Category: Government

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov met on Wednesday with the diplomatic missions heads of Arab states accredited in Moscow to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a press release, the meeting addressed the unprecedented violence escalation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the retaliatory missile attack by Iran on Israel on Tuesday.

Lavrov stressed that peace won’t be achieved until Palestinians exercise their right to their own independent state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Zakharova added that they also emphasized that all parties involved should abandon provocative actions, show restraint, a responsible approach in accordance with the well-known decisions of the UN and its Security Counci.

She noted that the meeting participants called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that he is determined to put his country’s relationship with the European Union back on a “stable positive putting.” Starmer was speaking on Wednesday in a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels He stressed that the British people wants to be back to a pragmatic sensible leadership when it comes to “dealing with our closest neighbours to make Brexit work and to find ways to boost economic growth, strengthening our security and tackle shared challenges like irregular migration and climate change.” Von der Leyen announced that the EU is ready to strengthen bilateral relations with the UK, stating that “in these very uncertain times, like-minded partners like us must cooperate more closely”.

Von der Leyen affrimed that the EU and London jointly support the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia.

The President of the European Commission added that the EU and the UKÂ’s alignment on global affairs provides a goo
d foundation for their bilateral relations. She underlined that whilst they have a set of solid agreements in place, both parties should explore the scope for more cooperation while they focus on the full and faithful implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, the Windsor Framework and the TCA.

Separately, von der Leyen and Starmer called for a ceasefire across the border with Lebanon consistent with Resolution 1701 and in Gaza.

Starmer, who is paying his first official visit to Brussels Wednesday since his election last July, is expected to meet President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. London and Brussels have different priorities on their respective agendas. Whilst the EU wants to raise fisheries and youth mobility, the UK would like to discuss security and defence, migration and health issues. Britain left the European Union in 2020 after a majority of British people voted to exit the bloc in the 2016 referendum (Brexit).

Source: Ku
wait News Agency

Indian government on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the escalation of security situation in the Middle East and appealed on the concerned parties to maintain restrain.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reiterated the call for restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians as the situation in the region grew tense. “It is important that the conflict doesnÂ’t take a wider regional dimension and we urge that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement said. New Delhi also advised nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran saying it is closely monitoring recent escalation in security situation in the region.

“Those currently residing in Iran are requested to remain vigilant and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran,” the statement said.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

The Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Al Thani is set to inaugurate the third summit of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Doha on Thursday, with the participation of Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

ACD, established in 2002 by Thailand, aims to enhance cooperation between regional Asian organizations, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

It also aims to expand Asian commerce and finance market, increase Asia’s competitiveness in international markets, creating an Asian community that can perform equally with the rest of the world.

The first ministerial meeting of the ACD was held in Thailand in 2002, while the first summit was held in Kuwait in October 2012. During the events, the participants announced pledges worth USD two billions, with USD 300 million provided by Kuwa
it.

Kuwait continues to commitment to boost Asian dialogue on all levels, to tacke issues and challenges facing the continent’s countries.

The second summit was held in Thailand in 2016, where the countries agreed on establishing a permanent general secretariat for ACD, headquartered in Kuwait.

The theme for this year’s edition of the conference is “Sports Diplomacy”, as sports is a soft power that plays a big role in developing countries and bringing nations and cultures closer. It also involves supporting youth, women and development, as main pillars in the sports field.

Despite the variations in natural and human resources, significant economic power and energy sources, Asian countries are still facing many challenges that require joint work and cooperation.

These include different development rates between Asian countries, as well as security issues. ACD is aiming to enhance its role on a regional and international level to tackle these issues.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Wednesday received a telephone call from South Korea’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun.

The two sides discussed means of boosting bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries within quarters of the international organizations.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

The Egyptian government warned on Wednesday that the region might be dragged to total war if the Israeli occupation continued to escalate the situation in the region.

A statement by the cabinet said during its meeting that it was very concerned over the alarming developments in Lebanon as the result of the Israeli assault, expressing full solidarity towards the Lebanese government and people and standing the fellow Arab country’s security and unity.

