KUWAIT: The European Union Delegation to the State of Kuwait held a ghabqa on Tuesday, hosting local media representatives to mark the Holy Month of Ramadan at EU Residence. During her opening speech, EU Ambassador Anne Koistinen expressed gratitude for the continued cooperation between the EU Delegation and Kuwaiti media, acknowledging their role in covering EU-Kuwait relations and EU-related news throughout the year, extending her warmest Ramadan greetings to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti Government, and the people of Kuwait.

She stated that this year is significantly important in bilateral relations, as Kuwait will be hosting the next EU-GCC Ministerial meeting later in the year. “The EU and Kuwait have a strong friendship based on shared interests, including Kuwait’s genuine support to multilateralism and the principles of good international cooperation. I see a positive potential in our relations, there is much more we can do together bilaterally, regionally, and globally.”

The ambassador added that both the EU and Kuwait are strong humanitarian actors and share a strong interest in supporting vulnerable populations around the world, in support and cooperation with the UN system and multilateral organizations.

She said that this ghabqa comes at a critical moment for the multilateral and rules-based world order. “Gaza and Ukraine still remind us these days how much the international community needs an efficient multilateral system, founded on universal rules and values that are respected by all. As the President of the European Council Antonio Costa said last week at the Arab League Summit in Cairo, the EU firmly rejects any attempt at demographic and territorial changes in Gaza.”

She added that international law and rules-based order are also under threat in Ukraine. “We believe that any peace for Ukraine must be just, sustainable, and with security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe,” she said.

Concerning the developments in Syria, the ambassador indicated that the EU strongly condemns the recent attacks on interim government forces in the coastal areas of Syria and all violence against civilians. “Civilians have to be protected in all circumstances in full respect of international humanitarian law. The EU also calls on all external actors to fully respect the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria. We believe that Syria has a historic opportunity to reunite and rebuild the country under an inclusive and Syrian-led political process,” she said.

Koistenin said she looked forward to a high-level participation from Kuwait in the Syria Conference to be held on March 17 in Brussels. “From 2013 to 2015, Kuwait hosted the first three international donor conferences for Syria, playing a crucial role in rallying financial and humanitarian assistance,” she said, further highlighting Kuwait’s efforts to alleviate suffering in war-torn regions.