Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al Sabah called on Western countries to take into account Gulf states’ concerns over the Iranian nuclear file.
His comments came during a joint news conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in Kuwait on Tuesday.
“There are Kuwaiti and Gulf concerns about Iran’s nuclear file, which were mentioned in the Gulf meetings, and we conveyed them to the European parties. We hope that they will be taken into consideration,” Sheikh Ahmed Al Sabah told the press conference.
Le Drian, for his part, said that Europe has preserved the nuclear deal after the US dispute.
“We are close to signing the nuclear agreement with Iran, as we reached a text that suits everyone,” he said, adding that it was in everyone’s interest to “reach an agreement for the sake of world peace.”
The French and Kuwaiti foreign ministers also discussed the situation in Lebanon, where Le Drian stressed that Lebanon’s exit from the international community would not serve the region. He also underlined French support for the Kuwaiti initiative in this regard.
Similarly, Sheikh Ahmed said it was important for Lebanon to mend ties with its regional and Gulf environment. He acknowledged French efforts in “supporting the Lebanese people in the sufferings they are going through.”
The Kuwaiti paper that contained confidence-building measures was conveyed by Kuwait, but it represents the Gulf, Arab and international positions, he stated.
Sheikh Ahmed delivered the 12-point proposal to the Lebanese authorities during a trip to Beirut in January.
The Kuwaiti foreign minister added that Lebanese officials responded with seriousness and “some tangible actions,” especially with regard to measures to limit drug smuggling.
On a different note, Le Drian warned that the rise in oil prices would have serious repercussions on the global economy.
“We are working to contain the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war on food security,” he added, noting that the European Union has decided to reduce its dependence on Russian gas.