The rapid developments from yesterday signals an alarm for the international community to intervene and imposed an immediate ceasefire in the region to save lives and safeguard Mideast security.

A ceasefire must especially implemented in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip to deescalate the situation, it affirmed.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and US President Joe Biden agreed Wednesday on the importance of continuing to enhance the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-US alliance, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

During their first phone talks since Ishiba took office on Tuesday, which lasted 15 minutes, the two leaders also vowed to work together on economic security cooperation, the ministry said in a statement.

In addition, Ishiba and Biden agreed to further develop networks of like-minded countries, including Japan-US-Korea, Japan-US-Australia-India, and Japan-US-Philippines, according to the statement.

Ishiba told Biden that strengthening the Japan-US alliance is a top priority of his administration’s foreign and security policy and that he wishes to continue working closely together with the US as global partners at the core of a free and open international order.

Ishiba also expressed his gratitude for Biden’s strong commitment to the Japan-US alliance.

Over the recent attack b
y Iran against Israel, the two leaders expressed their serious concern about the potential escalation into a full-fledged war in the Middle East, and reaffirmed their strong condemnation of such escalation.

Furthermore, Ishiba and Biden pledged to continue working closely on issues related to China, dealing with North Korea including on the nuclear and missile development programs, Japanese abductions by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, and the situation in Ukraine.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

The United States and Bahrain held the fourth round of their annual Strategic Dialogue in Washington, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation and the conditions in the Middle East, especially in the Gaza Strip.

A joint statement was issued on Tuesday, following the consclusion of the session, stating the commitment of both countries to enhance bilaterial and regional security, promoting economic innovation and prosperity, strengthening cultural and public relations as well as supporting fundamental rights and values. “The dialogue is a platform to advance practical cooperation in areas like border security, counterterrorism, energy security, trusted technology, education, cultural exchange, and trade and investment” the statement added. During the current session, the United Sates praised the leaderships of Bahrain as the current Arab League president and the host of the 33rd Arab Summit. Both countries reaffirm their commitment to a more peaceful and stable region including achieving permanent end to
the war in the Gaza Strip, release of hostages and detainees, reconstruction of Gaza, and the expanding of unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to civilians. Both sides reiterated their call for a two-state solutions “that would allow Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in security, sovereignty, and economic opportunities” The US government commended Bahrain’s “invaluable role as a partner in maintaining regionl security, highlighting its commitment to “Operation Prosperity Guardian” launched by the US at end of last year amid Houthi attacks on ships allegedly linked to the Israeli occupation. Both countries condemned the ongoing Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and innocent mariners, which have harmful effects on regional and international economies. Washington and Manama reiterated calls for the Houthis to release United Nations staff, U.S. embassy employees, and international organization personnel unlawfully detained in Yemen.

The two nations stated that the open and comprehensive discussi
ons within the Strategic Dialogue reflect the decades-long U.S.-Bahrain friendship and security alliance. Both government explained that economic cooperation would continue to grow in the context of US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement, signed 20 years ago in September 2004. Joint initiatives in higher, secondary, and primary education was discussed among other areas in the dialogue, as well as opportunities to enhance media cooperation and develop skills in journalism.

he joint statement noted that Bahrain and the United Sates look forward to holding the 2025 Strategic Dialogue again, with follow up sessions to advance progress on specific initiative.

The 2023 dialogue took place in Washington, culminating in a meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Bahraini counterpart Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita discussed in a meeting late Tuesday the current tension in the Middle East and fears of a wider regional conflict.

In statement prior to the meeting Secretary Blinken said that he was looking forward to consulting on a lot — a variety of issues that we work on together, particularly stability both in the Middle East as well as in Africa and North Africa.” “We’re, of course, tracking events in the Middle East very closely,” he affirmed.

