Sheikh Fahad reaffirms deep Emirati–Kuwaiti ties as UAE celebrates 54th Union Day
KUWAIT: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah reaffirmed the deep, historic ties between Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, praising the longstanding solidarity between the two nations.
“There isn’t a Kuwaiti who forgets the UAE’s stance, especially that of the late Sheikh Zayed, during the Iraqi invasion,” he said during the occasion of the UAE’s 54th Union Day celebrated on Wednesday.
“Every Kuwaiti carries love for the UAE in their heart, and the Emiratis feel the same toward Kuwait. They never forget the long-standing bonds that unite our nations.” Highlighting the broader regional sentiment, he added that “the joy we see today on the faces of Gulf citizens reflects the strength of our unity.” Sheikh Fahad continued: “I grew up knowing that Kuwait–UAE relations are strong, built by the leaders of both countries over generations. Today, as Gulf leaders meet in Bahrain, I am confident this will be one of the most fruitful summits, strengthening Gulf unity and advancing agreements reached by interior, defense and foreign ministers.”
Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah delivers his speech.
UAE Ambassador Dr Matar Al-Neyadi poses for a photo with guests at the event.
Emirati troupe performing a folklore dance at the event.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya also highlighted the distinguished nature of bilateral ties, noting that he arrived at the celebration immediately after attending the GCC Summit. “We came directly from the airport to share this special occasion with our brothers in the UAE,” he said.
Al-Yahya stressed the importance of reinforcing joint Gulf cooperation, emphasizing ongoing coordination in unified customs, economic and security matters, and cybersecurity, issues he described as essential to safeguarding the region’s stability.
UAE Ambassador Dr Matar Al-Neyadi expressed his appreciation for the strong presence of Kuwaiti officials and citizens, saying: “The large turnout reflects a shared joy. The saying ‘The UAE loves Kuwait, and Kuwait adores everything Emirati’ is a reality we witness today.”
He added that President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s directive to celebrate decades of Emirati–Kuwaiti brotherhood underscores the depth of the relationship: “There is mutual loyalty between the two countries. The UAE will never forget Kuwait’s support in the 1960s and 1970s, and Kuwait will never forget the UAE’s support. May God bless those who founded this deep relationship, and may He prolong the lives of those who preserve and strengthen it.”
Al-Neyadi also praised the strong participation of Kuwait’s leadership and the public, many of whom carried the slogan “Kuwait and the UAE are one.” Union Day marks December 2, 1971, when the seven emirates united under one flag to form the United Arab Emirates. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed had earlier called for a week-long celebration of Emirati–Kuwaiti ties beginning on January 29.
