Kuwaiti leaders held crucial talks Sunday about the expiring UNAMI mandate. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled received Ambassador Dr. Mohammed Al-Hassan. The UN official leads the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef also met with the special representative.
Therefore, both discussions focused on enhanced Kuwait-UN cooperation. They specifically addressed regional security and stability. Sheikh Fahad emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to close UN collaboration. The officials also reviewed recent international developments.
Ambassador Al-Hassan appreciated Kuwait’s supportive regional role. This visit carries significant timing and importance. The current UNAMI mandate will expire on December 31, 2025. The mission began its work back in 2013.
UNAMI addressed two major humanitarian issues. These stem from Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait. First, it worked on locating missing Kuwaiti nationals. Second, it sought return of stolen property and archives.
The mission achieved considerable progress nevertheless. Teams recovered and identified fifty-nine individuals. They facilitated return of hundreds of thousands cultural items. However, three hundred fifteen persons remain missing. Substantial archive portions are also still lost.
Kuwait wants continued UN oversight after December. The country urges appointing a High-Level Coordinator. This ensures accountability and transparency. Iraq however prefers a bilateral approach instead.
Ambassador Al-Hassan visited Kuwait previously this year. He met senior officials including the Foreign Minister. They discussed mechanisms for unresolved issues. Everyone recognizes these sensitive matters need more time.
The Secretary-General consequently proposed two options. First, appointing a senior UN representative. Second, assigning the mandate to a UN department. The UN acknowledges the high humanitarian stakes.
Hundreds of remains are still unaccounted for. Returning state archives holds symbolic significance. Kuwait welcomed the UN’s recommendation in June. Ambassador Tareq Al-Bannai addressed the Security Council.
He affirmed Kuwait’s belief in bilateral cooperation. However, he called UN follow-up absolutely indispensable. The UNAMI mandate conclusion requires careful planning. Kuwait remains committed to peaceful resolution. The nation values international cooperation deeply. These talks reinforce ongoing diplomatic efforts.
