Foreign Minister on UN Day: Kuwaiti diplomacy opens doors closed by conflicts

May Al-Sukari – Foreign Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Jaber reaffirmed Kuwait’s steadfast support for the United Nations and the principles and objectives embodied in its Charter, emphasizing that Kuwait’s commitment to international multilateralism will remain a firm approach to achieving a brighter future. He stressed that enhancing the effectiveness of the United Nations and consolidating commitment to diplomacy constitute two fundamental pillars for building a more stable world and a future characterized by peace and prosperity.

This came in a speech delivered during the celebration of “United Nations Day,” hosted by the UN mission in Kuwait under the patronage of the Foreign Minister, with the theme “The Power of Diplomacy,” and attended by accredited ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, heads of international representative offices, and several senior state officials.

Al-Jaber clarified that, for Kuwait, the power of diplomacy is not merely a theoretical concept, but a fundamental pillar of its national identity and foreign policy. He noted that since joining the United Nations in 1963, Kuwait has consistently affirmed that global security and stability depend on an international system based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and non-interference in their internal affairs.

He pointed out that, guided by these principles, Kuwait has adopted a balanced foreign policy centered on dialogue and mediation, working over decades to contribute to resolving regional and international crises and containing tensions. He emphasized that while some of these efforts are public and well-known, others are conducted quietly and away from the spotlight, driven by a firm belief in diplomacy’s capacity to open doors closed by conflicts.

He highlighted that the partnership between Kuwait and the United Nations evokes an unforgettable historical stance taken by the international organization and its organs, particularly the Security Council, following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990. He explained that the international community’s resolute commitment to the principles of justice contributed to Kuwait’s liberation and the restoration of its sovereignty in 1991.

Al-Jaber affirmed that this historic milestone represents one of the most prominent success stories of the United Nations, underscoring the importance of international law and the principles of the UN Charter. It also reinforced Kuwait’s firm conviction that the rule of law and international multilateralism are essential guarantees for protecting state sovereignty, especially during crises.

He noted that the extended partnership between Kuwait and the United Nations, spanning more than six decades, has yielded significant humanitarian and development initiatives. These have included supporting communities affected by conflicts and natural disasters, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals, and enhancing cooperation with various UN agencies, programs, and funds.

For her part, Ghada Taher, Representative of the UN Secretary-General and UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, affirmed that diplomacy represents a strategic choice and a fundamental tool for conflict prevention, crisis containment, and peacebuilding. She praised Kuwait’s role and contributions to multilateral work, emphasizing that since joining the United Nations in 1963, Kuwait has solidified its position as an active partner in supporting mediation, humanitarian diplomacy, and the provision of development assistance.