Lebanon, Kuwait Reaffirm Strong Ties in High-Level Summit

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (Lebanese Presidency)
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (Lebanese Presidency)
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Lebanon, Kuwait Reaffirm Strong Ties in High-Level Summit

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (Lebanese Presidency)
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (Lebanese Presidency)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun concluded a high-profile visit to Kuwait this week, where he held a summit with Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, affirming a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and deepening cooperation across a range of sectors.

The summit, which took place at the Amiri Diwan, was attended by Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, and senior officials from both countries.

According to a statement from the Amiri Diwan, the discussions centered on bolstering political and economic relations, reinforcing regional cooperation, and addressing the evolving situation in Lebanon.

The Emir expressed Kuwait’s unwavering support for Lebanon and described the moment as a “historic opportunity” for the country to chart a new course, overcome past challenges, and embark on a path of national reconstruction and stability.

In a significant diplomatic development, the Emir informed Aoun of Kuwait’s decision to restore full diplomatic representation between the two nations. The Lebanese president welcomed the move, calling it a vital step toward renewing and expanding ties.

“Lebanon remains committed to its relationship with Kuwait and the Arab world,” he said.

Aoun also praised Kuwait for its longstanding support in regional and international forums, particularly in defending Lebanon’s sovereignty and condemning repeated Israeli violations. The Emir, in turn, reaffirmed Kuwait’s support for Lebanon’s full territorial sovereignty under UN Resolution 425 and called for the implementation of Resolution 1701 and a cessation of Israeli hostilities.

Security cooperation emerged as a key theme during the summit, with both sides hailing the close coordination between their security agencies particularly in combating drug smuggling. Emir Sheikh Mishal described this collaboration as a “cornerstone” in confronting shared security threats.

Kuwait also reiterated its backing for the efforts of the Arab and international “Quintet” seeking a resolution to Lebanon’s political impasse, as well as ongoing reforms and military support. The Emir pledged Kuwait’s continued participation in aid conferences focused on Lebanon’s economic recovery and national defense.

The leaders also discussed the regional situation, including the importance of Syria’s stability and the need for a safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees to prevent further destabilization.

Separately, Aoun met with Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, who praised the Lebanese expatriate community in Kuwait for its positive contribution. The two officials agreed to ease travel and residency procedures for Lebanese nationals and encourage Kuwaiti investment in Lebanon.

In his meeting with Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Aoun stressed the need to revive previously signed cooperation agreements and increase joint efforts in trade and investment. Discussions also touched on the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad and the US-Gulf summit in Saudi Arabia.



World Leaders Express Solidarity with Qatar Following Iranian Attack

Remnants of an Iranian missile intercepted over Qatar (AFP)
Remnants of an Iranian missile intercepted over Qatar (AFP)
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World Leaders Express Solidarity with Qatar Following Iranian Attack

Remnants of an Iranian missile intercepted over Qatar (AFP)
Remnants of an Iranian missile intercepted over Qatar (AFP)

In the wake of Iran’s missile strike on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Arab and world leaders have expressed firm solidarity with the Qatari leadership, condemning the attack as a flagrant violation of the country’s sovereignty and international law.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to convey the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the Iranian assault, reiterating Saudi Arabia’s full support for Qatar. He described the strike as a “blatant breach of Qatari airspace and sovereignty” and a serious threat to regional stability.

The Crown Prince stressed the need for restraint and a return to diplomatic channels.

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq also spoke with Sheikh Tamim, voicing full support for Qatar and praising its calm and measured response to the regional escalation. He reaffirmed Oman’s rejection of any act that undermines the sovereignty or stability of Gulf nations and called for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.

US President Donald Trump joined the growing list of leaders condemning the attack. In a phone call with the Qatari Emir, Trump reaffirmed America’s commitment to Qatar’s security and condemned Iran’s actions as a “grave violation of international law and the UN Charter.”

Qatar also received expressions of support from Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, who labeled the attack a “dangerous violation” and affirmed Baghdad’s solidarity with Doha. Al-Sudani stressed Iraq’s rejection of any aggression threatening the security of regional nations and urged all parties to exercise restraint and seek diplomatic solutions.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi echoed similar sentiments in a phone call with Sheikh Tamim, voicing Cairo’s strong condemnation of the Iranian strike and declaring unwavering support for Qatar. He underscored the importance of maintaining regional stability and avoiding escalation.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who visited Doha on Tuesday, met with the Qatari Emir and reaffirmed Lebanon’s support for Qatar’s sovereignty. Salam condemned the attack as a serious threat to regional peace and extended his appreciation for Qatar’s consistent support to Lebanon during challenging times.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council Chairman General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan also joined in condemning the Iranian strike in separate phone calls with Sheikh Tamim. Both leaders expressed their nations’ solidarity with Qatar and stressed the need for diplomatic resolution and de-escalation.

In response, the Emir expressed deep gratitude for the broad regional and international solidarity, describing it as a testament to the strength of Qatar’s partnerships and the shared commitment to peace and stability in the Gulf.