Kuwait, March 9 (QNA) – Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al- Sabah affirmed Monday the commitment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to de-escalation and prioritizing dialogue and diplomatic solutions.

He added that de-escalation does not mean accepting the status quo, and that peace is a firmly established strategic choice, but it is inseparable from protecting sovereignty and preserving regional security.

This came during his address at the virtual summit of leaders of the region and the European Union via video conference.

In his address, the Kuwaiti Prime Minister expressed Kuwait's strongest condemnation of the Iranian attacks on its territory and on other countries in the region, considering them a blatant violation of its sovereignty, international law, international humanitarian law, and the Charter of the United Nations.

He pointed out that the State of Kuwait is not a party to the war and that its territories will not be used for military operations against any party. He noted that the Kuwaiti Armed Forces dealt with 234 ballistic missiles, 423 drones, and one cruise missile.

Two civilians, including a child, were killed, along with four members of the army and Ministry of Interior, in addition to 91 wounded.

He continued that Kuwait reserves its legitimate right to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and that it supports the GCC states in responding and defending themselves.

The Kuwaiti Prime Minister affirmed that Kuwait has declared force majeure on crude oil sales and has taken measures to reduce production, as the Iranian threat to maritime security continues, targeting oil tankers and disrupting commercial shipping, with repercussions extending to global energy security, market stability, the international economy, and the sustainability of supply chains. (QNA)