Latest news with #Kuwaiti-Syrian
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
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.
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait welcomes Syrian President amid renewed engagement
Kuwait welcomes Syrian President amid renewed engagement KUWAIT: The official visit of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and his accompanying delegation to Kuwait Sunday carries special significance in the context of Kuwaiti-Syrian relations. During the visit, he held official talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, affirming Kuwait's steadfast and supportive stance toward Syria, its people, unity, and full sovereignty over its territory. Formal diplomatic ties between Kuwait and Syria were established on October 24, 1963, with Syria opening its first embassy in Kuwait. This was soon followed by the opening of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Damascus, marking a new phase of constructive cooperation and joint coordination on Arab and international issues. Over six decades, these relations have witnessed fruitful collaboration across various fields. However, between 2012 and 2024, relations were interrupted due to the security situation in Syria. On March 15, 2012, Kuwait announced the closure of its embassy in Damascus, in line with the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) position and due to deteriorating security conditions. Kuwaiti diplomats were instructed to leave Syria, and remaining Kuwaiti citizens were urged to depart swiftly. On December 30 of last year, ties witnessed a significant development with the visit of Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya to Damascus in his capacity as Chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council—a step reflecting the GCC's commitment to regional security and stability. Following his meeting with Syria's new head of government, President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Al-Yahya stated that the visit delivered a message of solidarity from the GCC, affirming its unwavering position on the importance of preserving Syria's unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and rejecting external interference in its internal affairs. HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince, and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah meet Syrian officials during their visit to Kuwait. Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah waves goodbye to Syria's President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. — Photos by Kuwait's Amiri Diwan and SANA / AFP Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah welcomes Ahmed Al-Sharaa at Bayan Palace in Kuwaiti City on June 1, 2025. He also noted that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah had directed the provision of urgent food and medical aid to the Syrian people in response to the pressing humanitarian situation. That same day, Kuwait launched the first flights of a humanitarian air bridge to support the Syrian people, in line with Kuwait's leading humanitarian role and its commitment to alleviating suffering and expressing solidarity with Syrians. The Kuwait Red Crescent Society, tasked with managing the air bridge, stated that the aid aims to address shortages in supplies and provide basic necessities to help Syrians meet their daily living needs. Over the past decades, leaders and high-level officials from both countries have engaged in reciprocal visits, including delegations of businesspeople and investors, with the goal of strengthening cooperation across sectors, sharing successful experiences, and exchanging expertise to advance development in both nations. Kuwait and Syria are linked by numerous agreements and memoranda of cooperation, particularly in the economic, commercial, scientific, and technical fields. Since 1969, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has financed several development projects in Syria, especially in transportation, water, energy, industry, and communications. Syria also contributed to the liberation of Kuwait in 1991 by dispatching troops as part of the international coalition in implementation of United Nations resolutions. Kuwait, in turn, has repeatedly affirmed its support for Syria's efforts to regain its occupied Golan Heights. Kuwait took a clear stance on the Syrian crisis that began in 2011. It called, through the UN Security Council, for an end to war crimes, the facilitation of humanitarian aid delivery, and the lifting of sieges on civilian areas. Kuwait expressed grave concern over the continued use of heavy and internationally banned weapons against innocent civilians. It strongly condemned the forced displacement of the Syrian people and repeated attacks on medical facilities and civilian infrastructure, including airstrikes. Kuwait has stressed the need for international action to end the violence in Syria. Kuwait hosted the first three international donor conferences to support the humanitarian situation in Syria in 2013, 2014, and 2015, raising significant pledges—over 90 percent of which were fulfilled. In February 2016, Kuwait co-chaired the fourth donor conference with the UK, hosted in London, focusing on Syria and support for neighboring countries bearing the burden of the crisis. Kuwait has continued to participate in subsequent donor conferences, most recently the Brussels Conference hosted by the European Union in March this year. The conference was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani and featured