Gaza Conflict Dominates Kuwait National Assembly as it Opens New Term

The Kuwaiti National Assembly meets on Tuesday. (KUNA)
The Kuwaiti National Assembly meets on Tuesday. (KUNA)
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Gaza Conflict Dominates Kuwait National Assembly as it Opens New Term

The Kuwaiti National Assembly meets on Tuesday. (KUNA)
The Kuwaiti National Assembly meets on Tuesday. (KUNA)

The tragic events unfolding in the Palestinian territories dominated on Tuesday the opening of the new legislative term of the Kuwaiti National Assembly.

Crown Prince Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah reaffirmed Kuwait’s unwavering stance regarding the Palestinian cause and called for an immediate ceasefire and the passage of humanitarian and relief aid.

In a speech at the opening of the second session of the 17th legislative term of the National Assembly, he emphasized that Kuwait supports all efforts aimed at resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in a just and comprehensive manner consistent with international legitimacy.

“The leadership, people, National Assembly and government of the State of Kuwait are closely following the bloody events taking place in the Palestinian territories, especially the Gaza Strip, denouncing the attacks of the brutal Israeli aggression,” said Crown Prince Mishal.

“We affirm Kuwait’s firm position towards the Palestinian issue and demand a ceasefire and allowing the entry of humanitarian and relief aid,” he added.

National Assembly Speaker Ahmed Al-Saadoun emphasized that Israel was openly driving the displacement and relocation of Gaza residents.

Al-Saadoun accused Israel of doing this through practices amounting to crimes of genocide.

Speaking at the session, Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said: “We are closely monitoring the severe attacks on the Palestinian people and call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the region. We also urge the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to our Palestinian brothers and sisters.”

He expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in Gaza resulting from relentless aggression against civilians.

He noted the silence of the international community, especially the UN Security Council, accusing it of double standards.

He emphasized the crucial role of the international community in ensuring an immediate ceasefire and that civilians are protected.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.