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)
TT

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.



GCC-US Support for the Establishment of an Independent Palestinian State

The Ministerial Meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the US was held in New York. SPA
The Ministerial Meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the US was held in New York. SPA
TT

GCC-US Support for the Establishment of an Independent Palestinian State

The Ministerial Meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the US was held in New York. SPA
The Ministerial Meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the US was held in New York. SPA

Foreign Ministers from the Gulf and the US have announced their support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders.

The Ministerial Meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the US was convened on September 25 in New York, co-chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who currently chairs the GCC Ministerial Council. The meeting was also attended by Foreign Ministers from GCC member states and Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi.

A statement issued on Thursday said the ministers announced “their support for the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel along the 1967 borders, with mutually agreed land swaps, in accordance with internationally recognized parameters and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.”

The ministers stressed the need for all civilians displaced after October 7 to return to their homes and reaffirmed their belief that a durable peace is essential for a more integrated, stable, and prosperous region.

They also emphasized the need to strengthen the capacity, effectiveness, and transparency of the Palestinian Authority, advocating for unified Palestinian-led governance in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

The ministers committed to supporting Palestinian aspirations for self-determination, ensuring that Palestinians are central to post-conflict governance and security in Gaza. They expressed support for improving the quality of life for Palestinians through humanitarian assistance and efforts to accelerate economic growth.

The statement said they expressed deep concern over rising levels of settler and extremist violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and stressed the need for accountability for perpetrators. They called for a halt to unilateral actions, including settlement expansions, that hinder the prospects for peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. They highlighted the importance of protecting all holy sites and places of worship while preserving the historic status quo in Jerusalem, recognizing Jordan’s special role.

On Gaza, the ministers committed to working towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages and detainees.

They called for an increase in the rapid and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and stressed the urgent need to restore basic services and ensure protection for humanitarian workers. They highlighted the necessity for stakeholders to facilitate humanitarian distribution networks across Gaza to alleviate suffering and reiterated that all parties must ensure the safety of aid workers.

The ministers also underscored their shared commitment to the strategic partnership between the GCC and the US, building on the achievements of previous ministerial meetings, including the most recent one in Riyadh on April 29. They emphasized the importance of strengthening consultation, coordination, and cooperation in all fields.