Kuwait highlights great achievements during 60th National Day celebrations

26/02/2021

 (See Translation in Arabic Section)

Sydney - M E Times Int'l:  His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent cables of gratitude to leaders of the Arab and other countries who participated in the international coalition to liberate his country from Iraqi invasion. In the cables, HH the Amir expressed his gratitude for the honourable stances of these countries in standing firmly with Kuwait. The Amir also thanked the leaders for their prominent roles in confronting the invasion in the UN Security Council and other international arenas. He also commended their contributions in forming, and participating in, an international military coalition to liberate Kuwait which led to victory and an end to the occupation. The Amir stressed that such noble and historical stances were highly appreciated and it will remain in Kuwaitis’ memory. His Highness wished the leaders and their countries progress and prosperity. The Amir also sent cables of gratitude to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Arab League Secretary General Ahmad Aboul-Gheit and Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC), Yousef Al-Othaimeen. He voiced his sincere appreciation for the stances of these organisations in rejecting the Iraqi invasion that were embodied in efforts that condemned this aggression and an immediate and unconditional withdrawal as well as implementing international charters and preserving the sovereignty of countries. HH the Amir affirmed that the vital role played by these organisations have been gained appreciation of Kuwait and its people. The Amir wished everlasting progress to these organisations to achieve their desired goals.

KUWAITIS celebrated their 60th National Day by marking the efforts of its leadership to develop all sectors and preserve the peace and stability.

This year’s celebrations will be the first under the leadership of His Highness Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

During the celebrations, Kuwait is also remembering the great efforts of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who died on September 29, 2020, after long years of national and international achievements.

Although this year’s celebrations came amid the coronavirus pandemic, and one year since the first COVID-19 case was discovered in Kuwait, this crisis showed Kuwaiti people’s strength and unity in facing the pandemic.

Even though public celebrations are banned by the government due to the ongoing crisis,  Kuwaiti families continue celebrating the event in their homes.

Meanwhile, all segments of society are co-operating in dealing with the impact of the coronavirus, including the great efforts of health care workers and volunteers.

THE US SECRETARY OF STATE

The new US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, also spoke with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah during which he expressed the American people’s congratulations to Kuwait on its 60th National Day and 30th Liberation Day.

Blinken also reiterated his country’s commitment towards the security and stability of Kuwait.

Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser expressed HH Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti government and people’s great appreciation of the historical and crucial role of the US in liberating Kuwait and its commitment to maintaining the security and stability of Kuwait.

BACKGROUND

Kuwait celebrated the first national day on June 19, 1962, with a huge military performance. Then Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah said that Kuwaitis will unite in building a great future for their country and achieve social equality.

That same year, Kuwait launched an establishment council tasked with setting a constitution that relies on democracy.

The constitution was approved by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem in November 1962 and the first legislative elections were held on January 23, 1963.

National day celebrations continued to be held on June 19 between 1962-64 but an Amiri decree issued on May 18, 1964, merged Independence Day with the ascension of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem to office to the date of February 25.

Kuwait’s foreign policy has always been neutral and peaceful while focusing on co-operation with regional and international organisations to achieve international peace and stability.

Kuwait had also built strong relations with the Arab and Muslim Worlds, and exerted great efforts in supporting the work of the GCC, Arab League and the UN.

Moreover, the country recorded great humanitarian achievements, continuously aiding those in need around the world. These efforts were recognised by the UN in September 2014 when it granted the late Sheikh Sabah the “Humanitarian Leader” title, and Kuwait the “Humanitarian Centre” title.

In the 70s and 80s, National Day celebrations were held along the Arabian Gulf street, with performances by school students and musical bands. In 1985, Kuwait opened Flag Square overlooking Arabian Gulf to hold national celebrations. The square also includes the longest pole, raising the Kuwaiti flag to about 36 meters.

LIBERATION ANNIVERSARY

Kuwaitis also commemorated the 30th anniversary of the country’s liberation from Iraqi occupation.

Kuwaitis will be remembering the leaders and heroes who took all necessary measures to bring freedom to Kuwait and its people.

Since the first hours of the brutal occupation, Kuwaitis wrote the most wonderful meanings of loyalty and sacrifice by declaring their total rejection of the blatant aggression, and stood by their legitimate leadership as one to defend the sovereignty and freedom of their homeland.

Under the wise leadership and distinguished diplomatic efforts led by the late Amir HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the heroes of liberation had a prominent role in gaining the support of the international community for the Kuwaiti right and condemn the brutal aggression.

Addressing the international community from atop the UN podium, the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said: “I come here today carrying a message from people who love peace and work for it, and who extended their hands in assistance to all those in need.” He added: “I come to you with a message from people whose country was, just yesterday, a (model) for peaceful co-existence and brotherhood with other nations, and a home where other people could meet safely ... Today these people are refugees holding on to hope, and others are being held captive or struggling and ready to sacrifice blood and soul but not surrender and bow down to occupation.” These words were instrumental to rallying the support that Kuwait needed, and seven months later Sheikh Jaber was reinstated as Amir over his liberated homeland.

QATARI CORRIDOR OPENING

KUWAITI Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah joined Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for the inaugural opening ceremony of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Corridor project.

During the ceremony, the Deputy PM expressed his thanks for the project’s name, after the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah; the project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Qatar.

The Deputy PM stressed that this gesture represents the deep brotherly bonds between Kuwait and Qatar under the leaderships of Amir Sheikh Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

“This kind gesture expresses loyalty to the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the love that Qatar has towards him,” he said.

The Kuwaiti official also pointed out his admiration to the dedication of the Qatari leadership and people in achieving economical development, and praised their new sport facilities for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 to be held in the Qatari capital of Doha.

In the end, the Deputy PM expressed his gratitude for his invitation and warm welcome that he and his delegation received in Qatar, wishing the Qatari leadership more progress and prosperity.

GCC PRAISES KUWAIT

Secretary General of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf hailed Kuwait’s successes and achievements under the leadership of HH Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Kuwait’s 60th National Day and 30th Liberation Day. He recalled the sacrifices of the brave martyrs of Kuwait who defended their country.

EMBASSY CELEBRATIONS

BAHRAIN

Kuwait’s Ambassador to Bahrain Shaikh Thamer Jaber Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah congratulated Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as part of national celebrations.

The Kuwaiti ambassador said “Kuwait was a source of our pride, and its people are the pillar of its stability and our future under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.” He said that Kuwait faced the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic with ability and success, stressing that Kuwait continues with development achievements in all its forms.

GERMANY

The Kuwaiti Embassy in Germany held a celebration at its Berlin offices to mark the 60th National Day and 30th anniversary of liberation.

Kuwaitآ’s Ambassador to Germany, Najeeb Al-Bader, said that the embassy raised the Kuwaiti flag in line with the national campaign “We raise our flag with pride”.

The embassy received congratulations from German President Frank Steinmeier and Chancellor Angela Merkel.

SAUDI ARABIA

National Day celebrations are a reminder of the heroics and sacrifices made by Kuwait’s martyrs, and the efforts made by grandparents and fathers to build a strong and progressive nation, said Kuwaiti Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sheikh Ali Al-Khaled Al-Sabah.

Ambassador Al-Sabah said of Kuwaiti-Saudi ties that it was an honorable model for relations between countries.