Kuwait keen to participate in IAEA Board of Governors, says diplomat

Kuwaiti, Norwegian FMs exchange congratulations on membership

VIENNA, Sept 23, (KUNA): Kuwaiti Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Sadeq Marafi on Monday stated that Kuwait is keen to participate actively in the work of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Marafi made his remarks to KUNA on the occasion of Kuwait’s participation in the first meeting of IAEA’s Board of Governors, adding that Kuwait will work with professionalism to reach the aspirations of member states.

He added that Kuwait’s membership coincides with several challenges; most notably the nuclear issues and the Iranian nuclear file, in addition to the election of a new IAEA director general to succeed the late Yukiya Amano.

Marafi stressed Kuwait’s continued support for the IAEA’s leading role, especially in promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and strengthening nuclear safety and security systems.

He reiterated Kuwait’s stance on establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, in an effort to stabilize the region and maintain international peace and security.

The Kuwaiti diplomat congratulated Saudi Arabia on the membership in the Board of Governors of IAEA.

Kuwait was unanimously elected to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the fifth time in its history at the 63rd session of the IAEA General Conference, which concluded last Friday.

The Board of Governors is one of the two policy making bodies of the IAEA, along with the annual General Conference of IAEA members, its consists of 35 member states.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad AlSabah and Norway’s Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide discussed issues of mutual concern and boosting ties.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly’s 74th session in New York late Sunday.

The two sides also exchanged congratulations on receiving membership at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) board of governors for the 2019-2021 term, for both countries.

Moreover, they discussed boosting coordination for their new IAEA membership, and Norway’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2021-2022 term.

In the meantime, the Kuwaiti and Norwegian ministers signed a memorandum of understanding on holding talks between the two sides’ foreign ministries. The meeting was attended by senior officials from Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

KUNA photo Kuwaiti and Norway’s FMs sign the memorandum of understanding on holding talks between the two sides’ foreign ministries.

KUNA photo His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday received Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in His Highness’ residence in the United States. Sheikh Tamim reassured about His Highness the Amir’s health and recent medical checks, which were positive. His Highness the Amir expressed his appreciation to Sheikh Tamim for his sincere sentiments which embody good relations between the two countries. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief of Kuwait National Guard Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.