA talks with ASEAN have yet to begin due to internal disagreements on tariffs, a feasibility study has been approved and discussions are ongoing with individual member states. He pointed out that Singapore has already signed an FTA with the GCC, while negotiations are underway with Indonesia and are expected to commence soon with Malaysia. Dr Al-Owaisheq concluded by stressing the strategic importance of the Kuala Lumpur gatherings, which are expected to boost regional partnerships, advance economic cooperation, and respond effectively to shifting geopolitical dynamics and trends in global trade. — KUNA
Kuwait News Agency
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait News Agency
Kuwait FM welcomes Moldovan counterpart
12/05/2025 LOC19:11 16:11 GMT Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya received his visiting Moldovan counterpart Dr. Abdulla Khaleel KUWAIT, May 12 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya received his visiting Moldovan counterpart Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and his accompanying delegation at Kuwait International Airport on Monday. (end) mt Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya received his visiting Moldovan counterpart Dr. Abdulla Khaleel Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya receives his visiting Moldovan counterpart Dr. Abdulla Khaleel
Kuwait Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait committed to labor rights
Public bodies mark May Day • Human rights diwan urges safe work environment KUWAIT: Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment to protecting labor rights and improving workers' welfare during a conference organized by the ministry of foreign affairs on Thursday to mark International Workers' Day. Held under the patronage of Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, the event brought together several government ministries and national institutions to highlight Kuwait's ongoing efforts to support labor issues and promote fair and safe work environments. Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah represented the minister and toured an accompanying exhibition showcasing the roles of workers in Kuwait's development and the legal protections ensuring their safety and well-being. Speaking at a roundtable titled 'Adequate Housing and Workers' Welfare in Kuwait... International Standards and Sustainable National Solutions', Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah said Kuwait aims to align with international labor standards under its New Kuwait 2035 vision. She noted that contract workers make up 75 percent of Kuwait's labor force, representing over 174 nationalities, reflecting the country's expansive development projects. She highlighted several initiatives, including the allocation of six labor cities by the Public Authority for Housing Welfare and the ministry of finance, the opening of a migrant worker shelter for men in February by the Public Authority of Manpower, and a nationwide awareness campaign launched in March on health and safety standards for labor accommodations. Kuwait is also enhancing its legislative framework by updating laws on human trafficking, domestic labor, residency and private sector employment to promote transparency and sustainable development. She praised cooperation with UN agencies such as UN-Habitat, the International Labor Organization and the International Organization for Migration, and acknowledged the private sector's role, citing participation from companies like Alshaya Group, Kuwait National Petroleum Company, Bait Al Mawared, and the Kuwaiti Danish Dairy Company. She stressed the importance of civil society involvement and highlighted the national strategy against trafficking and smuggling for 2025–2028, announced during the 6th Regional Anti-Trafficking Forum. She also noted that labor rights will be a core topic at the upcoming second World Social Summit in Doha in November. Separately, the National Diwan for Human Rights (NDHR) marked Labour Day by voicing its support for all efforts aimed at ensuring safe, just and exploitation-free work environments. In a statement to KUNA, the diwan emphasized its dedication to preserving workers' dignity and basic rights. The diwan contributed to a recent awareness campaign on occupational safety targeting delivery motorbike drivers, reaching around 39,000 workers through materials in seven languages, in cooperation with delivery companies. It also partnered with the ministry of health to vaccinate 3,224 drivers against seasonal flu as part of efforts to reduce respiratory illnesses linked to work conditions. The diwan reiterated its commitment to raising labor rights awareness and improving conditions in this vital sector. – KUNA
