KUWAIT CITY, Nov 26: The Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey Serdar Çam expressed his pride in the efforts and endeavors exerted to develop his country’s relations with Kuwait, describing them as “excellent.” In his speech at the opening of the second Turkish-Kuwaiti Village in the presence of Turkish Ambassador Tuba Nur Sonmez, Çam said, “From trade to defense, health, and education, we strive to strengthen cooperation between us to advance it further and further under the wise leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad. We are only one month away from celebrating the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations with Kuwait, in addition to the relations of friendship and cooperation that are based on a long history.

Such events contribute directly to strengthening these ties. We remember the strong cultural ties that constitute the core of the fraternal relations between Turkey and Kuwait. The two countries also share many common values. Our customs are similar, and our cuisines are distinguished by noticeable similarities. We also belong to the same great Islamic civilization, which is what gives rise to pride. Both countries belong to an ancient civilization that promotes the values of compassion, peace, and diversity. Our civilization has an inherited spirit of peaceful coexistence. Furthermore, we cannot remain silent in the face of great tragedy and persecution ongoing in Gaza, which deeply hurts our souls.

The Israeli attacks since October 7 have turned Gaza into a cemetery for children, destroyed thousands of buildings including hospitals, mosques, and churches, and caused the martyrdom of more than 13,000 innocent souls. More than 1.4 million people have been displaced, basic services disrupted, and basic life necessities depleted. The situation in Gaza is no longer tolerable, in light of international double standards, the green light given to the Israeli occupation, and the inability of international institutions to stop the violence, all of which confirm the importance of unity among Muslims.

By Fares Al-Abdan
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff