Kuwait, Iran FMs Affirm Commitment to Sustaining Dialogue, Supporting Stability

Kuwait's foreign minister Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian on the sidelines of the ministerial-level talks of the Non-Aligned Movement (Kuwait Foreign Ministry)
Kuwait's foreign minister Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian on the sidelines of the ministerial-level talks of the Non-Aligned Movement (Kuwait Foreign Ministry)
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Kuwait, Iran FMs Affirm Commitment to Sustaining Dialogue, Supporting Stability

Kuwait's foreign minister Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian on the sidelines of the ministerial-level talks of the Non-Aligned Movement (Kuwait Foreign Ministry)
Kuwait's foreign minister Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian on the sidelines of the ministerial-level talks of the Non-Aligned Movement (Kuwait Foreign Ministry)

Iran and Kuwait affirmed the importance of boosting cooperation to maintain the region's security, safety, and stability, stressing the need for preserving dialogue between them.

Kuwait's foreign minister Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian on the sidelines of the ministerial-level talks of the Non-Aligned Movement members in Azerbaijan.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the meeting addressed the new regional and international developments and focused on the talks launched in Kuwait during the Iranian minister's recent visit last month.

The foreign ministers stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation to preserve the security and safety of the region, while asserting the need to continue dialogue and support all efforts that would improve regional and international stability.

The meeting comes after an escalation in the gas-rich offshore Durra field case after Iran hinted there were "full preparations to start drilling."

Meanwhile, Kuwaiti Oil Minister Saad al-Barrak affirmed that Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have an agreement over the gas field.

He told "Asharq News" on the sidelines of the 8th OPEC International Seminar that they must demarcate the border, urging Iran to enter "the demarcation of international borders, and after that, whoever has a right will get it according to the rules of international law."

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have an understanding regarding the Durra field, said the minister, adding that it was early to talk about production levels in the region shared with the Kingdom.

Kuwait stressed that the Durra field is a shared Kuwaiti-Saudi natural wealth, and no other party has any rights in it until the demarcation of the maritime borders is resolved.

"We categorically reject Iran's planned activities around the premises of the Durra offshore gas field," said Barrak.

On Monday, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry confirmed that the marine area in which the Durra field is in the marine area of Kuwait, that the natural resources are shared with Saudi Arabia, and that they have exclusive rights to the natural wealth in the field.

An official source in the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry said the country renewed its call to the Iranian side to enter the demarcation talks with the Kuwaiti and Saudi sides as one negotiating party.

On Tuesday, an informed source in the Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed that ownership of the natural resources in the divided submerged area, including the entire Durra field, is shared between the Kingdom and the State of Kuwait only.

He told Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait exclusively own natural wealth, including the Durra gas field, in the Gulf's maritime "Divided Area."

Saudi Arabia renewed its calls for Iran to start negotiations to demarcate the eastern border divided between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as one negotiating party.



Hajj Pilgrims Flock to Mina on Day of Tarwiyah

Pilgrims flock to Mina for the Day of Tarwiyah. (SPA)
Pilgrims flock to Mina for the Day of Tarwiyah. (SPA)
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Hajj Pilgrims Flock to Mina on Day of Tarwiyah

Pilgrims flock to Mina for the Day of Tarwiyah. (SPA)
Pilgrims flock to Mina for the Day of Tarwiyah. (SPA)

Hajj pilgrims will complete their arrival to Mina on Monday to complete the Day of Tarwiyah amid an integrated system of services prepared by Saudi authorities to ensure that they have a smooth journey throughout their pilgrimage and stay in the Kingdom.

Saudi Health Fahad Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel stressed that no diseases or viruses were detected at the Hajj, easing concerns over the Hantavirus that has captured headlines in recent weeks.

There is no need to be alarmed and pilgrims are in good health, he assured.

