Cabinet confirms Kuwait all set to host 45th Gulf Summit

• The Council of Ministers aims to strengthen cooperation and consolidate brotherly ties among GCC countries to advance progress and development across all sectors, fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of both leaders and peoples.

The Council of Ministers convened its weekly meeting at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister, as reported by Q8-Press.

The Council of Ministers praised the speech of the State of Kuwait, delivered by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister and representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh MeshalAl-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, at the first joint summit between the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and the member states of the European Union, held in Brussels last Wednesday.

His Highness emphasized that this summit represents an exceptional opportunity to enhance relations between the Gulf and European sides, embodying a sincere and serious joint desire to expand cooperation and launch a comprehensive strategic partnership based on the vision of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries. This partnership aims to foster understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect, contributing to enhanced security and stability at both regional and international levels.

As a representative of His Highness the Amir, the Prime Minister expressed hope for progress in negotiations for a free trade agreement between the GCC countries and the European Union. He called for reaching a framework agreement for cooperation and seeking alternative formulas to harness the significant potential of the GCC and EU member states, steering them towards a common destiny and effective partnership across various fields. He reaffirmed the commitment to collaborate on challenges and strengthen the strategic partnership between the GCC and the EU, expressing Kuwait’s aspiration, under its presidency of the GCC at the end of 2024, to fully coordinate with European partners on all matters of common interest.

The representative of His Highness the Amir emphasized in his speech the State of Kuwait’s commitment to assisting the brotherly Republic of Iraq in its efforts to restore its regional status and achieve the aspirations of its people.

He called on Iraq to take concrete measures to address all outstanding issues between Kuwait and Iraq, foremost among them the demarcation of the maritime borders after point 162, in accordance with international laws and conventions.

He also urged Iraq to adhere to bilateral agreements related to the security and technical aspects of the navigation corridor in Khor Abdullah—agreements that would enhance the concepts of environmental preservation, navigation regulation, and the fight against terrorism, as well as illegal trade in weapons, drugs, and human trafficking. He stressed the importance of continuing dialogue based on understanding and mutual respect between the two brotherly countries.

In the speech, he also highlighted the urgent need to halt the air raids conducted by the Israeli occupation forces on Gaza to prevent further risks and tensions in the region and beyond.

He reiterated Kuwait’s principled, firm, and historical stance in support of the Palestinian people and their just cause, including their right to establish an independent state along the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He welcomed the decision of several European countries this year to recognize the State of Palestine and called on other European nations to follow suit.

The Council of Ministers was briefed on the discussions held by the representative of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Prime Minister, on the sidelines of the summit with the Prime Minister of the friendly Kingdom of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of the friendly Republic of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

These meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the State of Kuwait and the member states of the European Union in various fields to achieve the common interests of all parties.

The 45th Gulf Summit

The Council of Ministers reviewed the latest preparations for Kuwait’s hosting of the 45th session of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, scheduled for December 1.

In this regard, the Council expressed its warm welcome to their Majesties and Excellencies, the leaders of the GCC countries, as well as the accompanying delegations and guests in their second home, Kuwait. They emphasized the importance of this Gulf event, which reflects the deep historical relations among GCC countries, based on their shared unity of purpose and common destiny.

The Council aims to strengthen cooperation and consolidate brotherly ties among GCC nations to advance progress and development across all sectors, fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of both leaders and peoples.

Maintenance of all main roads and internal streets across Kuwait

On another note, Dr. Noura Mohammed Al-Mashaan, the Minister of Public Works, informed the Council that she will sign contracts on Wednesday, for comprehensive maintenance of all main roads and internal streets across Kuwait, in collaboration with international, Gulf, and local companies.

Combating human trafficking

On another note, the Council of Ministers reviewed a visual presentation by Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Wasmi, the Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, on the work of the National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants. This presentation reflected Kuwait’s commitment to addressing this global phenomenon in all its forms and manifestations.

The minister pointed out that trafficking in persons violates the principles of Islamic law and constitutes a clear infringement of human rights. He emphasized that implementing Law No. 91 of 2013 on combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, along with the relevant international conventions, requires the concerted efforts of all ministries, bodies, and institutions involved.

The Council of Ministers expressed its support for the Committee’s efforts to enhance Kuwait’s status in international organizations. Additionally, the council decided to assign the National Committee to combat trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants the task of providing the Council with a periodic report every three months on the latest developments and any obstacles faced by the Committee, enabling the Council to address them.

Kuwaiti nationality

In another matter, the Council of Ministers adopted the minutes of the Supreme Committee for the Realization of Kuwaiti Nationality, which includes cases of the loss and withdrawal of Kuwaiti nationality from individuals who obtained it through fraud and forgery, in accordance with the provisions of Decree-Law No. (15) of 1959 on Kuwaiti nationality and its amendments.

Tribute to former minister Abdullah Al-Tawil

On another note, the Council of Ministers paid tribute to the late Abdullah Abdulrahman Al-Tawil, former Minister of Trade and Industry and former Minister of Health, who passed away on Monday.

The Council praised the legacy of the deceased, highlighting his contributions and efforts during his time in various ministerial positions. They recalled his sincere dedication and prominent role in serving his country, calling upon God Almighty to grant him mercy and to inspire his family and relatives with patience during this difficult time.