Deputy Emir and Prime Minister Delivers Kuwait's Address at the UN General Assembly
New York – Reaffirming its conviction that the security and stability of the Arabian Gulf region constitute a fundamental pillar of regional and international security—a conviction underscored by the repercussions of Iranian aggression and attacks—the State of Kuwait reiterates its support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and achieving a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute. Kuwait commends the efforts and mediation led by the sister State of Qatar and the friendly Republic of Pakistan, emphasizing the necessity of reaching sustainable regional understandings based on a firm commitment to the principles of good neighborliness, respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, refraining from the use or threat of force, halting support for proxies and militias, and addressing the security concerns of all countries in the region. This includes the Iranian nuclear file, ballistic missiles, and drones, while affirming the guarantee of freedom and safety of navigation and the right of passage through the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Mr. President: The State of Kuwait adheres to the principles of the UN Charter in its foreign policy, particularly respecting the principle of good neighborliness, state sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs. From this standpoint, Kuwait views the Republic of Iraq, our brotherly neighbor, as a partner in security and stability, bound by close ties. Since the fall of the previous regime in 2003, Kuwait has been keen to support Iraq and stand by its side in facing security, political, and economic challenges to restore its regional and international role and status, believing that a stable, secure, and prosperous Iraq serves the shared interests of Kuwait and the entire region.
In this context, Kuwait commends the steps taken by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to centralize weapons within the state and strengthen Iraq’s bilateral relations with neighboring countries. We look forward to enhancing confidence-building measures between the two countries, broadening bilateral relations, and resolving all outstanding files, foremost among them completing the demarcation of the maritime border beyond Marker 162 in accordance with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. We also emphasize adherence to the bilateral security and technical agreements and understandings signed between the two countries, particularly the agreement on regulating maritime navigation in the Shatt al-Arab and the 2008 security exchange protocol, which serve as legal and practical tools for regulating navigation, protecting the environment, combating terrorism, and curbing the illegal trade in arms and drugs, thereby enhancing joint security.
Kuwait calls on Iraq to cooperate with the High Representative of the Secretary-General to implement Security Council Resolution 2792, to achieve the desired progress and results in uncovering the fate of Kuwaiti prisoners and missing persons, third-country nationals, and Kuwaiti property, including the National Archives.
Mr. President: The State of Kuwait reiterates its principled and firm stance condemning the continuous violations by Israeli occupation forces against the brotherly Palestinian people, who continue to suffer from difficult living conditions under the weight of policies of displacement, arrests, and settlement. We call for the full implementation of the comprehensive peace plan and its subsequent phases adopted by the Security Council in Resolution 2803, which includes the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid, and the return of the Palestinian Authority to the Strip, affirming that Gaza is an inseparable part of the occupied Palestinian territories. In this regard, we welcome the measures and decisions taken by the United Kingdom, France, and several other countries condemning settlement activities and imposing sanctions on settlers involved in violence and terrorism against Palestinians, as well as imposing import bans on goods and products from settlements. Kuwait affirms that achieving a just, comprehensive, and permanent peace in the region remains contingent upon ending the Israeli occupation of all Arab lands, enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their legitimate, inalienable rights, and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Mr. President: The Republic of Yemen, our brotherly nation, is witnessing a serious military escalation resulting from Houthi group attacks on several governorates and areas along the western coast, threatening navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. In this regard, Kuwait reiterates its full support for the efforts led by the United Nations aimed at reaching a comprehensive and sustainable settlement led by the Yemenis, in accordance with the three agreed reference points and relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216. Kuwait affirms that any political settlement must preserve Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, put an end to the suffering of its brotherly people, and open avenues for security, stability, and economic development. We stress the importance of safeguarding the security and safety of international maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. We also strongly condemn the Houthi group’s attacks on the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, targeting civilian and economic assets in several cities. In this context, we affirm that the security of the Kingdom is an integral part of the security of Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. (To be continued) M.M.J
