Kuwait Emir Opens Parliamentary Session, Calls for Cooperation

The Emir of Kuwait delivers a speech before parliament on Tuesday. (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait delivers a speech before parliament on Tuesday. (KUNA)
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Kuwait Emir Opens Parliamentary Session, Calls for Cooperation

The Emir of Kuwait delivers a speech before parliament on Tuesday. (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait delivers a speech before parliament on Tuesday. (KUNA)

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah opened on Tuesday the second session of the 16th legislative term of the National Assembly with calls for cooperation.

In a speech to parliament, he reiterated the importance of efforts to reinforce reforms and serve the people.

National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim praised Sheikh Nawaf’s call for dialogue, stressing the importance of dialogue and round-table policy to resolve fateful problems amid sharp political disputes in the country.

He also lauded the national dialogue talks, which have had a great impact on achieving political stability. Al-Ghanim said political stability would be achieved through correct and wise use of constitutional tools.

Sheikh Nawaf had in September called for national dialogue between the legislative and executive authorities to resolve disputes between them.

“The Kuwaiti people will immensely benefit from the solemn cooperation between legislative and executive authorities,” said Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah while delivering a speech on behalf of the Emir.

The dialogue had also resulted in the pardon of several Kuwaitis, continued the Emir, stressing that such a step helped stabilize the political situation in the country.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said the government and people of Kuwait were grateful for the Emir’s intervention and keen leadership.

The cabinet will work tirelessly to address problems facing the people, vowed the PM.

He remarked that the coronavirus pandemic was the biggest challenge affecting all aspects of life in Kuwait and the world.

The prime minister noted that the world was going through severe economic challenges requiring the legislative and executive authorities to focus on reforming the economy through a comprehensive plan that promotes economic diversity.

The private sector should be given the opportunity to share the state’s goal in boosting economic development, urged Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled.

The PM also touched on internal and external security of Kuwait, saying it was a vital component for development and stability. He stressed that the government would work on bolstering the country’s defensive capabilities.



Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
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Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah reiterated on Friday the Kingdom’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Prince Faisal had arrived in Damascus on Friday where he held talks with its de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Speaking at a press conference with Sharaa, he stressed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Syrian people.

He expressed his delight at visiting Damascus, stating that Saudi Arabia will back Syria’s security, stability and revival.

Prince Faisal and Sharaa discussed means to support Syria’s security and territorial integrity.  

They tackled efforts to back it on the political, economic and humanitarian levels, underscoring the need to lift sanctions on the country.

“We will continue to work with our brothers in Syria until we reach a final lifting of the sanctions imposed on their country,” Prince Faisal said.

He added that Saudi Arabia has been facilitating dialogue with the US and the EU to push for sanctions relief.

The FM and Sharaa stressed the need to offer Syria all forms of support during its period of transition in order for it to reclaim stability throughout its territories.

Prince Faisal hailed the new Syrian authorities on their openness to holding dialogue with all parties, saying he was confident the people will successfully maneuver this phase and achieve a prosperous and stable future.

He also met with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani, who said Saudi Arabia has offered Syria a lot of support and has constantly stood by its people.

Prince Faisal’s visit “demonstrates this support,” he stated.

Moreover, he said consultations with Saudi Arabia are ongoing on “all levels. There are no reservations or obstacles. Our cooperation will be an important step towards building a better future for the region.”

Syria needs the support of its Arab brothers and is opening a new chapter of cooperation with them as it aspires to be a part of the joint Arab project, he stressed.

He echoed calls for sanctions relief, saying they were a hurdle to stability.

Syria is determined to open a new chapter that focuses on reconstruction, development and investment, he went on to say.