Sheikh Sabah receives call from Turkish President

NEW YORK: Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani renewed gratitude to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his sincere efforts to resolve the Gulf crisis. In his address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Sheikh Tamim reiterated that unconditional dialogue based on mutual respect is the only exit from the crisis between Qatar and other Gulf states. "Restoring stability in the Gulf region requires collective efforts on the regional and international scales," he said, stressing the need to lift the embargo slapped on his country. On the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, he said the Israeli occupation authorities persist in besieging Gaza Strip, and expanding the Jewish settlements in the Palestinian West Bank and the Syrian Golan Heights "in blatant defiance of the UN."

"The State of Qatar will continue offering political and humanitarian support to the Palestinian people until they regain their legitimate rights," Sheikh Tamim underscored. Regarding Syria, he said it was high time to solve the Syrian crisis in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions in a way that could maintain the country's territorial integrity and end the grave crimes being committed against the Syrian people. Sheikh Tamim termed these crimes as "a big shame to humanity." Meanwhile, he called on the United States to lift Sudan from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism after the political changes in the country, expressing confidence in the ability of the Sudanese people to overcome the challenges of the transitional stage.

On the conflict in Yemen, Sheikh Tamim renewed support to the UN-led humanitarian efforts and mediation to end the conflict, as well as the efforts to relaunch the political process, and protect the country's national unity and territorial integrity. On Libya, the Qatari Amir blasted the attacks being launching on the capital city of Tripoli by rebel militias, noting that such militias committed war crimes against Libyan civilians. He underlined the need to create a regional security system to protect the stability of Middle East and the Gulf region in particular.

Separately, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received a phone call yesterday from the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan inquired about His Highness the Amir's health condition after recovering from a recent setback and undergoing regular medical checkups, wishing good health and wellness for His Highness. His Highness the Amir expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to the Turkish President's good sentiments. His Highness also appreciated such a brotherly gesture, which depicts depth of the good relationship between the two countries and people. His Highness the Amir wished Erdogan abundance in health and wellness, and further progress and prosperity for Turkey and the Turkish people. - KUNA