Al-Abdullah: Do not contract with consulting offices without approval
The Cabinet held a meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah, Prime Minister (may God protect him). Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shariha Al-Muweshri stated that the Cabinet was briefed at the outset of its meeting on the substance of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s, meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the latter’s official visit to Kuwait. The meeting was attended by Minister of the Diwan Amiri Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jara Al-Jaber, several senior Diwan Amiri officials, and Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States, Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah. During the meeting, the U.S. President conveyed greetings and appreciation from President Donald Trump to His Highness the Amir, along with wishes for his continued health and well-being, and for the Kuwaiti people to enjoy further progress and prosperity. His Highness the Amir conveyed his greetings to the U.S. President, wishing him good health and well-being, and wishing the United States and its people continued development and growth. The meeting discussed the deep-rooted historical relations between the two countries and their peoples, and ways to support and develop these ties across all fields to serve the interests of both nations and their shared issues. It also addressed the latest developments on the regional and international scenes, particularly regarding recent developments in the Middle East, and reviewed all efforts and initiatives contributing to enhancing the region’s security and stability.
The Cabinet was also briefed on the substance of the meeting between His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his official visit to Kuwait. During this meeting, the deep-rooted historical relations between the two countries and their peoples were reviewed, along with discussions on the latest developments in the Middle East and reaffirmation of support for all efforts to preserve the region’s security and stability.
On another note, His Highness the Prime Minister directed ministers not to take any contractual measures with consulting offices without prior approval from the Cabinet.
On the other hand, the Cabinet heard a briefing from Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali on the latest developments in the region and current military developments in light of the reprehensible Iranian attacks on Kuwait early last Sunday. He emphasized that the Armed Forces continue to perform their duties and responsibilities with efficiency and competence, thereby enhancing the country’s security and safeguarding the safety of citizens and residents.
Regarding the Iranian attacks, and within this context, the Cabinet expressed its condemnation and strongest rejection of the repeated reprehensible Iranian attacks on Kuwait, the latest of which occurred early last Sunday. These attacks constitute a blatant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty, a direct threat to its security and stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents, as well as a clear breach of international law and the UN Charter. The Cabinet affirmed that continuing these blatant attacks, while regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalation are underway, undermines initiatives to reduce tensions in the region and poses a direct challenge to the international will supporting this path. It reiterated Kuwait’s full right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, maintain its security and stability, and protect its people and residents.
The Cabinet also expressed its strong condemnation and rejection of the renewed reprehensible Iranian attacks on the territory of the Kingdom of Bahrain using multiple drones on the past Saturday and Sunday, which resulted in material damage to civilian infrastructure. This constitutes a blatant violation of Bahrain’s sovereignty and a direct threat to its security, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents. The Cabinet affirmed that Iran’s continued targeting of the Kingdom of Bahrain represents a dangerous escalation that could undermine de-escalation efforts, destabilize security and stability in the region, and constitute a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter. It reiterated Kuwait’s full solidarity with and support for the Kingdom of Bahrain and all measures it takes to protect its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, affirming that the security of the Kingdom of Bahrain is an integral part of the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
Regarding the Aramco helicopter, on another note, the Cabinet expressed Kuwait’s sympathy with the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the crash of an Aramco helicopter in Ras Tanura province last Sunday, which resulted in the martyrdom of all its passengers. The Cabinet conveyed Kuwait’s sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the leadership, government, and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this great loss, praying to Almighty God to have mercy on the martyrs and grant them Paradise.
On the other hand, the Cabinet expressed Kuwait’s sincere condolences and sympathy with the State of Qatar following the martyrdom of a Qatari citizen and the injury of a resident due to shrapnel from recent military operations in the region. The Cabinet conveyed Kuwait’s sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the State of Qatar, its leadership, government, people, and the martyr’s family, wishing the injured person a speedy recovery.
On another note, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jara Al-Jaber briefed the Cabinet on the outcomes of the Joint Ministerial Meeting between the GCC and the United States, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain last Thursday, where he chaired the Kuwaiti delegation. The foreign ministers of the GCC states and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the strong, deep-rooted relationship between the GCC states and the United States, as well as the historical friendship ties between the two sides. The meeting discussed ways to enhance Gulf-U.S. relations and expand partnership areas to broader and more comprehensive horizons. It also addressed the latest regional developments and updates, particularly diplomatic efforts to enhance security and stability in the region following the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Final Statement: Within this context, the Cabinet was briefed on the substance of the Joint Final Statement issued at the conclusion of the Joint Ministerial Meeting between the GCC states and the United States. The statement emphasized Kuwait’s sovereignty over its territorial waters and called on the Iraqi government to fulfill its bilateral and international commitments. The ministers reaffirmed in their joint final statement their respect for Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution (833). The joint final statement also noted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s reaffirmation of his country’s firm commitment to the security of the GCC states. The GCC foreign ministers welcomed the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, highlighting the importance of the mediation roles played by Pakistan and Qatar.
The Cabinet reviewed a number of items on the agenda, reports, and minutes of ministerial committees, and approved them. It also decided to refer several items to the relevant ministerial committees for study and to submit appropriate recommendations to complete the necessary procedures for their implementation.
