No Consultancy Contracts Without Cabinet Approval

KUWAIT CITY, June 30: Kuwait's Cabinet strongly condemned the latest Iranian attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, reaffirmed the country's right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, and stressed that the armed forces remain fully prepared to protect the nation amid heightened regional tensions.

The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, was briefed by Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah on the latest military developments following what the government described as repeated Iranian attacks, including the latest incident early Sunday.

The defense minister said Kuwait's armed forces continue to carry out their duties with efficiency and readiness, ensuring the security of the country and the safety of citizens and residents.

The Cabinet condemned what it described as repeated Iranian attacks on Kuwait, calling them a flagrant violation of the country's sovereignty, a direct threat to its security and stability, and a breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Ministers warned that the continued attacks undermine regional and international efforts aimed at reducing tensions and achieving stability in the Gulf.

The Cabinet reiterated that Kuwait reserves the full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity.

The Cabinet also strongly condemned renewed Iranian drone attacks on the Bahrain, which reportedly caused damage to civilian property over the weekend.

It reaffirmed Kuwait's full solidarity with Bahrain and backed all measures taken by Manama to safeguard its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Cabinet stressed that Bahrain's security is an integral part of the collective security of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

At the beginning of the meeting, ministers reviewed the outcomes of separate meetings held last week between Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, and Marco Rubio during his official visit to Kuwait.

Rubio conveyed greetings from Donald Trump, while discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and reviewing the latest regional developments, particularly efforts to enhance peace and stability in the Middle East.

PM orders Cabinet approval for consultancy contracts

Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah directed all ministers not to enter into contracts with consulting firms without prior Cabinet approval, as part of efforts to strengthen oversight of government contracting procedures.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah briefed ministers on the outcomes of the recent GCC-US ministerial meeting held in Bahrain.

The GCC foreign ministers and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the strong historical partnership between the Gulf states and the United States and discussed expanding strategic cooperation.

The meeting also reviewed regional developments following the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.

The final joint communiqué reaffirmed respect for Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 833, while calling on Iraq to fulfill its bilateral and international obligations. It also reiterated Washington's commitment to the security of GCC member states.

The Cabinet expressed condolences to Saudi Arabia following the fatal Saudi Aramco helicopter crash in Ras Tanura that claimed the lives of all those on board.

It also extended condolences to Qatar following the death of a Qatari citizen and injuries to a resident caused by shrapnel from recent regional military operations.

The Cabinet also reviewed a number of reports and recommendations submitted by ministerial committees, approving several items and referring others to the relevant committees for further study and recommendations before final approval.