KUWAIT: UN Secretary General’s representative in Kuwait Ghada Al-Taher applauded Kuwait’s humanitarian efforts and its prominent role in resolving conflicts, a policy globally appreciated. In an interview with KUNA on Sunday, Al-Taher said that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah are following in the footsteps of Kuwait’s late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in the humanitarian field.

Kuwait had always been a pioneer in easing the suffering of people in need around the world, as well as supporting infrastructure development, especially in hospitals and schools, she noted. The establishing of Kuwait Arab Economic Development (KFAED) on Dec 31, 1961, prior to joining the UN on May 15, 1963, shows the importance of development of countries in need, she said.

Kuwait is fully committed to achieving the goals of its 2035 vision, and is an active member in the UN community, she added. Kuwait plays an important role in resolving conflicts and brokering talks to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and around the world, said Al-Taher. In this context, she spoke of the three donors conferences Kuwait hosted for Syria, the Yemeni talks in 2016 and the country’s efforts in ending the Gulf crisis. The UN official congratulated Kuwait on receiving the UN Human Rights Council membership for 2024-2026.

The current situation in the region poses a new challenge for the council’s member-countries to resolve the issue and protect human rights, she said. As for Kuwait’s humanitarian work, Al-Taher underlined the country’s historic efforts in the field, noting the Kuwaiti humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip is still continuous, while Kuwait had also previously sent aid to Libya, in the aftermath of Hurricane Danielle, she added.

Meanwhile, Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Chief Dr Hilal Al-Sayer hailed on Sunday the International Committee of the Red Cross’ (ICRC) efforts in delivering humanitarian aid to those who are in need. In a statement to KUNA, after meeting ICRC Head of Regional Delegation for the GCC countries, Mamadou Sow, Al-Sayer asserted KRCS’ interest in areas of cooperation and coordination with international humanitarian organizations, especially the International Committee of the Red Cross, for the benefit of humanity. The statement added that the two officials discussed the close cooperation between the two sides and their future prospects, in addition to discussing frameworks for strengthening international humanitarian work and supporting joint activities in response to humanitarian crises and disasters in the region. Al-Sayer provided a detailed explanation of Kuwait’s efforts to support the people in the Gaza Strip against the Zionist aggression, which require international intervention and humanitarian organizations to stop them and open the crossings to deliver humanitarian aid.

On his part, Sow presented a review of the efforts taken by the ICRC within the framework of the planned immediate humanitarian response and the urgent needs of the people of the Gaza Strip. He praised the cooperation and response that distinguished KRCS’ efforts within the framework of interaction within the humanitarian work system to improve the conditions of those affected by disasters and crises, especially at the level of Middle Eastern countries.

Meanwhile, the sixth aid plane, filled with 40 tons of necessities and supplies, departed Kuwait on Sunday, heading to Egypt to provide assistance to the people of the Gaza Strip. This initiative came in line with the Kuwaiti leadership’s directives and reflected the people’s solemn support to the Palestinian people. — KUNA