Cabinet condemns attack on Qatar’s LNG tanker, approves housing law

In a statement following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shareeda Al-Maousherji said the Cabinet unequivocally rejected the attack on the tanker, operated by Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat). Ministers stressed the need to uphold international law, ensure freedom of navigation and protect vessels and their crews. They warned of the potential environmental and economic consequences of attacks on energy tankers and called for the circumstances of the incident to be established and those responsible identified and held accountable. The Cabinet reaffirmed Kuwait’s full solidarity with Qatar and support for measures it takes to safeguard its security, interests, facilities and property.

Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah briefed ministers on a telephone call he received last Thursday from Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. The discussion covered bilateral defense relations and regional developments, with both sides affirming their solidarity in confronting threats to their countries’ security and stability. Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah outlined the political and diplomatic efforts undertaken by the ministry and Kuwait’s overseas missions in response to regional and international developments.

He informed the Cabinet that Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Hamad Suleiman Al-Meshaan summoned Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Toutounchi last Wednesday and handed him a protest note over a statement issued by the Iranian Embassy on October 28. The ministry described the embassy’s statement as blatant interference in Kuwait’s internal affairs and an infringement of its sovereignty and judicial independence, in violation of international laws and diplomatic norms.

Al-Meshaan reiterated Kuwait’s firm rejection of interference in rulings issued by its national courts. He urged Iran to respect international law, the UN Charter, the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference, and the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Sheikh Jarrah also briefed ministers on his official visit to Riyadh last Wednesday and meetings with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Minister of State and Cabinet Member Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al-Saud.

During the meetings, Sheikh Jarrah reiterated Kuwait’s strong condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and attempts to target Makkah and Madinah. He described the attacks as violations of Saudi sovereignty, international law and international humanitarian law, as well as an assault on the sanctity of Islamic holy sites. He warned that repeated attacks on civilian facilities and vital infrastructure represented a dangerous escalation, threatening Saudi security and regional stability while endangering civilians and air navigation. He called for a firm international response to ensure accountability. Sheikh Jarrah reaffirmed Kuwait’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for measures to protect its sovereignty, security and stability, stressing that the Kingdom’s security is inseparable from that of Kuwait and the wider GCC. The Riyadh meetings also reviewed longstanding bilateral ties, opportunities to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, and the importance of continued consultation and coordinated efforts to address regional challenges.

The foreign minister further briefed the Cabinet on recent telephone calls with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty. The calls addressed regional developments and continued coordination to support security and stability. On housing, the Cabinet approved a draft decree-law amending provisions of Law No. 27 of 1995 concerning private sector participation in developing vacant state-owned land for housing welfare purposes.

The amendment would allow portions of land allocated to the Public Authority for Housing Welfare to be transferred to other state entities as required by the public interest, while enabling private sector participation in developing vacant state-owned land. The draft complements Law No 47 of 1993 on housing welfare and its amendments, as well as Law No 118 of 2023 on establishing companies to develop cities or residential areas economically, as amended by Decree-Law No 89 of 2025.

The Cabinet submitted the draft to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Ministers also approved several agenda items, reports and ministerial committee minutes, while referring others to the relevant committees for further study and recommendations. — KUNA