The Diplomat
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares received his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Thursday, May 14. Among other issues, they discussed the regional situation in the Middle East, and Albares reiterated his “solidarity with the Kuwaiti people in the face of Iran’s unjustified attacks.”
During the meeting, the first since Sheikh Jarrah’s appointment in February 2016, Albares highlighted the efforts of both countries to strengthen institutional cooperation in specific areas, such as politics, trade, investment, security and defense, culture, and cooperation within the framework of the European Union.
Furthermore, according to a press release from the Ministry, the Minister analyzed with his counterpart the “complex regional situation in the Middle East” and reiterated “his solidarity with the Kuwaiti people in the face of Iran’s unjustified attacks.” Separately, he praised Kuwait’s restraint and reiterated his call for all parties to respect the ceasefire until negotiations culminate in a solution that ends the conflict. He also stressed the need to guarantee security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Both ministers also expressed their concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and emphasized the need to consolidate a ceasefire in Lebanon. They further appealed for peace and respect for international law in accordance with the precepts of the Charter of the United Nations.
For its part, according to a statement released by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs on social media, Sheikh Al-Sabah personally delivered a message to King Felipe VI, “King of the Kingdom of Spain,” to Albares. The message highlighted “the close historical ties that unite the two friendly countries and peoples,” the need to “strengthen and develop them,” and current events in the region. During the meeting, ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas were discussed, as well as the latest developments in the regional and international spheres, it concluded.
