In a joint statement, both parties stated that they were committed to “promoting” their relations, while emphasizing “the need to uphold a moderate and rational approach in the region.” They are also seeking to “settle the problems of the Gulf and alleviate concerns” through the establishment of “security and stability.”
Khamenei considered that “the security of the Gulf depends on sound and good relations between Gulf states,” stressing that “Iran has always been seeking to hold sound relations with its neighbors.” He believed that “differences and estrangement between the countries of the region will satisfy their common foes,” stating that Tehran “has always dealt with the Gulf with great leniency.”
During the meeting that was also attended by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Khamenei pointed out, “Iran stood by Kuwait’s side during the critical circumstances over the past years,” praising “Kuwait’s kind and wise stances vis-a-vis the developments in the region.”
He also called for “opening a new chapter in the economic relations” between the two countries, and insisted that “promoting the relations between Kuwait and Iraq would serve the interests of the region.”
Moreover, Khamenei stated that Iran “supports the decision of the Syrian people,” expressing regret that “the countries of the region are not aware of the risks posed by takfiri groups, while they continue to support them.” He also warned that “these groups will become, in the near future, a disaster for the countries that support them. These countries will pay a high price to get rid of them.”
According to the Iranian Fars and Mehr news agencies, the emir stated that Khamenei was “the supreme leader of the entire region,” adding that Kuwait “is ready to open a new chapter in the relations between the two countries. During the discussions in Tehran, [the parties] agreed to raise the level of economic and trade relations between both countries.”
The news agencies also quoted the emir as describing the relations between Kuwait and Iraq as “very good.”
“Iraqi officials are friends of Kuwait,” he said, and hoped that “the problems in Syria will be solved through peaceful means based on the demands of the people.”
However, the official Kuwaiti news agency KUNA quoted Sabah as saying that his meeting with Khamenei reflected “the spirit of friendship and the depth of the distinguished relations between both countries and people. It also showed the efforts made to promote cooperation between them at all levels, to serve their common interests.”
KUNA said that Iran and Kuwait issued a joint statement saying that the visit of Sabah to Tehran “constitutes an important turning point in the relations between the two countries.” Both sides also stressed “the need to continue their efforts to further promote cooperation and to properly benefit from available capabilities, in the context of meeting the aspirations of both peoples.”
They also emphasized “the need to face the challenges, find solutions to the region’s problems and alleviate fears through the establishment of security and stability,” and referred to “the growing threat of extremism, violence and sectarian conflicts,” stressing that they will “uphold the approach of moderation and rationality.” Sabah also called upon Rouhani to visit Kuwait.
KUNA quoted Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled al-Sabah as saying that the visit of Sabah to Tehran would have a “constructive outcome and will benefit both countries.” He also called for “normal relations between Iran and the countries of the region,” considering Tehran is “a pillar of stability and security.” He also declared “Kuwait’s keenness to communicate with Tehran, in order to reach an understanding about the issues concerning the region.”
