Caution, vigilance vital for regional harmony: Foreign Minister
• “Palestinian issue remains central and pivotal to Kuwait’s position,” said Abdullah Al-Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs
• The ministry is safeguarding the country’s prestigious position and reinforcing its stances towards sisterly and friendly nations
“Given the critical conditions prevailing in the region, it is imperative that we exercise caution and vigilance,” said Abdullah Al-Yahya, Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, in an exclusive interview with “Al-Rai” newspaper.
In the interview, the minister said that our strategic plans have been meticulously crafted to ensure the precise implementation of the high directives and instructions outlined by the prime minister.
Al-Yahya said that the government is enhancing foreign policy and activating Kuwait’s role regionally and internationally, framing active cooperation aspects and exploring new opportunities for developing relationships.
The minister added that the government remains committed to its steadfast approach established by the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad.
In the interview, the minister said the ministry is executing strategic plans through diplomatic efforts in tandem with government entities within the country. The minister stated that the Palestinian issue remains central and pivotal to Kuwait’s position and added that tension and instability will persist in our region unless the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people are realised.
“The government is continuing efforts to finalize maritime border demarcation with Iraq beyond point 162 and adhering to fostering good neighbourly relations, respecting sovereignty, and refraining from internal interference,” Al-Yahya said.
“The ministry is providing opportunities for the youth to represent Kuwait abroad and assume leadership roles in the state and infusing new, youthful blood into various positions in collaboration and coordination with ministry leadership,” added Al-Yahya.
The minister emphasized that the key priorities for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at present include executing the high directives of His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad and the instructions of His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Sabah, Prime Minister, regarding Kuwait’s geopolitical positioning, economic development, and the formulation and implementation of strategic plans within this framework. This is carried out through diplomatic work in conjunction with the efforts of government entities within Kuwait.
In his first interview with “Al-Rai” since assuming office, Al-Yahya said the Palestinian issue continues to hold a central and pivotal position for Kuwait. He affirmed ongoing collaboration with sisterly and friendly countries, as well as major global powers, to achieve a ceasefire, open crossings, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Al-Yahya reiterated the commitment of the foreign ministry to its steadfast approach, established by the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, towards safeguarding Kuwait’s supreme interests. This commitment involves enhancing cooperation with sisterly and friendly countries, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and preserving the rich legacy of Kuwaiti diplomacy.
“The ministry aims to build on strong relations with various nations, while also safeguarding national interests, Arab and Islamic principles,” said Al-Yahya.
The minister furthter stated that the current priorities include completing work on technical issues and addressing pending files, such as finalising maritime border demarcation with Iraq beyond point 162.
The minister underscored the importance of injecting new, youthful energy into various positions within the ministry, working collaboratively with leadership to achieve this goal.
“The Palestinian issue remains central, and efforts are ongoing to collaborate with sisterly and friendly nations and major global powers to achieve a ceasefire, open crossings, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza. Tension and instability in the region will persist unless the legitimate political rights of the Palestinian people are realized,” Al-Yahya said.
The minister highlighted the critical and sensitive conditions in the region, emphasising the need for caution, learning from lessons, and working collaboratively to avoid the repercussions and risks of wars. The focus is on de-escalation and limiting the expansion of conflict areas, while preserving the security and stability of nations.
In response to the leadership’s emphasis on supporting youth, the minister affirmed the ministry’s commitment to implementing directives that open opportunities for the youth to represent Kuwait abroad and take up leadership positions within the country. The goal is to infuse new, young blood into various roles in collaboration with ministry leadership.
