Relations with Syria frozen, not severed: Jarallah

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah (right) joins Palestinian Ambassador Rami Tahboub (center) and the ambassador’s wife Rima Al- Khaldi in cutting the cake during a reception to mark the 30th anniversary of Palestine’s Declaration of Independence.

KUWAIT: Kuwait, as part of its longstanding support for the Palestinian cause, presented $50 million to Palestinian Authority's budget during President Mahmoud Abbas's recent visit, Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah said on Sunday. Jarallah confirmed that Kuwait continues to stand firm with the Palestinian cause and recently provided $42 million to support UNRWA, and the recent visit of Abbas to Kuwait asserts the deep relations.

Speaking to reporters on sidelines of a reception held by the Palestinian Embassy to mark the 30th anniversary of Palestine's Declaration of Independence, Jarallah said that discussions between Abbas and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah resulted in very positive outcomes. Jarallah pointed to Kuwait's supportive role and efforts in the Security Council or through financial funding to the Palestinians people.

In response to questions by the press, Jarallah said the discussions of Abbas with Kuwaiti officials were constructive. The Palestinian President honored many Kuwaiti officials on this visit with the presence of His Highness the Amir. Jarallah touched on the ongoing discussions between delegates from both countries in the Security Council to form a supportive position for Palestine on developments in Gaza ranging from massacres, crimes, and destruction by Israel. He also stressed that Kuwait would always provide political and financial support for the Palestinians.

Meanwhile, Jarallah said that Kuwait's relations with Damascus are frozen and not severed. Kuwait has not made specific requests relating to re-opening its embassy in Damascus, but some Arab countries have started re-opening their embassies in Syria, said Jarallah. He added that the Syrian embassy is still open in Kuwait, while the Kuwaiti embassy in Damascus is not, but there are daily flights between Kuwait and Damascus. - KUNA