Kuwait has called for strengthened diplomatic efforts and comprehensive reforms at the United Nations amid rising tensions in the Middle East. In a statement marking United Nations Day on October 24, Ambassador Tareq Al-Bannai, Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized the need for the organization to adhere consistently to its founding principles without applying double standards.
Al-Bannai highlighted the importance of reforming the UN Security Council to ensure fairer representation and enhance its capacity to address modern crises. He underscored the need to maintain a balance among the UN’s three core pillars—peace and security, development, and human rights—while giving particular attention to the priorities of developing countries. According to the ambassador, the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations depend on the consistent enforcement of international law, protection of civilians, and respect for state sovereignty through clear policies and decisive action.
The remarks came amid heightened instability in the Middle East, which Kuwait views as undermining regional security and straining the resources of local populations. Al-Bannai condemned attacks attributed to Iran against Kuwait and other Gulf countries, describing them as violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity that targeted civilian infrastructure and breached international law and the UN Charter. He rejected any justification for these assaults, stressing that respect for sovereignty and civilian protection are non-negotiable obligations under international norms.
The ambassador called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which demands that Iran immediately and unconditionally cease its attacks and provocations against Gulf states and Jordan. He urged the Security Council to fulfill its mandate by enforcing compliance with its resolutions, preventing further aggression, and upholding regional and global peace and security.
In addition to addressing regional security concerns, Al-Bannai reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to diplomatic measures aimed at de-escalating tensions and peacefully resolving conflicts. He emphasized that regional stability relies on good-neighborly relations, respect for sovereignty, avoidance of interference in internal affairs, and refraining from the use or threat of force.
On the subject of Palestine, Al-Bannai reiterated Kuwait’s longstanding support for the Palestinian people, stressing the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He called for an end to Palestinian suffering, the protection of civilians, opposition to forced displacement, and the facilitation of safe, sustainable humanitarian access. Kuwait also reaffirmed its backing of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to enable the agency to carry out its mission.
Al-Bannai stated that Kuwait regards the United Nations as the primary platform for addressing global challenges and remains dedicated to supporting its work. Since joining the organization in 1963, Kuwait's foreign policy has emphasized respect for sovereignty, non-interference, peaceful dispute resolution, and cooperation through dialogue.