Latest news with #Al-Yahya
Arab Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait facilitates the transit of thousands stranded by Israel-Iran conflict
KUWAIT CITY, June 19: In response to escalating regional tensions triggered by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Kuwait has stepped in to assist approximately 30,000 travelers stranded due to suspended air traffic. Since last Friday, these travelers — many of different nationalities — have entered Kuwait through the Abdali border crossing, with numbers continuing to rise. According to security sources cited by Al-Rai, Kuwait's Ministry of Interior, under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, is actively working to facilitate the entry and return of stranded individuals. The operation includes Kuwaitis, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, and Arab, European, and Asian citizens who have been unable to leave Iran or Iraq due to halted air travel. A structured mechanism has been implemented, allowing travelers to cross from Iran's Shalamcheh port into Iraq, then through the Safwan and Abdali land ports, and onwards to their home countries via Kuwait International Airport or through Nuwaiseeb and Salmi border crossings. For humanitarian purposes, Minister Al-Yousef has authorized a seven-day transit visa for GCC residents holding valid travel tickets, enabling them to pass through Kuwait. Additionally, some European citizens have been granted special entry to facilitate their return via the airport. Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Al-Adwani has also instructed that all humanitarian services be extended to support the safe and efficient movement of stranded travelers. The Abdali crossing has become a hub of logistical activity, with border and customs officials operating around the clock. Coordination is underway with GCC embassies to evacuate citizens before they arrive at Abdali. The Kuwaiti government has deployed approximately 40 buses to transport travelers from the Safwan crossing to Abdali, streamlining their onward transit. 'All relevant personnel are working at full capacity,' the sources confirmed, 'to ensure travelers can safely and easily reach their destinations with the support and care they need.' Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to the 'safe and speedy' return of Kuwaiti citizens currently in Iran. In an interview with Al-Akhbar TV, Al-Yahya emphasized that no injuries or infections among nationals have been reported since Israel began a major military campaign against Iran last Friday. 'The safety of our citizens abroad is our top priority,' he said. 'We have begun tallying Kuwaiti nationals in Tehran, Mashhad, and Qom, and are arranging their evacuation through the closest exit points.' Evacuations are being coordinated through land crossings into Iraq, with citizens transported back to Kuwait via secure routes. Additional efforts include moving groups through Turkmenistan and its capital to arrange further repatriation. Al-Yahya noted ongoing coordination with neighboring states to ensure smooth passage and expressed hope for the safe return of all citizens. He also highlighted Kuwait's role, as current chair of the GCC, in convening a virtual ministerial meeting last Saturday. The meeting concluded with a joint statement condemning the Israeli military operations and urging de-escalation and a return to negotiations. Kuwait is also monitoring potential radioactive fallout as a precaution, with current indicators remaining stable. Regarding consular support, Al-Yahya said Kuwait's diplomatic mission in Tehran is active, while other GCC countries operate additional consulates in Mashhad and Qom. This Gulf-wide coordination is ensuring comprehensive coverage for citizens across affected areas. 'We operate as a unified team,' he concluded, 'providing direct support to Gulf nationals wherever they are.'
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
GCC Monitors Radiation Risk Amid Regional Escalation
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Yahya reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to the safe and expedited evacuation of all Kuwaiti citizens currently in Iran, amid rapidly deteriorating security conditions sparked by ongoing Israeli airstrikes. In a televised interview with Al-Akhbar TV, Minister Al-Yahya emphasized that the safety of Kuwaiti nationals abroad remains a top priority, noting that "no injuries or health-related incidents have been reported among Kuwaiti citizens since the start of the Israeli assault on Iran last Friday." He confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its emergency response plan, beginning with an immediate census of Kuwaiti nationals across Iranian cities. 'We started the process in Tehran, then moved on to Mashhad and Qom. We have maintained direct contact with all citizens, recorded their whereabouts, and are working to evacuate them at the earliest opportunity via the nearest exit routes,' he said. The minister explained that evacuations are currently being carried out through land crossings into Iraq, with onward travel to Kuwait coordinated with local and regional authorities. 'We are also transporting some citizens through Turkmenistan, with flights arranged from Ashgabat to Kuwait,' he added. Sheikh Al-Yahya assured that the evacuation operations are proceeding in close coordination with neighboring countries, underscoring Kuwait's diplomatic efforts to facilitate safe passage. 'We are doing everything necessary to ensure our citizens return home swiftly and safely,' he stated. As the current chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Kuwait has taken a leading diplomatic role since the escalation began. The minister revealed that a video conference was convened on Saturday with GCC foreign ministers, resulting in a unified condemnation of Israel's military operations and a collective call for de-escalation and a return to negotiations. Al-Yahya also confirmed that the Gulf states are actively monitoring the situation for any signs of radiation fallout due to strikes on sensitive sites in Iran. 'All current readings are stable, but we remain vigilant,' he said. Regarding consular support, the minister noted that Kuwait operates a single diplomatic mission in Tehran, while other Gulf countries have additional consulates in Mashhad and Qom. 'Despite this, we function as a united Gulf team, ensuring that all Gulf nationals in Iran receive adequate support, regardless of where they are,' he said. The minister concluded by reiterating Kuwait's full diplomatic mobilization to protect its citizens and promote regional stability: 'Our goal remains clear—safeguard our people and contribute to efforts that bring peace and security to the region.'
