KUWAIT: The "Kuwait Seeks Your Well-being” donation drive concluded on Sunday after a three-day run at the Lebanese Embassy in Kuwait. Donations poured into the embassy from day one, including medicine, medical supplies, and essential items for women and children.
"Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant difference,” Lebanese Charge d’Affaires in Kuwait Ahmad Arafa said in a statement. He added that the Zionist entity’s military attack on Lebanon systematically targeted villages and towns throughout the country, resulting in widespread devastation. "The destruction exceeds 150,000 residential units, leaving approximately 700,000 people displaced in shelters or rented homes across the country,” said Arafa. He praised the Lebanese community in Kuwait for proving their reliability and generosity by volunteering and donating and thanked the numerous Kuwaiti volunteers who also joined the campaign. "This reflects the strong bond and appreciation shared between our peoples for decades.”
Assistant Foreign Minister for Development and International Cooperation Ambassador Hamad Al-Mashaan praised the efforts of the embassy’s team, the Lebanese community, and other residents, including Kuwaiti volunteers, in preparing aid that will soon be sent to Lebanon. He indicated that Kuwait has already sent six military aircraft to Lebanon, carrying 180 tons of medical supplies. On the mechanism for delivering aid, he emphasized: "The Lebanese Red Cross and Red Crescent will oversee the distribution of aid. Previous donations were handed over to the Lebanese government, which provided Kuwait with a list of the population’s urgent needs. All procedures were transparent and adhered to the correct legal channels, ensuring the embassy obtained the necessary approvals.”
Ambassador Ahmad Abdulrahman Al-Baker, Assistant Foreign Minister for Arab World Affairs, reaffirmed Kuwait’s support for Lebanon. "Kuwait has previously welcomed the ceasefire initiative, and we hope this will be a step toward a lasting and sustainable peace. We support all international efforts under the United Nations umbrella to implement and advance this decision, particularly Resolution 1701, which aims to restore calm and stability in Lebanon,” he said.
He highlighted the Kuwait Declaration penned by leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on December 1, 2024, as an example of the GCC’s solidarity with Lebanon. "During the GCC Summit, we witnessed the clear stance expressed by the leaders of the GCC in support of Lebanon and its political process. Furthermore, Kuwait’s efforts within the Arab League, whether through ministerial meetings or its representative in the League, continue to support Lebanon and Palestine alike.” He indicated Kuwait’s unwavering commitment to all decisions issued by the Arab League and the GCC aimed at upholding Lebanon’s independence while rejecting interference in its internal affairs. He affirmed that the solution in Lebanon must be political, leading to the desired stability
Al-Baker emphasized the longstanding affection and mutual respect shared between Kuwait and Lebanon. "We Kuwaitis have always held a special affection for Lebanon, which is evident through our visits there or in our warm reception of Lebanese residents in Kuwait. The Lebanese, in turn, express their appreciation and gratitude for this relationship. We hope this bond and harmony between the two peoples will continue to thrive.”
Tajikistan Ambassador to Kuwait and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Zubaydullo Zubaydov expressed his solidarity with Lebanon, praising Kuwait’s humanitarian efforts and highlighting the global recognition of Kuwait’s contributions to various causes. Zubaydov announced plans for Tajikistan to launch a relief initiative to support Lebanon. "This campaign, a testament to human compassion and solidarity, once again underscores the enduring ties between Kuwait and Lebanon and the commitment to global humanitarian efforts,” he said.
Mia Al-Adem, Consul and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Lebanon, expressed her admiration for the Lebanese people’s collective spirit during challenging times. "Today’s scene is heartwarming and demonstrates the Lebanese people’s love for their homeland, reflecting national unity beyond political divides. Everyone has come together to answer the call of duty,” she said.
She extended gratitude to the volunteers, the Lebanese Business Council, and the Lebanese Women’s Council in Kuwait for their support. She also thanked Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other authorities for facilitating the campaign, describing Kuwait as "the land of generosity, humanity, and brotherhood.” Al-Adem said the campaign was a collective effort that would bring relief to countless children and families in Lebanon. All donated items would be shipped to Beirut for distribution by the Lebanese government’s Emergency Committee in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health and the High Relief Commission, she added.