KUWAIT: The Embassy of Canada to Kuwait marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Embassy hosted a reception on Wednesday at the Canadian Residence, attended by senior officials, diplomats, and cultural figures. Speaking at the event, Assistant Foreign Minister for American Affairs Ambassador Nawaf Al-Ahmad, emphasized the depth of the long-standing partnership between the two countries, expressing Kuwait’s gratitude to Canada’s Ambassador, Aliya Mawani, for her leadership in shaping the anniversary program and to her successor, Tara Scheurwater, for continuing the momentum and ensuring the success of the year’s activities.
He highlighted the publication of the special anniversary book ‘Take Your Seat’, produced by the Canadian Embassy in collaboration with Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, describing it as a symbolic testament to the friendship between the two countries. Reflecting on the historical partnership, he underscored Canada’s support during the 1990 invasion of Kuwait, stating that Canada’s role in restoring Kuwait’s sovereignty remains deeply appreciated and remembered, reaffirming the shared commitment of both countries to diplomacy, multilateralism, and peaceful cooperation, expressing optimism for future collaboration across political, defense, academic, and economic fields.
anadian Ambassador Tara Scheurwater during her remarks.
Assistant Foreign Minister for American Affairs Ambassador Nawaf Al-Ahmad speaks at the event.
— Photos by Yasser Alzayyat
In her remarks, Canadian Ambassador Tara Scheurwater described 2025 as a landmark year for the Canadian Embassy, guided by the anniversary theme of “Collaboration and Connection,” which sought to honor six decades of friendship and showcase Canada’s broad engagement in Kuwait. She noted that the visual identity of the anniversary was inspired by Kuwait’s Sadu weaving tradition and combining elements such as the Kuwaiti flag, traditional awarjan triangle design, the Canadian maple leaf, and the Inukshuk, a human-like figure made of stones used by indigenous communities in Canada’s Arctic as a navigational tool and meeting point.
Throughout the year, the Embassy hosted an array of cultural, artistic, athletic, and community-focused initiatives, including the creation of a Canada–Kuwait “Friendship Blend” coffee, a landmark concert by Canadian composer Steve Barakatt, and the high-impact ‘Take Your Seat’ and together photography project produced by Randy and Spencer VanDerStarren.
Among other highlights were a Francophonie Diwaniya celebrating International Women’s Day; a joint exhibition featuring Canadian artist Reza Doust and Kuwaiti artist Thuraya Al-Baqsami; musical collaborations between Canadian and Kuwaiti performers; the first-ever Canada–Kuwait friendly hockey match; an environmental stewardship event; and the unveiling of a large public mural created by Canadian muralist Bryan Beyung and Kuwaiti artist Yousef Saleh, now displayed at Sharq 52. Scheurwater emphasized that each event highlighted a different dimension of the partnership, spanning arts and culture, education, innovation, trade, defense, sustainability and community engagement.