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait activates evacuation plan for citizens in Iran
Diplomatic contacts intensify as Iran's neighboring states open evacuation corridors KUWAIT: Kuwait has activated a full-scale emergency evacuation plan for its citizens currently in Iran, as the war between the Zionist entity and Iran entered its sixth day on Wednesday. The Kuwaiti government is coordinating with neighboring countries and international partners to ensure the safe and swift return of its nationals amid rapidly escalating security concerns. Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya reaffirmed the government's commitment to a 'safe and speedy return' for all Kuwaiti citizens in Iran, stressing that 'no injuries have been reported among them' since the beginning of the Zionist entity's strikes on Iran early Friday. 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan for Kuwaiti citizens in Iran in light of the accelerating developments in the region,' Al-Yahya told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Tuesday. Speaking in a televised interview with Al-Akhbar channel on Wednesday, he added, 'Kuwait gives top priority to the safety of its citizens abroad, especially under current circumstances.' Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Sameeh Hayat confirmed Tuesday that more than 1,000 Kuwaitis, many of them in Iran for visits, are set to be evacuated 'as quickly as possible.' He made the comments during a Philippine Embassy reception in Kuwait. The ministry, said Al-Yahya, has begun tracking and verifying the presence of citizens across multiple cities in Iran as part of the state's emergency plan. 'We started by identifying citizens in the capital, Tehran, then in the cities of Mashhad and Qom. We have contacted all Kuwaitis in these cities, recorded their numbers, and began evacuating them at the earliest opportunity and from the closest crossing points,' he said. Al-Yahya added that evacuations are taking place through land routes between Iran and Iraq, with citizens being transported through Iraqi territory and on to Kuwait. 'The figures are constantly changing, but we are close to finalizing the count in Tehran while work continues in other cities,' he explained. Additionally, evacuations have begun via Turkmenistan, with some citizens transferred to the capital Ashgabat, ahead of their return to Kuwait. 'We are working in full coordination with the competent authorities in neighboring countries to ensure smooth border crossings, and we pray that all our citizens return home safely,' Al-Yahya said. No reported injuries Kuwait has not reported any injuries among its citizens in Iran since the outbreak of hostilities. The Zionist entity's air assault on Iran has so far killed at least 224 people, according to Tehran, including senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The toll has not been updated since Sunday. Al-Yahya also confirmed that Kuwait, as current chair of the GCC, had called a virtual meeting with Gulf foreign ministers on Saturday in coordination with the GCC Secretariat. The ministers issued a unified statement condemning the Zionist attacks on Iran, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations. On the risk of nuclear escalation, Al-Yahya said Kuwait is cooperating with Gulf states to monitor potential radiological threats, stressing that 'all indicators are currently stable, and the situation is being closely monitored.' Regarding consular services, the foreign minister explained that Kuwait operates only one diplomatic mission in Tehran, while some other Gulf countries have consulates in Mashhad and Qom. 'We operate as a unified Gulf team. Any Gulf citizen in Iran can rely on the nearest Gulf embassy or consulate,' Al-Yahya noted. Regional coordination Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah held calls with Bahrain's Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Khalid Al-Jalahma, and Turkmenistan's Deputy Foreign Minister, Ahmed Gurbanov, to discuss regional developments and coordination on evacuation logistics. Separately, Foreign Minister Al-Yahya received a call on Tuesday from Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The two diplomats reviewed the security situation and discussed enhanced international cooperation to ensure regional stability. These diplomatic exchanges come as multiple countries begin evacuating their citizens from Iran. Italy has already moved dozens of nationals to Azerbaijan and Turkey, while Turkmenistan is facilitating the transfer of foreign civilians and diplomats, offering food, shelter, and transport, according to its Foreign Ministry. Bahrain is also coordinating with Turkmenistan to assist its citizens. Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani and his Turkmen counterpart Rashid Meredov agreed on logistical support to allow Bahrainis stranded in Iran to cross into Turkmenistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to urge Kuwaiti citizens in Iran to remain in contact with the embassy, follow official guidance, and avoid high-risk areas as evacuations progress. — Agencies
