Kuwaiti media figures say the attack on the Kuwait International Airport, which was hit just one day after a three-month closure, and which killed one person and wounded dozens of others, has brought fear to Kuwaiti society and harmed the country's aviation sector, dashing the public's hopes for the resumption of flights and lower ticket prices.
On Wednesday, the Kuwait International Airport was struck by drones, resulting in the death of one Indian national and injuries to dozens of others.
Kuwaiti authorities said on the same day that casualties were reported and extensive damage was caused to a passenger terminal at the Kuwait International Airport following what they described as an Iranian drone attack on the facility, a claim so far denied by Iran.
"This airport is civilian. They claimed and lied that they targeted military bases and military facilities. But the Kuwait International Airport is an international airport, an airport for travelers. So why this attack? It has caused extensive damage to various parts of the Kuwait International Airport, in addition to the loss of life. Who will compensate us for these lives? Sixty-three people were injured at the airport as a result of the drone attack," said Ahmed Al-Masoudi, a Kuwaiti media personality and journalist.
"Of course, everyone was shocked by the strike on the Kuwait International Airport after it had been renovated and reopened. This has, of course, negatively affected Kuwaiti society, terrorizing and intimidating the Kuwaiti people. On the other hand, it has also affected air traffic in Kuwait. Everyone was expecting and hoping that international flights would return to Kuwait. Everyone knows that ticket prices are expensive. It was expected that through this airport, prices would come down. People had started traveling, especially since we are approaching a travel season," said Hussein Al-Sayegh, a Kuwaiti broadcaster and media personality.
After the attack, the airport terminal was placed on full alert, as authorities swiftly launched emergency protocols to secure passengers and staff, while flights were halted for inspections and technical evaluation.
"Unfortunately, these attacks have happened again. The latest attack was a major one, and its negative effects on the airport are significant -- it had just been recovering and was returning to operation. This certainly affects citizens and residents in our beloved country. We hope that this dark cloud will be lifted from the entire region, and that we will return to a region of security, safety and peace," said Hussein Jamal, a Kuwaiti media personality.
Kuwait reiterated its commitment to protect its critical facilities and safeguard national stability, while also taking political and diplomatic measures. Multiple countries have condemned the attack and emphasized Kuwait's right to self-defense.
Kuwaiti media figures condemn strike on airport terminal
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, said on Monday that the relationship between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) stands at a new historical starting point.
Xi arrived in the DPRK capital of Pyongyang earlier on Monday to begin a two-day state visit at the invitation of Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, marking his first trip to the country in seven years.
Delivering a speech at a welcome banquet hosted by Kim, Xi pointed out that China and the DPRK, linked by mountains and rivers and sharing a common future, have seen their traditional friendship passed down across generations and grow ever stronger over time through the test of the evolving international landscape.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, and the China-DPRK relationship stands at a new historical starting point, Xi said, noting that he has reached important consensus with Kim during his visit.
From the strategic perspective of the future and destiny of socialism, both leaders have agreed to seize the general trend of the times, respond to the shared aspirations of the two peoples, strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen strategic communication, expand practical cooperation, enhance people-to-people bonds, promote the high-level development of China-DPRK relations, jointly open up brighter prospects for the socialist cause of both countries, and contribute to the continuous progress of human society, Xi said.
The successful convening of the Ninth Congress of the WPK this year has made strategic plans and major arrangements for the long-term development of the Party and the country's cause, ushering in a new period of comprehensive development of the DPRK's socialist cause, Xi said.
As good neighbors, good friends and good comrades, the Chinese side sincerely wishes that, under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the WPK headed by General Secretary Kim, the DPRK people will successfully accomplish the goals and tasks set by the Ninth Congress of the WPK and make constant new achievements in the socialist cause of the DPRK, Xi said.
On behalf of the WPK, the government and the people of the DPRK, Kim extended the warmest welcome to Xi on his visit. Kim said that Pyongyang was filled with an atmosphere of friendship on this special day as the DPRK's Party, government and people warmly welcomed their most distinguished guest.
Noting that Xi's first overseas trip of the year had brought him to the DPRK, Kim said this fully demonstrated the great importance Xi attached to developing relations between the two parties and the two countries, and constituted the most valuable support for the DPRK's socialist cause.
Noting the meeting with Xi came nine months after their previous meeting, Kim said that during this meeting, they reached important consensus on further advancing DPRK-China relations with new contemporary connotations in light of new changing circumstances, and exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern, which will surely accelerate the development of the DPRK-China friendship with profound historical traditions, and contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world.
The DPRK people take heartfelt joy in the remarkable achievements made by the brotherly Chinese people, Kim said, expressing belief that under the leadership of the CPC with Xi at its core, the great Chinese people will surely create greater achievements in building a great modern socialist country in all respects, realizing the Second Centenary Goal, and completing the new journey toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Xi says China-DPRK ties stand at new historical starting point
