President Sheikh Mohamed discusses Gaza and Lebanon on state visit to Kuwait

President Sheikh Mohamed discussed the continuing violence in the Middle East during talks with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal. Sheikh Mohamed arrived in Kuwait on Sunday for a state visit. The two leaders also discussed ways to bolster relations between the two nations and across the Gulf Co-operation Council.

They underlined the need to step up efforts to halt hostilities in Gaza, while ensuring the safety of civilians in line with international humanitarian law. They also emphasised the need to create a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.

"I was pleased to meet with my brother Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, to discuss the deep-rooted and historical ties of friendship and co-operation between the UAE and Kuwait," said Sheikh Mohamed, on social media platform X.

"Together, we will continue to work to achieve lasting growth, development, and prosperity in service of our nations while advancing peace for the benefit of the region's peoples."

The two leaders called for "urgent international action to cease hostilities in Lebanon and provide protection for civilians there", UAE state news agency Wam reported. They emphasised the need to intensify efforts to prevent the further expansion of conflict across the Middle East.

Also high on the agenda were ways to bolster the level of co-operation between the nations – particularly in the economy, trade and investment. They said their countries were committed to building on the bonds of "brotherhood, mutual respect, understanding, and shared interests".

Raising the level of co-operation between nations within the GCC was also discussed with a commitment to support all efforts to enhance regional security and stability. Sheikh Mohamed was also welcomed by Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait.

The UAE and Kuwaiti national anthems were played, with a guard of honour in place at the welcoming ceremony at Amiri Airport. Sheikh Mohamed's plane was accompanied by a military escort as it entered Kuwaiti airspace.

During a brief stop in the airport's VIP lounge, Sheikh Mohamed engaged in discussions with Sheikh Meshal, expressing the depth of the enduring bonds that link the two nations, according to state news agency Wam.

The convoy then made its way to Bayan Palace, accompanied by the Emir. On arrival, a 21-gun salute was fired, while an aircraft bearing the UAE flag flew overhead. The procession was flanked by riders on horseback and children waving the flags from both countries while singing welcome messages.

The state visit from Sheikh Mohamed concluded on Sunday afternoon, with Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah and a delegation bidding him farewell at the airport. Sheikh Mohamed's visit followed a meeting with Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Minister of Interior, in Abu Dhabi in September.