Kuwait City: Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared a comprehensive emergency plan to evacuate Kuwaiti citizens currently in the Islamic Republic of Iran, in light of the rapidly evolving developments in the region. This decision comes as regional tensions continue to escalate, posing potential risks to citizens.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Kuwaiti Cabinet has been proactive in addressing the volatile regional situation by reviewing arrangements and measures made by all ministries and state bodies. The aim is to ensure that the country's medical and food supplies and services remain plentiful and unaffected by the current tensions.
In Geneva, Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayyen, expressed firm opposition to any attempts to undermine Palestine's historical and cultural presence. He emphasized the importance of preserving its geographic and demographic characteristics and opposed the conversion of archaeological sites into exclusive tourism projects.
Meanwhile, in Vienna, Kuwait and Austria have strengthened their economic relations by signing a protocol to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), a move aimed at preventing instances of tax evasion between the two countries.
In related regional developments, the Qatari Foreign Ministry criticized the Israeli occupation's attack on Iran, describing it as an "uncalculated escalation." The ministry warned of the serious consequences this could have for regional security, which is already in a precarious state.
Over in Washington, the US government has responded to the growing tensions by establishing a Middle East Task Force. This initiative is designed to coordinate support for US citizens, diplomatic missions, and personnel, as well as to enhance diplomatic engagement in the Middle East amidst the current challenges.