Al-Yousef: Support international efforts to address security challenges
- Kuwait is committed to an active presence in international forums concerned with security and criminal justice.
- Thanks to the UAE for hosting the conference, its excellent organization, and its generous hospitality.
- The First Deputy Prime Minister discusses security cooperation with the Syrian and Malaysian Ministers of Interior.
- Kuwait highlights its legislative efforts in combating crime, terrorism, and money laundering.
- Awatif Al-Sand: Developing legislation is essential to keep pace with new crime patterns.
Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, headed the Kuwaiti delegation participating in the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which opened on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The congress is attended by representatives from numerous countries and international organizations, as well as experts and specialists.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, Al-Sabah affirmed that Kuwait’s participation in the Abu Dhabi Conference (2026) reflects its commitment to maintaining an active presence in international forums dealing with security and criminal justice, supporting joint efforts, and enhancing cooperation and coordination among states to address security challenges, combat crime, and promote security and stability.
He extended his gratitude and appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates and its President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, for hosting the conference, its excellent organization, and its generous hospitality. The conference addresses a range of security and judicial issues and challenges, foremost among them the fight against organized crime and terrorism, strengthening criminal justice systems and the rule of law, developing crime prevention strategies, and the responsible utilization of modern technologies.
On the sidelines of the conference’s opening, Al-Sabah held a meeting with Syrian Minister of Interior, Engineer Anas Khattab, and his accompanying delegation. He also held a separate meeting with Malaysian Minister of Interior, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution, and his accompanying delegation.
In this context, Awatif Al-Sand, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, emphasized in Kuwait’s address to the conference that combating crime has become an international responsibility requiring the integration of efforts, the development of national legislation, and the strengthening of cooperation mechanisms among states.
She stated, “The conference is being held under exceptional circumstances, amid the Iranian aggression against the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and some Arab countries, targeting vital facilities, airports, infrastructure, and residential areas, in violation of international laws and norms and the principles of good neighborliness.”
Al-Sand explained that, within the framework of its “Kuwait 2035” vision, Kuwait has adopted policies to combat crime and has issued a number of related laws, including legislation on combating drugs and psychotropic substances, domestic violence, beneficial ownership, and commercial fronting.
She added that Kuwait has paid special attention to combating cybercrime as part of its efforts to address transnational crimes, through the enactment of the Law on Combating Information Technology Crimes and supporting international trends to combat illicit electronic uses, alongside regulating digital trade and protecting consumer rights.
She noted that Kuwait has strengthened its legislative framework in the areas of mutual legal assistance, counter-terrorism, anti-money laundering, and the financing of terrorism, through specialized national legislation and mechanisms that enhance the effectiveness of cooperation at both the local and international levels.
Al-Sand also expressed hope that the conference will contribute to reaching understandings and decisions that enhance avenues for international cooperation in preventing and combating crime and achieving criminal justice, thereby ensuring security and safety for peoples.
Al-Sand expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates and its President for hosting the conference, its well-organized execution, and the hospitality extended. She also commended Japan’s efforts in supporting the principles and strategies established by the Kyoto Declaration over the past five years.
She further welcomed Uzbekistan’s announcement that it will host the 16th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, emphasizing that the conference serves as a key pillar for shaping international policies and determining their direction in the fight against crime and mitigating its impacts on the international community, particularly in light of the emergence of new types of crimes and the evolving forms and methods of their commission.