high-level international, Arab, and regional participation. Through KFAED, the Kuwait Red Crescent, and various Kuwaiti charities, Kuwait has provided significant humanitarian aid to displaced Syrians inside the country and to refugees in neighboring countries, especially Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. Over the past five months, Kuwait has reaffirmed through numerous statements by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs its consistent position supporting Syria's unity and full sovereignty. It stressed the importance of international solidarity and stepped-up humanitarian and development efforts to support the Syrian people and ease their suffering. On December 9, 2024, Kuwait condemned the Zionist entity's occupation forces' takeover of the buffer zone on the Syrian border, calling it a blatant violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions. On May 2, it also condemned an airstrike launched by those forces near the presidential palace in Damascus, again calling it a clear violation of Syrian sovereignty. On May 13, Kuwait welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement lifting sanctions on Syria. On May 21, Kuwait welcomed the European Union's decision to lift economic sanctions on Syria, describing it as an important step toward rebuilding the country and meeting its people's aspirations for development and prosperity. — KUNA
Leaders
4 days ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Official Visit: Syria's Al-Sharaa Meets Kuwaiti Emir
Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa met Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday during an official visit, according to Arab News. The Syrian delegation included the Foreign Minister Assad Al-Shibani and other senior Syrian officials. Kuwaiti-Syrian Relations During the talks, Al-Sharaa and Al-Sabah discussed the Syrian-Kuwaiti relations and explored new ways to further boost the bilateral relations. Both leaders also delved into the latest regional and international developments. Al-Sabah stressed Kuwait's unwavering support for the Syrian unity and sovereignty. A Photo taken during Al-Sharaa's visit to Kuwait After the fall of Al-Assad's regime in December, Kuwait restored its ties with Syria and even sent its Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya to visit Damascus on Dec. 30. Consequently, Kuwaiti authorities launched the first flights of a humanitarian air bridge to Syria to alleviate the suffering of Syrians. Kuwaiti represents the fifth stop of Al-Sharaa's Gulf tour after Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Since the fall of Al-Assad, the new Syrian government has been attempting to build strong relations with Arab and Western countries notably after the US has lifted its sanctions on Syria. Saudi-Syrian Relations Saudi Crown Prince Fosters Relations with Syria's Al-Sharaa In February, Al-Sharaa landed in Saudi Arabia for his first foreign trip since taking power. He met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed the bilateral relations. After the meeting, al-Sharaa said that the meeting with MBS had shown that Saudi Arabia had 'a genuine desire to support Syria in building its future'. Emirati-Syrian Relations Syria's Al-Sharaa Strengthens Ties with UAE President at Abu Dhabi In April, Al-Sharaa held talks with his Emirati Counterpart Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan during his official visit to Abu Dhabi. The Emirati President emphasized the UAE's support for Syria's efforts to rebuild its future and maintain stability, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Qatari-Syrian Relations Al-Sharaa's visit to Doha Furthermore, Al-Sharaa visited Doha in April for his first official visit to Qatar, a key backer of the country's post-Assad administration. Importantly, the visit marked a deepening of diplomatic ties between both nations and perfectly aligns with a wave of regional engagement with Syria's new government. Bahraini-Syrian Relations Syria's Al-Sharaa meets with Bahrain's King Meanwhile, Syria's President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and a high-ranking delegation visited Bahrain in May and met King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa at the Sakhir Palace in Manama. Both leaders discussed Syrian-Bahraini relations and ways of fostering the bilateral ties along with other regional affairs and means of supporting Syria's security and stability. Related Topics: Cyprus Grants Financial Support to Syrian Families to Resettle Syria Pledges to Assist in Locating Missing Americans: US Envoy Erdogan Holds Talks with Syria's Sharaa in Istanbul Short link : Post Views: 5
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
HH Amir of Kuwait, President of Syria convene for high-level talks
