AS WE near both the 52nd anniversary of Kuwait’s independence, and the 22nd anniversary of its liberation, I wish to congratulate the Kuwaiti people. I have served here on three separate occasions since Liberation, each time watching the tremendous steps Kuwait has taken — as a government, as a nation, and as a people. Kuwait is a regional leader in advancing the rights of women in the public sphere. We see clear evidence of this not only in a Kuwaiti woman’s right to vote or hold office, but also through her active role in positions of leadership in civil society, business, and academia.  Kuwait’s media has retained its vibrancy, but more importantly its independence, allowing for a free exchange of views, charting a path for Kuwait’s future.

Considering the achievements Kuwait has made over the past 52 years, and the challenges it has overcome over the last 20, I am heartened by what I see on Kuwait’s horizon, and by the relationship that we, as Americans and Kuwaitis, have cultivated. I am proud of the ties that bind our two nations and am grateful for the opportunity to bear witness to an ever-strengthening relationship that I hope will lead to new moments in our countries’ strong relations.

The strength of the US-Kuwaiti partnership is based on a relationship of mutual benefit and true friendship.  More Kuwaiti students are studying in America than ever before.  Each day they bring their own unique set of experiences to our classrooms, lecture halls, and college student groups, and our universities are better for the diversity they provide. We see more businesses — American and Kuwaiti —forming partnerships to build capital, share technology and achieve greater levels of productivity.  This creates jobs and opportunities for citizens in both countries. While thousands of Kuwaiti tourists travel to the United States each year, we welcome the chance to show even more of America’s splendor to our guests. Finally, America’s hospitals continue to open their doors to Kuwaiti patients, providing unrivaled care and support to those who need the best care options possible. Meanwhile, these same hospitals provide support and training, as Kuwait lays the groundwork for its own health infrastructure.

On top of these close cultural and economic ties, I have not forgotten, nor has the American government forgotten, the close security ties we have with Kuwait. Our militaries are bound by the shared sacrifice of Kuwait’s liberation, and as we move into the third decade of that relationship, the spirit of close cooperation between American and Kuwaiti armed forces remains steadfast. As I approach the second year of my tenure as the US Ambassador to Kuwait, I look forward to forging new ways for Americans and Kuwaitis to work together. I thank the people of Kuwait for the warm welcome I have received during this period and again offer my heartfelt congratulations to Kuwait on these important anniversaries.
 

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US Ambassador Matthew Tueller’s Op-Ed on the Occasion of Kuwaiti National and Liberation Days