“We’re watching developments, as I said, very carefully in this moment,” said Blinken On his part, Bourita said, “We are witnessing escalations in the Middle East, problems in the Sahel, in Libya, in Europe,” adding, the meeting today was “an opportunity to coordinate, and his majesty (King of Morocco) values this partnership. And we would like to work together to bring peace to all these parts of the world.” The Middle East had witnessed rising tension yesterday. The region is approaching the anni
versary of the Israeli occupation’s brutal assault on the Gaza Strip. The Israeli aggressors also began a bullish campaign against southern Lebanon with air strikes supposedly aimed at the Lebanese resistance forces but caused serious casualties on the civilian population Iran launched an assault on the Israeli occupation in retaliation to its inhumane attacks on Palestine and Lebanon as well as numerous assassinations of prominent regional figures.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad said on Wednesday his talks with visiting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted cooperation fields.

Speaking in a joint news conference with President Pezeshkian, the Amir stressed the importance of exploring potential opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in commercial and economic domains.

He noted that the talks are held in light of the accurate circumstances the region is going through, in terms of the Israeli occupation aggression on the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Al-Aqsa Mosque and Lebanon The martyrdom and wounding of thousands of people put the entire region on the brink of the abyss and lead to expansion of the circle of violence, he said, affirming Qatar’s support to any regional or international efforts to reach de-escalation and maintain the stability and security of the region.

The Amir calls on the international community to urgently take action to compel the Israeli occupation authorities to stop their brutal aggression on the G
aza Strip and Lebanon.

Qatar has warned against the latest escalation on Lebanon since the start of Israeli aggression, he said.

On mediation efforts for a ceasefire, the Amir reiterated Qatar’s continued endeavors and efforts to halt the war in Gaza and release hostages, elaborating that mediation is a strategic option for Qatar.

He reiterated that establishing an independent viable Palestinian state on June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital is the only way for a sustainable and permanent peace in the region.

Meanwhile, Pezeshkian underlined the significance of multiple mechanisms to develop ties between Qatar and Iran, saying that bilateral collaboration supports the region’s stability and security.

On the latest regional happenings, he emphasized that Iran is keen on peace and calls for lull. He noted that wars do not serve the region’s countries.

The Iranian leader thanked the Amir for hospitality and warm reception, referring that his country is looking forward to boosting ties wit
h Qatar through talks on varied fields.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken convened a call with the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom on Wednesday to coordinate with them “a response to Iran’s attack on Israel” yesterday.

The discussions, which preceded US President Joe Biden’s call with the G7 leaders, dealt also with how to coordinate diplomatic efforts moving forward to ensure stability in the Middle East, Spokesperson of the State Department Matthew Alan Miller said in a press briefing.

“The Secretary then joined the president’s call with the G7 — where they made clear that the G7 condemns Iran’s attack on Israel and is working together on a response including new sanctions.” Miller added.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

US Secretary of State Department distanced itself from the statement of Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would be barred from entering the country.

Asked to comment on the move at a press briefing on Wednesday, the Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “We don’t find that step to be productive in any way.” “We don’t think it’s a productive step at all precisely because of the reasons you identify, which is the UN does incredibly important work in Gaza. “It does incredibly important work in the region and the UN, when it’s acting at its best, can play an important role for security and stability. “So, we think it’s important that Israel be able to engage with the UN,” Miller explained. “One of the things we’ve always said that Israel needs to be cognizant of throughout this conflict is its standing in the world, and steps like this are not productive to improving its standing in the world,” he added.

Earlier today, Katz wrote on his X account “I have dec
lared UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres persona non grata in Israel and banned him from entering the country.” “Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack on Israel, as almost every country in the world has done, does not deserve to step foot on Israeli soil,” he added.

Yesterday, the Secretary-General condemned “the broadening of the Middle East conflict with escalation after escalation.” “This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire,” he stressed in a tweet following the Iranian missile attack on Israel.

“I am extremely concerned with the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon and appeal for an immediate ceasefire. “An all-out war must be avoided in Lebanon at all costs, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected,” Guterres added.

Source: Kuwait News Agency