KUWAIT CITY, June 1: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and President of Syria Ahmad Al-Sharaa, on Sunday, presided over the official round of talks between the two countries. Present at the talks were His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and senior officials of both countries. Minister of the Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al- Mubarak Al-Sabah said in a statement that the session focused on bolstering bilateral relations in all possible domains to achieve the mutual interests of Kuwait and Syria. The talks also focused on coordinating efforts between the two countries regionally and internationally, especially those concerning maintaining the stability and unity of Syria, he revealed. Issues of common concern as well as regional and global developments were discussed, the minister added. Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and the accompanying delegation arrived in Kuwait earlier Sunday, on a visit where he would be holding an official round of talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The Syrian President and his delegation were received by the head of the honorary delegation Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya. The Syrian delegation includes Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani and senior state officials. Following the talks, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah hosted a luncheon in honor of visiting Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and the accompanying delegation at Bayan Palace. Visiting Syrian President Ahmad Al- Sharaa also held a meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al- Sabah at Bayan Palace on Sunday. Minister of Foreign Affairs and head of the honorary delegation Abdullah Al-Yahya attended the meeting. The visit by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa to the State of Kuwait holds significance to people in both countries as they hope that it will add to the historic ties, ever developing towards constructive cooperation. The Syrian President was expected to meet with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, holding official talks reflecting the strength of ties and the Kuwaiti people's keenness on supporting the unity and sovereignty of Syria. Kuwaiti-Syrian diplomatic ties date back to October 24, 1963 when Syria opened its first embassy in Kuwait, a step followed shortly by Kuwait opening its embassy in Damascus. The relations witnessed a period of suspension between 2012 and 2024 due to the security happenings in Syria, with Kuwait announcing the closure of its embassy in Damascus on March 15, 2012 due to the deteriorating security situation in the fellow Arab country, urging citizens to return to Kuwait. On December 30, 2024, ties saw a new development when Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya visited the Syrian capital as chair of the GCC ministerial council in a gesture reflecting support to the security and stability of the region and Syria. Minister Al-Yahya met with the new Syrian administration led by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa to express support to Syria and call for other countries not to interfere in internal Syrian matters. In the same day Minister Al-Yahya visited, the first Kuwaiti air bridge to deliver relief aid to the Syrian people was launched upon the directives of the Kuwaiti leadership. The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), which was tasked with overseeing the mission, said that the aim was to cover the needs of the Syrian people during this critical transitional period. In the past decades, senior Kuwaiti and Syrian officials exchanged visits to boost ties in all possible domains. The two countries have signed numerous accords, agreements, and MoUs, while the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has been providing loans and grants to Syria since 1969. Syria had contributed to the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, becoming part of the international coalition to rid Kuwait of the Iraqi invasion of August 2, 1990. In regards to the Syrian crisis, the State of Kuwait had a clear stance since the conflict began in 2011, calling on the UNSC to end war crimes committed in Syria and also allowing the entry of humanitarian aid to help civilians and the innocent. Kuwait had condemned what has occurred against the Syrian people from violations and aggression, saying that aid should be delivered to those affected by the violence and the international community must take a stance to end the destruction of lives and infrastructure in Syria. The State of Kuwait had organized three humanitarian donors conferences for Syria in 2013, 2014, and 2015 to help the Syrian people overcome their plight, with the events able to cover 90 percent of the needed humanitarian pledges. In February 2016, Kuwait co-chaired with the UK the fourth humanitarian conference for Syria held in Britain, which focused on the situation within the war-torn country and ways to deliver much-needed aid to those most affected. Kuwait also took part in the conference held in Brussels by the EU in March of 2025 in the presence of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani and a wide range of regional and international participants. Kuwait -- through the KFAED, KRCS, and charities -- had assisted Syrians displaced in Syria and seeking refuge abroad, especially in Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkiye. In the last five months, Kuwait issued several statements through its Foreign Ministry calling for unity and stability in Syria, calling on the world to take part in aiding Syria through this critical juncture. In one instance of solidarity, Kuwait expressed utter condemnation of the Israeli occupation aggression in December 2024 on areas in the Syrian border, saying it was a violation of international laws and UNSC resolutions. A similar condemnation was also reflected in May in regards to Israeli occupation airstrikes against Syrian forces and the Presidential Palace in Damascus. Kuwait welcomed on May 13 the US President Donald Trump's announcement on lifting sanctions on Syria and also welcomed a similar decision by the EU in May 21, which lifted economic sanctions, paving the way for a prosperous and bright future for Syria. (KUNA)
