Iraq reaffirms cooperation on Kuwaiti archives and missing persons

BAGHDAD — Iraq is prepared to fully cooperate on the issue of Kuwaiti archives and missing persons and remains committed to implementing relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji said during a meeting Sunday with U.N. Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mari Yamashita.

According to a statement from al-Araji’s media office, the meeting was attended by U.N. Resident Coordinator in Iraq Ghulam Mohammed Ishaqzai and focused on Security Council Resolution 2792, which addresses the file of Kuwaiti archives and missing Kuwaiti nationals, as well as broader cooperation and coordination between Iraq and the United Nations.

Al-Araji said the Iraqi government was ready to cooperate fully with international issues and remain committed to Security Council decisions, particularly those related to what he described as “this humanitarian file.”

He also reiterated Iraq’s position toward Kuwait, saying the country maintains “full respect” for Kuwait’s government and people. Al-Araji added that Iraq and Kuwait share close social ties and common strategic interests that support regional security and stability.

The statement said Iraq continues to pursue a policy of building balanced relations with neighboring and friendly countries.

For her part, Yamashita praised Iraq’s cooperation with the United Nations across a range of issues and stressed the importance of continued joint work and coordination.

She said ongoing cooperation would help strengthen regional and international security and peace, according to the statement.

The issue of Kuwaiti missing persons and archives dates back to Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait and has remained on the agenda of bilateral and U.N.-led efforts for decades. Security Council Resolution 2792 relates to the continuation of work on resolving outstanding humanitarian matters linked to the file.