All parties duty-bound to preserve Gulf unity: Kuwait Amir

Amidst the ongoing Gulf crisis, Kuwait’s Amir has urged Gulf Arab states to overcome the diplomatic dispute with Qatar, saying all parties had a duty to preserve regional unity.

The Amir of Kuwait, His Highness, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who is leading the mediation efforts, said he hoped the crisis could be solved through dialogue.

Amir of Kuwait, His Highness, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah,
Amir of Kuwait, His Highness, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. Photo courtesy: Wikipedia

The Amir said, “The remaining days of the holy month will create the atmosphere for resolving unfortunate differences and ending the rift through dialogue and communication in the Gulf.”

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and travel ties with Qatar on June 5 over its funding of militant groups and fomenting instability.

Sheikh Sabah said “Gulf countries had one destiny because of their historical ties and cross-border family relations. These common interests gave the Gulf states a duty to remain united.”

He prayed for efforts “to preserve our Gulf states, their people and to avoid all that disrupts their strong relations and threatens their security and safety.”

Sheikh Sabah also said the region and the rest of the world faced the “growing phenomenon of terrorism” and said Kuwait stood in solidarity with the international community to combat it and help eliminate its origins, without specifying.

Meanwhile, the European Union has also supported Kuwaiti-led mediation efforts to help end the Gulf standoff over Qatar.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, said, “We are ready to help, assist and accompany this mediation in all ways that might be requested.”

But she added, after chairing talks between EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, that the problem must be resolved within the region and not by outside powers.

She said, “Gulf countries have the strengths and wisdom to find a political way out of this crisis.”

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