Kuwait anchors maritime shield

08/08/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 8: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah conducted a field tour in several islands and maritime centers to review the operations, readiness levels and procedures followed in ensuring maritime border security and safety. In a press statement on Saturday, the ministry revealed that Director General of the Coast Guard Brigadier General (Navy) Sheikh Mubarak Ali Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, warmly welcomed Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef during the visit. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef visited the Umm Al-Maradim Island port and inspected the facilities at the Coast Guard, Ports General Department and Kuwait General Administration of Customs, where he personally looked into the operational mechanisms and coordination among the institutions operating at the port. He also visited Qaruh Island where he assessed the ongoing construction works, and issued directives that projects must be completed according to the approved schedule, facilities must be improved, and the working and living conditions of the personnel must be developed. The tour included Kubbar Island, where Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef reviewed the security situation and the security measures being taken. He was briefed on the nature of field operations and their implementation. He then commended the Coast Guard personnel for their efforts in protecting maritime borders and maintaining the safety and security of those at sea.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef also met with a number of citizens and beachgoers during the tour, and heard their opinions and comments about the services. He emphasized the importance of direct communication with them and benefiting from their suggestions. He also issued instructions to continue the development of maritime centers and facilities, raise their readiness level, provide all necessary resources for their personnel, and strengthen coordination and integration among the agencies operating at the ports and islands. Separately, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan on Friday signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, committing to strengthen collective security and defence cooperation and to enhance deterrence against aggression.

The agreement was signed at Al- Safa Palace in Makkah by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif following the Makkah Summit for Joint Defense. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the summit reviewed the longstanding relations among the three countries, their shared strategic interests and defense cooperation, as well as several issues of mutual concern. The agreement stipulates that any armed attack against one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all three. It also calls for strengthening cooperation across defense sectors as part of efforts to promote peace, security and stability in the region and beyond. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud described the agreement as an important milestone in defense cooperation, saying it reflects the depth of the strategic and brotherly ties among the three countries.

He said the pact represents their shared desire to coordinate efforts in confronting challenges and threats to regional security and stability, adding that it could contribute to a more secure environment conducive to development and prosperity. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the agreement does not target any country and would strengthen security and defense cooperation among the signatories. In a post on X, Erdogan said the pact, based on the principle of collective deterrence, would support joint defense industry projects and contribute to counterterrorism efforts. He added that it reaffirms the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. He said the agreement remains open to the participation of other countries committed to peace, prosperity and stability in the region. Bahrain welcomed the agreement, describing it as a strategic partnership between equal partners and a significant addition to the region’s broader defense architecture.

In a statement, Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry said the pact complements and strengthens the collective defense systems of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) through greater solidarity and strategic integration. Bahrain also reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia’s security is integral to its own security and voiced support for initiatives aimed at protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity and advancing political solutions to regional conflicts. Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Hissein Taha also welcomed the agreement, describing it as an important strategic step toward strengthening regional and international cooperation. Taha said the pact could serve as a pillar for security and stability across the region and the Muslim world, while reflecting a shared commitment to addressing emerging security challenges and strengthening solidarity and constructive partnerships among OIC member states. He expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to regional peace, prosperity and wider international stability

Kuwait backs Saudi after Najran attack
Meanwhile, Kuwait strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s southern Najran region, which targeted civilian facilities and injured 11 people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attacks as a flagrant violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a breach of international and humanitarian law. Kuwait reaffirmed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its sovereignty, security, stability, citizens and residents. It stressed that Saudi Arabia’s security is an integral part of the security of Kuwait and the GCC. Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said those injured included seven Saudis, among them a woman and a four-year-old child who suffered second-degree burns, as well as a Yemeni, two Egyptians and a Pakistani. Al-Maliki said the Houthis used random projectiles against civilian property, describing the attack as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. The GCC, Bahrain, Arab League, Muslim World League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al- Budaiwi called the attacks a serious threat to regional and international security and stability, while Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy urged an end to military escalation and a return to the political track. The OIC called the attacks a dangerous escalation and deliberate assault on civilians and civilian property, stressing that Saudi Arabia’s security is a fundamental pillar of stability in the Muslim world.

By Munif Naif Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies