KUWAIT: The British Embassy in Kuwait hosted a solemn Remembrance Service to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the pursuit of peace and freedom. During his remarks, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense, Sheikh Dr Abdullah Meshal Al-Sabah expressed deep appreciation for the men and women who served, as well as for their families who continue to carry on their legacy with pride.
He stated: “Their sacrifices transcend borders and generations, reminding us of the cost of peace and the enduring strength of solidarity among allies. For the people of Kuwait, this occasion holds deep meaning. We will never forget the brave men and women of the United Kingdom and coalition forces who stood by Kuwait during the darkest days of the invasion and fought for its liberation in 1991.”
He reaffirmed Kuwait’s and the United Kingdom’s shared commitment to peace, compassion and unity, describing the partnership as built on friendship, proven in sacrifice and guided by mutual respect. “Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the duty we all share, to safeguard peace, defend freedom and honor those who came before us. May their souls rest in eternal peace, and may the bonds of friendship and remembrance between our two nations continue to grow stronger with each passing generation,” Sheikh Dr. Abdullah concluded.
On the sidelines of the event, Captain Neil Marriott, the United Kingdom’s Defense Attaché to the State of Kuwait, said that the annual service, held on the nearest Sunday to November 11, commemorates the fallen of the First and Second World Wars and all subsequent conflicts. It serves as a moment of reflection on the importance of peace, diplomacy, and the shared sacrifices that continue to bind the United Kingdom and the State of Kuwait.
He added: “It’s something we conduct annually on the 11th of November, or the nearest Sunday. We do it to remember those who sacrificed their lives through the First World War, into the Second World War and every conflict since. It’s a moment to reflect on the importance of peace and diplomacy to prevent further wars in the future.” Captain Marriott also highlighted the enduring gratitude for the United Kingdom’s and Allied support to Kuwait during its liberation in 1991, following the Iraqi invasion, noting “After Kuwait was invaded, the UK stepped forward to provide as much support as possible.
Supported strongly by our allies, we worked to ensure that Kuwait was liberated as quickly as possible to guarantee the safety and freedoms of its people.” In his turn, Air Vice Marshal (Maj Gen) Fahad Falah Al-Khurainej, Commander of the Mubarak Al-Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College, emphasized the depth of the longstanding relations between Kuwait and the United Kingdom, noting that the partnership spans more than thirty-five years of fruitful cooperation in both the military and academic fields.
Al-Khurainej indicated that at the Joint Command and Staff College, they take great pride in being an academic institution distinguished by its strong and historic ties with the United Kingdom, adding “Our participation today comes in response to the kind invitation of the British Ambassador and the Defense Attaché, to commemorate the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in wars and their contributions to peacekeeping efforts, as well as during the Liberation of Kuwait.”
He pointed out: “The United Kingdom played a significant and influential role in the liberation of Kuwait, offering great sacrifices that remain deeply appreciated and remembered by the Kuwaiti people.” Al-Khurainej stressed the importance of continued cooperation between the two friendly nations in military and educational fields, in support of security, stability and peace in the region.