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Emergency plan in place to evacuate Kuwaitis from Iran: Foreign Minister
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya announced Tuesday that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed a comprehensive emergency plan to evacuate Kuwaiti citizens from the Islamic Republic of Iran amid ongoing regional developments. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Yahya emphasized that the ministry, acting on directives from the political leadership, is closely monitoring the situation around the clock through the Kuwaiti embassy in Tehran. He noted that embassy officials remain in continuous contact with Kuwaiti nationals in Iran to ensure their safety and provide necessary guidance. The Foreign Minister urged all citizens currently in Iran to strictly follow instructions issued by the embassy and to register with the "traveler's emergency" service. He reaffirmed that the safety and security of Kuwaiti citizens abroad remains a fundamental priority in the country's foreign policy.
Arab Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait proud of ties with Africa: FM Al-Yahya
KUWAIT CITY, June 11: 'The relationship of Kuwait with countries in the African continent is deep and historic,' says Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullah Al- Yahya. Al-Yahya made the statement when he attended the annual Africa Day celebration, which was held at the invitation of ambassadors and heads of African diplomatic missions in the country. After expressing his sincere greetings on the occasion, Al-Yahya affirmed that Kuwait is keen on strengthening cooperation with the African countries. He said 'Kuwait takes pride in its distinguished cooperation with African countries, particularly through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development's infrastructure and vital development projects across the continent since its establishment in 1961. The private and government sectors, as well as the fund, continue to support our friends in the African continent.' Asked if there is a plan to expand diplomatic representation in the African continent, he disclosed 'we are studying all these matters. We may close some locations and open others.' Meanwhile, Ambassador of the Union of the Comoros to Kuwait Dr. Al-Arif Sayed Hassan delivered a speech on the occasion; stating 'it is a great honor for me to welcome you to this celebration, which is being organized as part of the Africa Day activities in the beautiful city of Kuwait, a source of hospitality and generosity, and a center of humanity.' Addressing Al-Yahya, Hassan stated 'you have always expressed your interest and care for the accredited diplomatic corps, and your presence among us today is a powerful testimony to your love and appreciation for Africa and its peoples.' He added 'Kuwait is writing its name in letters of gold on the brow of the African continent, which is working hard to consolidate and strengthen the relationship of Kuwait with African countries. This celebration of Africa Day in Kuwait is a good opportunity to strengthen these relations, which are characterized by sincere brotherhood and constructive cooperation between the two sides. This is manifested through the signing of bilateral agreements, exchange of visits and diplomatic missions, implementation of educational and cultural programs, support for development and humanitarian projects, exchange of expertise and competencies, and other aspects of bilateral cooperation. This is in addition to fruitful cooperation in the regional and international arenas in various fields; especially political, economic and cultural. All of this is thanks to the joint efforts of leaders, governments and peoples.' He also explained that 'in light of this dynamism, our countries need to rely on strong partners with successful experiences in the fields of development. From this perspective, we highly appreciate and value the efforts of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in its cooperation with 51 African countries and its remarkable initiatives to support the African economy through partnership with the African Development Bank. In conclusion, he said 'I take this opportunity to celebrate Africa Day; with the theme, 'African-Kuwaiti Cooperation within the Framework of Promoting Kuwaiti Investment in Africa for a Strategic Partnership', and to call on businesspersons and investors in Kuwait to support this development dynamic and explore the opportunities and guarantees available in the continent and its companies to serve mutual interests and reinforce profitable partnerships.' It is worth mentioning that an art exhibition was inaugurated on the sidelines of the Africa Day celebration, showcasing the creativity of African artists, in addition to folkloric musical performances by several African folk bands.
