In Kuwait, Sudani Affirms Iraq’s Keenness to Build Balanced Relations with Neighbors

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al Sabah met with the Iraqi premier on Wednesday. (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al Sabah met with the Iraqi premier on Wednesday. (KUNA)
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In Kuwait, Sudani Affirms Iraq’s Keenness to Build Balanced Relations with Neighbors

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al Sabah met with the Iraqi premier on Wednesday. (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al Sabah met with the Iraqi premier on Wednesday. (KUNA)

Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al Sabah held on Wednesday official talks with his Iraqi counterpart, Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani, who is on his first visit to Kuwait since taking office.

The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) said that the discussions were friendl” and touched on bilateral relations and means to strengthen cooperation to serve the interests of the two peoples.

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al Sabah also met with the Iraqi premier on Wednesday. The Iraqi News Agency said that the Kuwaiti Crown Prince affirmed his country’s “keenness to support Iraq’s stability and prosperity.”

The media office of the Iraqi Prime Minister stated that Al-Sudani met the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad, in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al Sabah, adding that the officials reviewed bilateral relations, within the framework of the historical ties that unite the two countries.

According to the statement, Al-Sudani underlined “Iraq’s keenness to build balanced relations with its neighbors, based on mutual respect and preservation of the sovereignty of the two countries,” pointing to the need to “resolve many files in a manner that supports common interests and achieves stability in the region.”

For his part, the Kuwaiti Crown Prince welcomed the Iraqi premier, emphasizing “the strength of the distinguished relations that bind the two countries and unite their peoples”

He also reiterated Kuwait’s keenness to support Iraq’s stability and prosperity, praising Baghdad’s pivotal role in the region and its quest to enhance long-lasting security.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.