FM: Kuwait Keen on Opening New Cooperation Horizons with Russia.

Kuwait: Kuwait's Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya expressed on Monday the country's eagerness to establish new avenues of cooperation with Russia, particularly in the area of food security. Al-Yahya made this announcement during a joint news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, following their discussions in Moscow. The talks were part of Al-Yahya's official visit to Russia, where he was accompanied by a delegation. According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Yahya described the discussions with Lavrov as "fruitful and constructive," with a focus on enhancing the longstanding and strong ties between Kuwait and Russia. He highlighted that Kuwait was the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to establish diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union in 1963. Al-Yahya praised the developed relations between Kuwait and Russia in various sectors including food security, military, education, and culture. He also informed Lavrov about recent discussions with Iraq concerning the demarcat ion of maritime borders, noting that both sides shared identical views on the matter. The talks with Lavrov also covered regional issues, chiefly the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Both ministers agreed on the urgent need for a ceasefire and urged the international community to work towards ending the conflict. Al-Yahya noted Kuwait's swift action in establishing an air bridge to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Al-Yahya reiterated Kuwait's call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a resolution through dialogue. On the situation in Syria, he affirmed Kuwait's clear stance on supporting efforts for peace and security in the country. Additionally, Al-Yahya mentioned that Kuwait had communicated with the Lebanese government to establish a maritime corridor for aid delivery. Lavrov, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of strengthening ties in various fields and boosting tourism between Kuwait and Russia. He noted the increase in Kuwaiti tourists visiting Mo scow, facilitated by the opening of a direct route between the two countries earlier this year. Lavrov commended Kuwait's balanced approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, criticizing Ukraine for its lack of initiatives towards achieving "real and fair peace." Addressing regional developments, Lavrov condemned the indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas in Gaza and the violations of international humanitarian law. He stressed the urgency of a ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors to prevent further casualties. Lavrov also opposed the displacement of Palestinians to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, asserting that such a move contradicts the interests of Egypt, Palestinians, and regional peace efforts. On Syria, Lavrov reiterated the necessity of a comprehensive settlement based on Security Council resolutions to uphold Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.