Receptions across the world highlight plans for stronger economic partnerships with Kuwait
KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Embassies and Consulates across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East marked the country’s 65th National Day and the 35th Liberation Day with celebrations attended by diplomats, government officials, journalists and members of civil society. Events were held in Morocco, Russia, China, Turkey, Poland, Armenia, Pakistan, South Africa and the United Kingdom, reflecting Kuwait’s wide diplomatic presence and long-standing international relationships.
In London, the celebration brought together senior officials from the British government, including representatives from the Ministries of Trade and Defense, members of Parliament and British veterans who took part in the liberation of Kuwait. Kuwaiti Ambassador to the UK Bader Al-Munaikh said the strong participation reflected a relationship extending over 250 years, rooted in close ties between the British royal family and the Al-Sabah family, strong government cooperation and active people-to-people links.
He recalled the sacrifices made during the 1990 invasion and expressed Kuwait’s appreciation for the United Kingdom’s support during that period. Al-Munaikh highlighted cooperation in education, noting that more than 11,300 Kuwaiti students study in the UK, as well as economic ties that include Kuwait’s sovereign fund, founded in London in 1953, and the role of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation as a key supplier of aviation fuel to British and European airports.
The celebration also featured an interactive cultural installation titled “The Immersive Sadu Experience,” offering guests a visual introduction to the traditional Kuwaiti craft. British Minister of State for Trade Sir Chris Bryant said the relationship between the two countries is “deep, friendly and historic,” adding that the national celebrations are moments both countries are proud to share.
ISTANBUL: Kuwait’s Consulate in Istanbul holds a reception to celebrate the National and Liberation Days.— KUNA photos
YEREVAN: Officials speak at the reception.
MOSCOW: Diplomats cut a cake to celebrate Kuwait’s national holidays.
RABAT: Diplomats and staff welcome attendees at the reception held to celebrate Kuwait’s national holidays.
SHANGHAI: Kuwaiti and Chinese officials are among government representatives, businessmen and diplomats at the reception hosted by Consul General Anas Marafi.
PRETORIA: Diplomats cut a cake to honor Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days.
WARSAW: Staff of Kuwait’s Embassy in Poland pose for a photo at the reception.
Women’s role praised
In Moscow, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Russia Dr Rashid Al-Adwani said the national celebrations are a source of pride for Kuwaitis and highlight values passed down through generations. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin described relations between Kuwait and Russia as being built on mutual respect and political coordination, and praised Kuwait’s balanced role in supporting dialogue and international stability.
Russian officials and experts attending the celebration highlighted opportunities for cooperation in economic, energy, education and cultural fields. Russian political analyst Dr Elena Suponina said Kuwait’s national celebrations reflect a country that balances cultural openness with preserving its identity. She praised the role of Kuwaiti women in culture and heritage, citing Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah and its international partnerships, including in Russia, as an example of Kuwait’s cultural outreach.
In Shanghai, Consul General Anas Marafi hosted a reception attended by government representatives, business leaders and members of the diplomatic corps. He said Kuwait marked 55 years of diplomatic relations with China, describing the partnership as one based on trust and shared interests. He pointed to cooperation in energy and economic projects, including joint initiatives linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Kuwait Vision 2035.
Plans for stronger ties
In Islamabad, Kuwaiti Ambassador Nasser Al-Mutairi recalled the unity and resilience of the Kuwaiti people during the 1990 invasion, and praised Pakistan’s support for Kuwait during that period. He said relations between the two countries are strong and expanding. He noted that the energy sector remains a key area of collaboration, contributing to a sustainable and forward-looking partnership between the two countries. Al-Mutairi added that both nations aim to expand cooperation in agriculture, industry, defense, infrastructure, transportation, food security and other shared priority areas, in line with their development goals. He also praised the positive contribution of the Pakistani community in Kuwait, describing it as an important human bridge that strengthens ties between the two peoples. Al-Mutairi also highlighted the active role of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in supporting projects across Pakistan.
Pakistani Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal congratulated Kuwait’s leadership and people, recalling Kuwait’s support during times of hardship and Pakistan’s consistent backing of Kuwait in international forums. He expressed hope for further strengthening of bilateral ties and noted that the alignment of both countries’ Vision 2035 plans creates opportunities for enhanced development and prosperity for their peoples.
In Warsaw, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Poland Saad Al-Muhaini said relations between Kuwait and Poland span more than six decades and hold promising opportunities for future cooperation. He said the celebration was not only a national occasion, but also a renewal of Kuwait’s commitment to its heritage and international partnerships.
In Rabat, Kuwait’s chargé d’affaires in Morocco Saud Al-Mutairi congratulated the Kuwaiti leadership and people, describing the occasion as a moment to reaffirm the “historical and brotherly relations” between Kuwait and Morocco. Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah Alaoui also congratulated Kuwait, praising bilateral relations between the two countries.
In Yerevan, Kuwaiti Ambassador Mohammed Al-Arefan said the strong turnout at the celebration reflected the depth of diplomatic and human ties between Kuwait and Armenia. Armenia’s Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry Gevorg Mantashyan praised bilateral relations and highlighted the importance of cooperation in technology and innovation.
Support for Palestine
In Istanbul, Kuwait’s Consul General Mohammad Alsharji said the celebrations reflected the depth of relations between Kuwait and Turkey, describing them as strong, historic and steadily growing through cooperation in various fields. In Pretoria, Kuwaiti Ambassador Salem Al-Shibli said Kuwait looks forward to expanding cooperation with South Africa in education, health, trade, human rights and culture. He also commended South Africa’s efforts at the United Nations and its consistent support for Palestine, a stance which he said aligns with Kuwait’s longstanding and steadfast commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause. — KUNA
