Egyptian, Kuwaiti Efforts to Contain 'Unofficial Feuds'

Nurses await to admit expatriates in a makeshift coronavirus testing center at the Mishref Fair Grounds in Kuwait city, Kuwait. Reuters file photo
Nurses await to admit expatriates in a makeshift coronavirus testing center at the Mishref Fair Grounds in Kuwait city, Kuwait. Reuters file photo
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Egyptian, Kuwaiti Efforts to Contain 'Unofficial Feuds'

Nurses await to admit expatriates in a makeshift coronavirus testing center at the Mishref Fair Grounds in Kuwait city, Kuwait. Reuters file photo
Nurses await to admit expatriates in a makeshift coronavirus testing center at the Mishref Fair Grounds in Kuwait city, Kuwait. Reuters file photo

Egypt and Kuwait have sought to contain "unofficial" disputes among a number of their citizens, which included an incitement campaign against Egyptian expats in Kuwait accused of being infected with the coronavirus.

Both countries discussed the issue, stressing the importance of the historic ties between them.

In Egypt, a number of public figures, artists, and university professors launched an initiative rejecting discord and warning against "deliberate attempts" to create strife between the two countries.

Egyptian Minister of Culture Inas Abdel Dayem also signed the initiative which reiterated the importance and strength of Egyptian-Kuwaiti relations historically, politically, and culturally.

The signatories explained that two or three individuals who started the altercations don’t represent the Egyptian people.

Some of them belong to a political movement rejected by Egyptians, said the signatories.

They also praised a statement issued by a large group of Kuwaiti artists and public figures condemning attempts to cause hostility between the peoples of both countries.

Last week, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Ahmad Nasser telephoned his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shukri, discussing the brotherly and historic relations between Kuwait and Egypt.

The two ministers expressed satisfaction with the level of ties between the two states, and rejected all bids intended to strain these bonds.

The talks touched on precautionary measures in the two countries against the novel coronavirus.

As part of efforts to contain the crisis, the Kuwaiti prosecution interrogated Kuwaiti writer Mubarak al-Bugaily over his insulting comments on Egypt.

Bugaily posted a series of tweets against Egypt, denouncing the way the country is dealing with the coronavirus crisis, and undermining the Egyptian workers in Kuwait.

Sources stated that Kuwait intends to deport Egyptian workers whose residencies have expired, but the Egyptian authorities preferred they stay put until the crisis is over, while respecting the Kuwaiti authorities’ instructions on precautionary measures.

Meanwhile, member of Egypt's parliamentary foreign affairs committee MP Mohammed al-Orabi lauded the relations between Cairo and Kuwait, saying they can’t be shaken by a group that constantly attacks Egypt.

Orabi told Asharq Al-Awsat that he received several calls from Kuwaiti parliamentarians and former ministers affirming that such statements do not represent Kuwait or its people.

Egyptian MP and Deputy Speaker of the Arab Parliament Saad al-Gammal announced that a video conferencing session of the Arab Parliament will be held next week.

Gammal praised the Emir of Kuwait and the historic ties between the two counties, asserting that dialogue will prevail. He indicated that those attacking Egyptians neither represent their country nor the Emir.



Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Emir of Qatar on Passing of Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
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Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Emir of Qatar on Passing of Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo
Joint photo of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud - File Photo

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent a cable of condolences to Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the passing of former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said in his cable that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dedicated much of his life to serving his country and people.

He extended his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the late emir's family, and the people of Qatar, praying that the deceased be granted Allah's mercy and forgiveness and that his family be granted patience and solace.

For his part, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, also sent a cable of condolences to Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on this sad incident.

In his cable, the Crown Prince said that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani had played a significant role in Qatar's development and prosperity.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the late emir's family, praying that Allah Almighty grant the deceased mercy and forgiveness and reward him for his service to his country and people.


Gulf States Condemn Repeated Iranian Attacks, Tehran's Destabilizing Behavior

Air defense interceptions are seen in the sky above Doha on July 12, 2026. AFP
Air defense interceptions are seen in the sky above Doha on July 12, 2026. AFP
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Gulf States Condemn Repeated Iranian Attacks, Tehran's Destabilizing Behavior

Air defense interceptions are seen in the sky above Doha on July 12, 2026. AFP
Air defense interceptions are seen in the sky above Doha on July 12, 2026. AFP

Gulf states condemned on Sunday repeated Iranian attacks targeting Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, saying such assaults represent a blatant violation of state sovereignty and a direct threat to regional security and stability.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom's condemnation and denunciation, in the strongest terms, of Iran's continued destabilizing behavior toward regional security and stability, its violations of the principles of international law, the UN Charter, the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the principles of good neighborliness.

This includes Iran's repeated attacks on commercial vessels, threatening the security and freedom of navigation, and its continued heinous assaults on Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Jordan.

The Kingdom reaffirmed its categorical rejection of Iran's violation of the sovereignty of brotherly states and its continued threats to regional security and stability.

The Omani government also lambasted on Sunday an attack on its territory, state media announced, with Iran's Guards saying they targeted it during a barrage aimed at countries across the Gulf.

The Oman News Agency said on X that "the Sultanate of Oman affirms its condemnation and denunciation of this attack,” which came just hours after the country hosted Iran's foreign minister to address security issues in the Strait of Hormuz.

Doha too condemned the Iranian attacks against its territory and its neighbors.

"Qatar condemns in the strongest possible terms the renewed attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran," the foreign ministry said in a statement, also referring to the targeting of Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait and calling the barrages a "dangerous escalation.”

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the country's strongest condemnation and denunciation of the egregious Iranian attacks that targeted it. It affirmed that these repeated assaults reflect a persistent hostile approach, constituting a grave violation of Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a direct threat to its security, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents.

Furthermore, they represent a clear breach of international law, the United Nations Charter, and Security Council Resolution 2817.

The ministry stressed in a statement that the continuation of attacks constitutes an extremely dangerous escalation, which will increase tension and instability in the region, threaten regional peace and security, and undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and peaceful resolution of crises.

The ministry reiterated that Kuwait's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are inviolable, and that Kuwait reserves its full rights to take necessary measures to protect its security and preserve its sovereignty, in accordance with the provisions of international law and the UN Charter.


Qatar's Former Ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo
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Qatar's Former Ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo

Qatari former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ⁠has died ⁠at the ⁠age of 74, the nation's Emiri Diwan said ⁠on ⁠Sunday.

"With hearts steadfast in faith in God's decree and destiny, the Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late -- may God have mercy on him -- His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani," read a statement published by the Emir's Diwan on social media.

Sheikh Hamad, who stepped down in June 2013 after 18 years as emir, was the architect of Qatar’s ambitions.

“The future lies ahead of you, the children of this homeland, as you usher into a new era where young leadership hoists the banner,” Sheikh Hamad said as he announced his abdication and the transition to his son, Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.