KUWAIT CITY, Jan 29, (KUNA): During the flag-hoisting ceremony that took place at Bayan Palace on Sunday morning as to mark start of 2012 national celebrations, several governorates around the country expressed their joy for the sixth anniversary of the proclamation of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as the Amir of the country.

During the celebration, the Capital governor Sheikh Ali Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said that raising the national flag was the deepest expression of joy for the proclamation of HH as the Amir of the country which was by itself a symbol that embodies pride, dignity, and belonging.

Also, he added that this anniversary marks the memory of those who sacrificed their lives and most precious belongings for the sake of Kuwait’s dignity and status.

On his part, Governor of Al-Ahmadi Sheikh Dr Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah expressed his deep congratulations to HH the Amir for the occasion of the 6th anniversary of his taking office, conveying to his highness congratulations in his name and residents of Al-Ahmadi governorate.

In a press statement, Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Duaij said that Al-Ahmadi governorate has always been committed during these celebrations in preparing beneficial and entertaining activities for the people of the governorate, wishing HH the Amir long well-being and everlasting pride and attribution to continue the development march for the Kuwait and its people.

In the same context, Farwaniya Governor Lieutenant General (rtd.) Abdulhameed Hajji Abdulraheem said that this occasion is a celebration of the accomplishments of HH the Amir throughout the past six years of his rule which witnessed the instill of patriotism and national unity in the hearts of people under the national flag of Kuwait.

Also, Abdulraheem affirmed that HH the Amir is a fine role model in his wisdom and big ambition to build up the country and attain prosperity for its people, noting HH the Amir’s many contributions in various fields that stemmed from his faith in raising the status of Kuwait in order to make it a force to be reckoned with worldwide.

The flag-raising ceremony at Bayan Palace was attended by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Deputy Chairman of National Guard Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and other state’s top ministers, officials and military and police figures.

His Highness the Amir was welcomed upon his arrival at the venue with 35 artillery shots. His Highness was warmly received by officers from the military, police and the fire department directorate.

The ceremony began with a performance of the national flag anthem. Then, His Highness the Amir hoisted the state’s flag.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah said Sunday his ministry is coordinating with other state departments as well as private sector companies for the celebrations to mark Kuwait’s national days.

“There are no occasions for our nation to celebrate dearer than the national days including the sixth anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s assumption of power,” the minister said.

Sheikh Hamad made the remarks while attending the flag hoisting ceremony at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Kiosk.

“HH the Amir made countless achievements as a veteran statesman when he served in several senior posts including foreign minister (between 1963 and 2003), prime minister (July 13, 2003 to January 29, 2006) and head of state later on,” he pointed out.

“While leading Kuwait’s diplomacy, HH Sheikh Sabah proved adept in lobbying the international community for the liberation of Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion on February 28, 1991.”