JEDDAH: The 25th Ordinary Session of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) commenced Sunday at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah, with Kuwait actively participating in the high-level human rights discussions. Leading the Kuwaiti delegation is Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah. She is joined by Kuwait’s Consul General in Jeddah and Permanent Representative to the OIC Yousef Al-Tunaib, Advisor at Kuwait’s Mission to the OIC Turki Al-Daihani, and diplomatic attachés Jana Al-Dhafiri and Fawaz Qutb Al-Din.

The current session, held under the theme “The Right to Water: A Human Rights Perspective,” aims to shed light on access to clean and safe water as a fundamental human right. In his opening address, OIC Secretary General Hussein Taha stressed the critical importance of water, describing it as “the lifeblood and a cornerstone for achieving peace and sustainability.” Taha noted that several OIC member states are grappling with severe water stress, and called for stronger cooperation, capacity building, and investment in water infrastructure. He urged stakeholders to treat water as a shared human heritage, avoid its use as a means of coercion or conflict, and promote fair transboundary water-sharing mechanisms.

In her remarks, Noura Al-Rashoud, Executive Director of the IPHRC Secretariat, emphasized the urgent need to ensure equal and fair access to water, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups. She also drew attention to the dire humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, where hundreds of thousands are denied basic rights, including access to clean water. Al-Rashoud highlighted the suffering of Palestinians under occupation, describing their daily lives as a constant struggle for survival. She called for affordable and accessible water services for all, without compromising other essential needs, and underscored the importance of transparency, accountability and innovation in water management systems.

She expressed appreciation to former Commission Chairman, Kuwaiti Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, for his pivotal role in advancing the Commission’s work during the previous session, praising his leadership in steering the body towards significant achievements. Chairman of the IPHRC, Haji Ali Ace Gul, voiced grave concern over the ongoing humanitarian and rights crisis in the Gaza Strip. He strongly condemned the deliberate targeting of civilians and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, labeling these actions as war crimes and crimes against humanity amounting to genocide.

Gul reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, calling for an immediate lifting of the blockade, unrestricted humanitarian access, and urgent international efforts to protect civilians and ensure accountability in accordance with international law. He also stressed the importance of adopting a holistic approach to the right to water, ensuring equitable access and protection for all. The session, set to run through July 17, will explore both international and Islamic legal perspectives on the human right to water. The program includes open and closed-panel discussions addressing various human rights concerns. A final report summarizing the session’s outcomes and recommendations is expected to be issued on Thursday. — KUNA

PARIS: Kuwait’s Ambassador to France Abdullah Al-Shaheen affirmed on Sunday the significant political and symbolic importance of the official visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France, underscoring Kuwait’s esteemed status with the French leadership. In a statement to KUNA, Ambassador Al-Shaheen said the visit — taking place at the official invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and coinciding with France’s National Day (Bastille Day) celebrations — highlights the deep-rooted and longstanding relations between the two countries.

He described the visit as a pivotal milestone in the course of Kuwaiti-French relations, opening new avenues for strategic cooperation and serving as a culmination of years of coordination across various sectors. Ambassador Al-Shaheen emphasized the historical strength of ties between Kuwait and France, built on foundations of mutual respect, trust, and fruitful collaboration.

Al-Shaheen noted that over the past six decades, relations between the two nations have seen steady development, forming a successful model of strategic partnership anchored in shared visions. On the economic front, he pointed out that bilateral trade and investment have witnessed tangible growth, driven by mutual interest in expanding cooperation in renewable energy, technology, and the green economy—areas aligned with Kuwait’s Vision 2035 development strategy.

On the cultural level, the ambassador highlighted the vital role of cultural and academic exchange in strengthening civilizational understanding. He pointed to the ongoing collaboration between Kuwaiti and French educational and cultural institutions as a testament to the value both countries place on such engagement. Ambassador Al-Shaheen concluded by reaffirming the Kuwaiti Embassy’s commitment to advancing bilateral ties through the implementation of joint initiatives and programs that reflect the ambitions of both leaderships and serve the mutual interests of the two friendly nations. — KUNA

PARIS: The French Presidency on Sunday affirmed the special significance of the official visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France — his first since assuming leadership of the State of Kuwait. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the Elysee Palace stressed that the visit underscores the depth of historical relations and serves to reinforce the longstanding comprehensive partnership between the two friendly nations.

The statement highlighted that the visit reflects the mutual desire of both countries to bolster cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including diplomacy, defense, economy, education, health, culture and scientific research. It noted that the visit is rooted in the robust bilateral ties characterized by mutual trust and respect, and represents a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to advancing this strategic partnership.

The Elysee added that the visit will also strengthen coordination in addressing regional challenges and will include His Highness the Amir attending the Bastille Day military parade on July 14 alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. His Highness is also scheduled to hold a working luncheon with the French leader at the Elysee Palace.

Kuwaiti-French relations, the statement noted, are founded on historic solidarity, with France being among the first countries to recognize Kuwait’s independence and offering vital support during the 1991 liberation. This historical support has laid the foundation for enduring political trust and continued high-level engagement between the two nations. The two sides maintain close cooperation in international forums and share converging views on several global issues, particularly on the respect for international law and the promotion of mediation and peaceful conflict resolution.

On the economic front, bilateral trade between Kuwait and France reached approximately €2.8 billion (around $3.27 billion) in 2023, with France ranking as Kuwait’s fourth-largest trading partner in Europe. French companies maintain a strong presence in Kuwait, particularly in the sectors of infrastructure, energy, and construction. Cultural and educational ties also continue to thrive, with France supporting the French language and culture in Kuwait through institutions such as the French School and the French Institute. More than 1,000 students benefit from joint academic programs, while a growing number of Kuwaiti students pursue higher education in France.

In the health sector, leading French medical institutions — including the Gustave Roussy Institute — are contributing to the development of Kuwait’s healthcare services through specialized projects and technical consultations, reflecting expanding collaboration in public service and development fields. Relations between Kuwait and France stand as a model of enduring friendship and strong partnership, the Elysee emphasized, noting both nations’ mutual commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in a manner that supports regional and global stability.

Earlier Sunday, His Highness the Amir departed Kuwait, heading to Paris on an official visit. He is accompanied by an official delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and a number of senior state officials. — KUNA