KUWAIT CITY, Nov 4: An official diplomatic session took place on Friday in Moscow, the capital of the Russian Federation, featuring discussions between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and his counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergei Lavrov, reports Al-Jarida daily.

The official discussions between the foreign ministers of both nations revolved around the framework for strengthening bilateral relations and advancing them to new levels. They explored avenues for achieving the shared visions of the leadership in both countries, aspiring to foster progress and a brighter future that serves their mutual interests and the well-being of their respective peoples.

The ministers also delved into the latest developments in regional and international arenas, with a particular focus on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the concerning escalation in the Gaza Strip.

They discussed strategies for bolstering joint cooperation between the two nations to support international efforts aimed at terminating the ongoing conflict, ensuring that the scope of the conflict does not expand, and intensifying diplomatic and political actions to secure safe access points for humanitarian aid and basic necessities for the Palestinian people.

The goal is to commit to joint efforts to find a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, ultimately fostering peace and stability in the region. The ministers also addressed developments in the Iraqi scene, specifically related to the historical facts in the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court's decision regarding the Khor Abdullah Agreement and the completion of demarcating the Kuwaiti-Iraqi maritime borders beyond Mark No. 162.

Moreover, the necessity of concluding the maritime border demarcation between the State of Kuwait and Iran was highlighted.

Other topics of discussion included the Syrian crisis and international efforts aimed at finding a political resolution to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people. The ministers also engaged in conversations about the crisis in Ukraine and its implications at regional and international levels, as well as other regional and international matters of common interest. Both ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing stability and security in the region.

Following the talks, a joint press conference was held, during which Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah expressed gratitude for the invitation to Moscow and described the bilateral discussions as "fruitful and constructive." He highlighted Kuwait's status as the first Gulf country to establish diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union in 1963, and the current celebration of the 60th anniversary of these diplomatic relations. He emphasized the joint agreement to elevate and broaden these relations.

Minister Al-Sabah reported that he had briefed his Russian counterpart on discussions with Iraq concerning the importance of concluding the maritime border demarcation beyond Mark 162, emphasizing their shared views on the significance of finalizing this process. He acknowledged the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, expressing the need to stop the violence immediately and allow humanitarian aid to reach the area.

He emphasized the urgency of ending the war, which has resulted in nearly 9,000 casualties, including around 4,000 children. He called on the international community and the UN Security Council to take responsibility, stop the war, and facilitate humanitarian assistance. He noted Kuwait's swift efforts to provide relief and humanitarian aid to Gaza and the continuation of this endeavor.

Minister Al-Sabah also addressed the conflict in Ukraine, advocating for a prompt ceasefire and the pursuit of peaceful dialogue. He reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to supporting the Syrian people in finding security and peace.

In response, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov highlighted the discussion of regional developments, strongly condemning indiscriminate bombings of civilian areas in the Gaza Strip, labeling them as violations of international humanitarian law. Lavrov urged immediate measures to establish a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors to prevent further casualties and provide assistance to civilians.

He called for conditions to resume comprehensive negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis after achieving a ceasefire, with the ultimate goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state in line with international legitimacy.

Lavrov firmly rejected the idea of relocating Palestinians to the Sinai Desert, deeming it incompatible with the interests of both Palestinians and Egypt and detrimental to regional peace efforts. He also addressed the situation in Syria, emphasizing the need to support its return to the League of Arab States and take concrete actions to improve the situation on the ground.

He highlighted the importance of achieving a comprehensive settlement in Syria based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the preservation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Moreover, Lavrov praised Kuwait's balanced stance on the Ukrainian crisis, highlighting the absence of any initiatives from Ukraine for a just and genuine peace. He mentioned that the discussions extended to the development of bilateral relations in various sectors, with an emphasis on the role played by the joint committee in this regard.

Lavrov noted the increased tourism activity between Kuwait and Russia, attributing this to the opening of a direct air route between Moscow and Kuwait in February. Additionally, he acknowledged the facilitation of tourist visa issuance to Kuwaiti citizens traveling to Russia.

At the onset of the talks, Minister Al-Sabah extended warm greetings from His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to President Vladimir Putin.

He also conveyed sincere regards from His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister, to the leadership, government, and people of the friendly Russian Federation. He praised the robust, enduring, and cooperative historical friendship that has spanned six decades between the two nations.

In response, the Russian Foreign Minister expressed his respects to the political leadership of the State of Kuwait. He expressed appreciation for the deep bonds uniting the two countries and their amicable populations. He affirmed his nation's pride in the strong and productive relations and cooperation that exist across various domains with the State of Kuwait.