Kuwait follows up Hormuz Strait threats with grave concerns: Jarallah

KUWAIT: Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah affirmed Sunday that search for remains of missing Kuwaitis in Iraq still ongoing in accordance with UN procedures and will not stop. Jarallah made his remarks to reporters after taking part in a ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) partnership with Kuwait. Kuwait's foreign ministry is closely following the issue during meetings with its Iraqi counterpart and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), he added.

Meanwhile, Jarallah indicated that the missions and duties of the National Committee for Missing and Prisoners of Wars Affairs (NCMPA) have been referred to the foreign ministry a few days ago. The ministry is currently dealing with the issue and has contacted families of missing and imprisoned Kuwaitis in Iraq to update their data and follow details related to this subject, said the senior official. On Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdulmahdi's visit to Kuwait, Jarallah said that no date has been scheduled yet, affirming his country's aspiration for such a visit as soon as possible due for its importance on both countries' interest.

On recent tensions in the region and Kuwaiti concerns after Iran threatened to shut Hormuz Strait, Jarallah said his country is following these threats with "grave concerns." He also affirmed Kuwait's aspiration to keep the region away from such tensions, wishing that wisdom, peace, and tranquility prevail in this "vital part" of the world.

Kuwait, IOM ties
Meanwhile, Jarallah stressed the strategic relationship between Kuwait and the IOM, pointing out that this strategic relationship is working on important humanitarian sectors through which Kuwait has cooperated with the organization to implement several humanitarian projects in a number of countries. "Kuwait cannot forget the important role of this international organization during the Iraqi invasion through the issuance of many resolutions to liberate Kuwait," he added. Jarallah thanked the organization for honoring the Foreign Ministry and its officials, headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

In the meantime, the Director-General of IOM, Antonio Vittorino, praised Kuwait's continued support to all international organizations at the UN. Vittorino noted that the organization is pursuing close cooperation not only in the area of policies of common concern such as combating human trafficking, managing borders and improving the labor market for foreign workers, but also to support Kuwait in achieving its humanitarian goals. He expressed appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Kuwaiti Government for their assistance to IOM mission. The ceremony was marked by the selection of Sheikha Bibi Nasser Al-Sabah as a goodwill ambassador as well as honoring senior officials of the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry.

Alleviating people suffering

In a speech during the ceremony, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled commended the IOM for alleviating suffering of people facing crises in different parts of the world, adding that cooperation with international organizations enabled Kuwait to get acquainted with its vital humanitarian projects. Kuwait, which holds an observer status at IOM, has been committed to development, humanitarian and relief projects worldwide, he said.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said the international community was experiencing critical challenges which were affecting global peace and security. He expressed concern over high numbers of poor and hungry people. Kuwait, he added, paid a great attention to elimination of poverty in compliance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the ultimate objective of protecting and promoting human rights and human dignity. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said Kuwait sought, through its non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council, to highlight challenges facing humanitarian work like displacement of people from conflict zones. - KUNA