Thousands of security forces are on the ground to ensure that the pilgrims flock to Mina safely through dedicated routes. The holy sites in the Makkah are connected through several roads, tunnels and dedicated walking paths.

The pilgrims were making their way from Makkah to Mina without incident thanks to the integrated transportation system made available by the authorities overseeing the Hajj.

The Health Ministry has issued guides for the pilgrims on the optimal use of their umbrellas amid the high temperatures and to avoid heatstroke and UV rays, especially as they make their way to the holy sites.

Meanwhile, the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro line operated its first ride on Sunday. It will transport pilgrims across the holy sites, including Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. Each of the nine trains can transport 3,000 passengers. This year’s operational plan for the Hajj is aiming to transport over 2 million passengers over 2,000 trips.

The train plays a pivotal role in ensuring the transport is smooth across the holy sites. It has also helped ease traffic after over 50,000 bus rides were cancelled in favor of the use of the trains.


Yemeni Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Hajj Pilgrims Have Been Registered Away from Political, Sectarian Affiliations

Yemeni Minister of Awqaf and Guidance Sheikh Turki bin Abdullah Al-Wadaei. (Yemeni Ministry of Awqaf and Guidance)
Yemeni Minister of Awqaf and Guidance Sheikh Turki bin Abdullah Al-Wadaei. (Yemeni Ministry of Awqaf and Guidance)
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Yemeni Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Hajj Pilgrims Have Been Registered Away from Political, Sectarian Affiliations

Yemeni Minister of Awqaf and Guidance Sheikh Turki bin Abdullah Al-Wadaei. (Yemeni Ministry of Awqaf and Guidance)
Yemeni Minister of Awqaf and Guidance Sheikh Turki bin Abdullah Al-Wadaei. (Yemeni Ministry of Awqaf and Guidance)

Yemeni Minister of Awqaf and Guidance Sheikh Turki bin Abdullah Al-Wadaei stressed that Hajj pilgrims from his country have been registered regardless of their political and sectarian affiliations.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he added that his ministry was dealing with pilgrims from Houthi-held regions as Yemeni citizens and they are offered the same facilitations and services like all other citizens.

The ministry applies justice and equality away from political, partisan, and sectarian slogans, he declared. “Hajj is about worship, not slogans,” said the minister.

The ministry hopes that all pilgrims will be able to perform the Hajj smoothly and at ease, and that they return home safely.

Al-Wadaei revealed that 21,098 Yemeni’s have been registered to perform this year’s Hajj.

Moreover, he praised the facilitations that were offered to Yemeni pilgrims and the warm welcome they were accorded in Saudi Arabia.

He noted that their entry to the Kingdom, whether by land or air, was smooth, reflecting the facilitations offered by local authorities.

He hoped that God Almighty will bless the Kingdom, its leadership and people for the efforts they have invested in making the Hajj a smooth journey.

The Yemeni pilgrims have hailed the smooth measures and warm welcome from the moment they arrived in the Kingdom, saying the services have eased the burdens of travel and demonstrated Saudi generosity and hospitality.

The integrated and advanced border services and procedures have ensured that pilgrims from Yemen are registered in a short time and in an organized manner.

Upon their arrival at the Wadiah border crossing, the Yemeni pilgrims are welcomed with a variety of services, such as guidance, warm meals, cold and hot beverages, and souvenir gifts of their journey.


Saudi Leadership Condoles Kuwait over Passing of Sheikh Mohammed Faisal Mohammed Abdulaziz Al‑Malik Al‑Sabah

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
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Saudi Leadership Condoles Kuwait over Passing of Sheikh Mohammed Faisal Mohammed Abdulaziz Al‑Malik Al‑Sabah

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)

The Saudi leadership extended condolences to Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and to Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, over the passing of Sheikh Mohammed Faisal Mohammed Abdulaziz Al-Malik Al-Sabah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent separate cables extending deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the Kuwaiti Emir, the Crown Prince and the family of the deceased.