Kuwait Joins UN Security Council in 2018

The United Nations Security Council. (Reuters)
The United Nations Security Council. (Reuters)
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Kuwait Joins UN Security Council in 2018

The United Nations Security Council. (Reuters)
The United Nations Security Council. (Reuters)

Kuwait will join the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member in January.

The Gulf state will also chair the council in February.

Kuwait won its place at the council after a vote. It now replaces Egypt as the only Arab member at the council.

Kuwait will be joined by the Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Peru and Poland, succeeding Japan, Egypt, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay after their two-year temporary membership expired.

The Security Council is made up of 10 non-permanent members elected to two-year terms and five permanent powers: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.

The elected countries -- all of which were put forward by their regional grouping -- will begin their term on January 1.

Kuwait first joined the UN in 1963 and was granted membership at the Security Council in 1978 and 1979.

While pursuing a seat at the council, Kuwait vowed to follow up on the implementation of resolutions related to the region. It will persuade the other members to avert conflict and rely instead on diplomacy.



Qatar Condemns Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon, Offers Support

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (QNA).
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (QNA).
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Qatar Condemns Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon, Offers Support

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (QNA).
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (QNA).

Qatar condemns the Israeli airstrikes targeting Lebanon, affirmed Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, during which he expressed his rejection of any violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

During the call, the emir and the Lebanese president reviewed developments in Lebanon, particularly in light of the current escalation and its impact on the country’s security and stability, as well as the wider region.

The Qatar News Agency said Sheikh Tamim “condemned the Israeli airstrikes targeting Lebanon, stressing his rejection of any violation of its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”

They also discussed regional and international efforts to contain the escalation. The emir reiterated Qatar’s firm support for Lebanon and its people, underscoring Doha’s readiness to provide assistance and contribute to efforts aimed at advancing de-escalation and stability.

Maritime Security

Separately, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, stressing the need to build on it urgently to prevent a broader escalation in the region.

In a phone call on Thursday with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, the Qatari prime minister emphasized the importance of ensuring the security of maritime routes and safeguarding freedom of navigation and international trade in accordance with international law, in a way that supports regional stability and global supply chains.

The two sides also reviewed the latest regional developments following the ceasefire announcement between the United States and Iran, along with a number of issues of mutual interest.


Saudi Foreign Minister, Pakistani Counterpart Discuss Efforts to Restore Regional Security and Stability

A file photo of Saudi Arabia's flag (SPA)
A file photo of Saudi Arabia's flag (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister, Pakistani Counterpart Discuss Efforts to Restore Regional Security and Stability

A file photo of Saudi Arabia's flag (SPA)
A file photo of Saudi Arabia's flag (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call Thursday from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar.

During the call, the two ministers reviewed regional developments and efforts to restore security and stability in the region.


GCC General Secretariat Welcomes Announcement of Ceasefire between US, Iran

GCC General Secretariat Welcomes Announcement of Ceasefire between US, Iran
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GCC General Secretariat Welcomes Announcement of Ceasefire between US, Iran

GCC General Secretariat Welcomes Announcement of Ceasefire between US, Iran

The General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has expressed its welcome for the announcement of a ceasefire between the US and Iran.

It praised the significant efforts exerted by Pakistan in this regard, as well as those of other regional and international parties calling for an end to the ongoing conflict, SPA reported.

The GCC general secretariat underlines the significance of concerted regional and international efforts to reach a permanent solution to end this crisis in order to ensure the security and stability in the region and the world.