BRUSSELS: Kuwait has spent $1.9 billion to support the Syrian people since the outbreak of Syria crisis, Kuwait's Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations Abdulaziz Al-Jarallah said in a speech to the seventh Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region. “In addition, the State of Kuwait contributed USD 100 million to the UN humanitarian appeals following the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkiye in February," he said noting that the funds were channeled to various aid agencies.

Jarallah appreciated the EU for hosting this annual conference in support for Syria and neighboring countries. The high-level ministerial segment of the conference on June 15 gathered representatives of 57 countries, including EU member states, and over 30 international organizations, including the United Nations. "The Syrian conflict is with us for more than 12 years. It is a long-lasting crisis with unspeakable suffering of millions of people.

This was made even worse first by the dramatic and damaging earthquake in February, and because the global situation is worsening – not only due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, but also with the new conflicts erupting – the latest one is in Sudan,” Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for the European Union, said in a statement. “We are the biggest donor for the Syrian people, the EU needs and wants to make sure that their situation remains high on the international agenda.”

The international humanitarian response to the Syrian crisis followed Kuwait's initiative for hosting the first Pledging Conference for Syria in January 2013, Jarallah recalled. The efforts of the international community culminated in the UN Security Council adopting unanimously Resolution 2254 in 2015, which endorsed a roadmap for a Syrian-led peace process, he went on. However, Jarallah expressed regret over UN reports of continued horrible suffering in Syria 13 years after the breakout of the crisis, citing a report in March that over 15.3 million people need urgent humanitarian assistance.

Reports of severe shortage in food and dire need to rehabilitate the health system in Syria, as well as acute social, economic and security problems in Syrian refugee-hosting countries stress the need of doubling efforts by the international community to improve the humanitarian situation, he pointed out. The senior diplomat reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to shouldering its moral and humanitarian responsibilities and contributing to the relief efforts for the Syrian people.

"The State of Kuwait, as a non-permanent member in the United Nations Security Council (2018-2019), co-sponsored with the Kingdom of Sweden the UNSC draft resolution 2401 on cessation of hostilities in Syria for 30 days to allow delivery of assistance to needy people as well as the UNSC 2449 on trans-border humanitarian corridors to Syria," he added. Concluding, Jarallah thanked the UN and the UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir O.

Pedersen for their efforts to address the crisis, voicing hope that the ongoing Brussels Conference would open up a bright future for the Syrian people and the entire region. The conference succeeded in mobilizing aid to Syrians inside the country and in neighboring countries, through international pledges totaling €5.6 billion for 2023 and beyond, including €4.6 billion for 2023 and €1 billion for 2024 and beyond. - Agencies