Kuwait: From glorious past to a bright future

On February 25 of every year, the Kuwaiti people, with sentiments of pride and gratification, reminisce the day when their country had become independent to move from its glorious past to an honourable present and bright future.
This year’s 62nd anniversary of the National Day coincides with the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of its liberation, marking historical stages where the country managed to overcome major challenges thanks to the sagacity of its leadership, people’s solidarity and sisterly and friendly countries’ support.
On June 19, 1961, Kuwait gained independence, putting an end to the Anglo-Kuwaiti agreement of 1899, followed by a decree on May 18, 1961 to conjoin the National Day and the Amir’s ascension celebration into one event marked every year on February 25.
Historically, then Amir Sheikh Abdullah al-Salem al-Sabah saw that the Anglo-Kuwait agreement — signed by the late Amir Sheikh Mubarak al-Sabah and the British — had ran its course in terms of protecting Kuwait from external threats considering recent international development at the time.
Sheikh Abdullah al-Salem, since ascending to power in 1950, had made calculated steps to ensure the independence of the country and usher a new era of a constitutional state leading to vast development in various domains.
The very first celebration of independence was on June 19, 1962, a joyous event that was attended by a large number of officials and citizens, with Sheikh Abdullah al-Salem having delivered a speech in commemoration of the event, calling on the people of Kuwait to venture forward into a future governed by justice, social equity and welfare for all.
Over the past 62 years, Kuwait has made impressive accomplishments at all levels as per a forward-looking plan set out by its shrewd leaderships and good governments, primarily aiming at achieving national development and playing a crucial role in regional and international affairs.
Since its independence, Kuwait has adopted a balanced foreign policy based on opening-up, communication and belief in peace, friendship, human development and economic prosperity. Kuwait has also forged firm relationships with sisterly and friendly countries thanks to its wise policies and impressive role in the promotion of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) march, inter-Arab co-operation and international peace and security efforts pursuant to the UN, Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Co-operation and Non-Aligned Movement.
Kuwait has been pursuing its endeavour to push forward the national development process, to maintain stability and prosperity and to keep working with other countries in order to ensure security and peace worldwide.
Furthermore, Kuwait has always been eager to build closer relations with world countries in a bid to stave off disputes and wars and to resolve problems by peaceful means.
In an indication of the depth and specificity of the Qatari-Kuwaiti relations, and within the framework of the distinguished relations between the two brotherly countries, and under the guidance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar launched Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor project in honour of Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, the late Amir of Kuwait.
This is an expression of Qatar’s thanks, love, and gratitude to a great Arab leader who was distinguished by his honourable stances towards his country, his Arab brothers, and his Islamic nation.
This inauguration was also an indication of the position and stature of this great leader in Qatar, and this inauguration coincided with the participation of Qatar with the brothers in Kuwait in their celebrations of the 58th anniversary of its National Day and the 28th anniversary of its liberation.
The Qatari-Kuwaiti relations are witnessing huge growth and development, as co-operation includes all political, economic, trade and investment fields, as well as in the military, security, educational, tourism and technical fields.
A joint supreme committee was established in 2002 in order to create twinning between the two brotherly countries, covering all aspects of co-operation, and to search for broader horizons for brotherhood between both sides.
The volume of trade exchange between Qatar and Kuwait is witnessing continuous growth, and the shipping line, which was inaugurated between Hamad Port and Kuwaiti Shuwaikh Port in August 2017, had a pivotal role in doubling the volume of trade exchange. It provided an ideal service in transporting goods, especially foodstuffs and others, to and from Qatar on a regular basis.
There is a long-term agreement signed by Kuwait with Qatar to import liquefied natural gas for a period of 15 years, starting from 2022 to the end of 2036, to enhance trade relations between the two countries.
The number of Kuwaiti companies operating in the Qatari market with 100% ownership exceeds 170, while the number of joint Qatari-Kuwaiti companies exceeds 656.
Air traffic between the two countries is also one of the evidences of the development of relations.
Many Kuwaiti students in Qatar receive education at various levels, especially undergraduate and postgraduate students in various disciplines and universities.
There is also great military co-operation between the two countries, as the number of enlisted officers studying in military colleges in Qatar reached 69, in addition to the participation of large numbers of the various sectors of the Qatari Armed Forces in the joint exercises that are held in Kuwait. Similarly large numbers of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces participate in the exercises that are held in Qatar.