Al-Yousef: We remain 'brothers and neighbors' with Iraq... and we do not want to return to the past and intrigues
The visit of Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousif, to Basra sent a clear message that Kuwait and Iraq have chosen to move forward into a new era defined by cooperation and trust, leaving behind the legacy of disputes, attempts at sowing discord, and the “intrigues that were once hatched,” while emphasizing the need to quash any fitna in its infancy and enhance coordination to serve the interests of both countries.
During the visit, the First Deputy Prime Minister discussed with Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani a number of issues of mutual interest, foremost among them the latest developments in the security situation in the region. The two sides also reviewed areas of cooperation and explored ways to strengthen security coordination, thereby supporting border security and serving shared interests within the framework of the fraternal relations uniting the State of Kuwait and the sisterly Republic of Iraq.
At the conclusion of the visit, the First Deputy Prime Minister inspected the Abdali border crossing, where he personally assessed the extent of damage inflicted on the crossing as a result of Iran’s unjust aggression. He directed the relevant authorities to swiftly evaluate the damages and take the necessary measures to reopen the crossing as soon as possible, ensuring a return to normal operations and serving the interests of both brotherly countries.
In a joint press conference with Governor Al-Eidani, the First Deputy Prime Minister stated that “the relationship between Iraq and Kuwait is strong and cannot be undermined,” adding that “the Abdali crossing will be open within 48 hours to receive Iraqi brothers or allow Kuwaiti citizens to travel to Iraq.” He simultaneously stressed the necessity of “continuing commercial movement between the two countries.”
He further remarked, “Whatever happens between Kuwait and Iraq… we will remain neighbors and we will remain brothers,” noting that such visits have taken place and will continue, and emphasizing the need to combat those who harbor ill will toward both countries.
In an interview with the Iraqi Al-Sharqiya Channel, Al-Yousif said, “We try to leave everything that happened in the past in the past… No one can change the past; we must live in the present, and the future is in the hands of God Almighty, who decrees only good… God willing, goodness will come for Kuwait and for Iraq through our cooperation and by fostering a new spirit of engagement… We do not want to return to the past, nor do we want to return to the intrigues that are being hatched.”
