During an official visit to Beirut, Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahd Yousef Al-Sabah, reaffirmed his country’s "unwavering support" for Lebanon and its people "under all circumstances."
Al-Sabah was received on Monday morning by President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, in the presence of Lebanon’s Interior Minister, Ahmad Hajjar.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the depth of the bilateral relationship, describing it as "deeply rooted," and based on shared values of brotherhood, mutual respect, sovereignty, and independence. President Aoun noted that these ties “grow stronger by the day,” and praised “the closeness that unites the Lebanese and Kuwaiti peoples.” In this context, he expressed hope that Kuwaiti citizens would once again spend their summer holidays in Lebanon.
The president also thanked the Emir of Kuwait, the Kuwaiti government, and the Kuwaiti people for their ongoing support, particularly during the crises Lebanon has faced. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral coordination, especially on security issues such as the fight against drug trafficking.
For his part, the Kuwaiti official reiterated his country’s “unwavering support” for Lebanon and its people “under all circumstances.” He also reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to Lebanon’s stability and announced his intention to revive the Lebanese-Kuwaiti High Committee, which has been inactive for thirteen years, in order to explore key areas for cooperation.
“Kuwait needs Lebanon, and Lebanon needs Kuwait,” he declared. He went on to praise Lebanon’s historic stances, recalling in particular that Beirut was the first country in the world to oppose the Iraqi invasion of 1990. “Everything Lebanon is experiencing today, Kuwait has already experienced,” he said, underscoring the need for renewed solidarity between the two peoples.
On security matters, Sheikh Fahd Al-Sabah stated that Lebanon’s stability is a regional concern, emphasizing that security is a prerequisite for development. “The Lebanese community in Kuwait is one of the most law-abiding and causes virtually no problems,” he added. He also noted that there have been regular consultations with Lebanon’s ambassador to Kuwait and with Lebanese authorities since President Aoun’s visit to Kuwait on May 11.
When asked about Hezbollah’s potential presence in Kuwait, following its designation as a terrorist organization by Kuwait’s Court of Cassation, the minister was unequivocal: “We will confront any threat to our security.”
After his meeting in Baabda, the Kuwaiti minister continued his visit at Ain el-Tineh, where he was received by Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. Following their meeting, Berri stated: “Lebanon will remain Lebanon, and the issue of weapons (referring to Hezbollah) will be resolved soon.”
In the afternoon, discussions were held at the Grand Serail, co-chaired by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties, reactivating the joint Lebanese-Kuwaiti commission, and reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment to assist Lebanon. They also addressed local, regional, and international developments.
Following the discussions, Prime Minister Salam and Sheikh Al-Sabah toured the Serail, which was recently renovated thanks to a grant from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.
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