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.



Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.