Crown Prince... Thank You for Your Diplomatic Acumen
His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled’s address at the United Nations was rooted in the strength of his arguments, honed through his extensive diplomatic experience. His speech served as a roadmap for action toward a future characterized by global stability.
He left no detail, large or small, unaddressed before the international audience, aiming to make the world safer. This ranged from Iranian aggression against Kuwait and the Arab Gulf states to the need for reform of the international organization, which requires a stronger presence to resolve long-standing global issues resulting from the failure to reform the organization and the Security Council.
His Highness is well aware of the behind-the-scenes dynamics of these issues and the intricacies of international conferences. Therefore, substantive work conducted away from the media spotlight is paramount. Consequently, his meetings with heads of state and officials of regional and international organizations, comprising over 15 side meetings, formed the foundation for explaining Kuwait’s perspective on regional and global issues.
Notably, his meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister laid the groundwork for a new relationship with Iraq, Kuwait’s neighbor. His Highness outlined a set of points aimed at achieving a permanent resolution to problems arising from Iranian interference during a period when Iraq was dominated by the reality of militia power.
Regarding relations with Iran, which continues to cause problems for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, His Highness clearly defined the pathways necessary for comprehensive regional security. This involves returning to the status quo in the region prior to the last war, particularly concerning maritime passages, and Iran abandoning objectives that could ignite the entire region.
His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled identified the keys to comprehensive development in the region, based on cooperation among states and peoples, rather than wars and conflicts driven by slogans that cannot be realized as long as some seek to impose their will on their neighbors.
He also pinpointed the root of the regional problem: the Israeli occupation of Arab territories. Just and comprehensive peace cannot be achieved under conditions of inequality that fail to ensure the rights of all peoples to self-determination.
Kuwait distinguished itself with a strong international presence at this highly sensitive session of the United Nations, held against the backdrop of explosive issues in many parts of the world, particularly the Middle East, which has suffered for decades from the arrogance of powers living on the illusion of forcing others to submit in any manner.
The recent war, which continues to this day, was a crucial focal point in the Crown Prince’s meetings and in Kuwait’s address at the UN podium. He clarified that "the State of Kuwait, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have been subjected since last February to Iranian aggression involving ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, despite not being parties to the ongoing conflict in the region. This constitutes a clear violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and the UN Charter." Consequently, Kuwait’s condemnation of Iran regarding these attacks was unequivocal, while reserving the right to self-defense.
Kuwait’s strong international presence at the current UN session was significant by global standards, reflecting the Crown Prince’s considerable diplomatic acumen, his language of moderation, and the result of his long political experience.
