Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Vladimir Zheltov and Sadiq Marafi at the cake-cutting ceremony

Russian Ambassador, Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi and Ahmed Al-Jarallah.

Editor-in-Chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers Ahmed Al- Jarallah with Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Vladimir Zheltov and other diplomats at the event. Mohammad Al-Farhan (extreme right).

Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Vladimir Zheltov welcomes Ahmed Al-Jarallah, Editor-in-Chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers

KUWAIT CITY, June 14: Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Vladimir Zheltov expressed his appreciation for the wisdom of the Kuwaiti leadership, stressing that “relations between the two countries will continue to develop for the benefit of their citizens.” Zheltov made the statement at a reception organized by the Russian Embassy on the occasion of the National Day of Russia, with Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi and several ambassadors, diplomats, and dignitaries in attendance. He disclosed that “Kuwait was the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with Russia in 1963. Cooperation between the two countries covers a wide range of areas like trade, energy, military, technical, and the humanitarian field.”

He said the tourism sector in Russia “is witnessing rapid growth despite its modest beginnings,” as his country has become “a favorite tourist destination for Gulf citizens” in recent years. On the National Day of Russia, he pointed out, “This is a relatively recent holiday, having only been around for 35 years. However, the history of the Russian state spans over a thousand years. We are proud of the achievements of our ancestors, who built a unique civilization with a distinct identity and remarkable Russian culture -- covering the vast expanse of Eurasia and encompassing 11 time zones. On this holiday, we recall an inextricable link between generations, from ancient Russia (known to historians as Kievan Rus) to the Soviet Union. Modern Russia is the continuation and legitimate heir to this great historical legacy.”

He asserted that “given Russia’s vast territory, its self-reliance and its sovereignty, its enemies have repeatedly attempted to subjugate it. Even today, these attempts continue with the aim of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia. Our historical memory still retains the invasions of European invaders, such as Napoleon and Hitler. We know only too well what their fates were. At this historical stage, we once again face a challenge and threat to our national identity -- the Ukrainian crisis, which arose as a result of NATO’s irresponsible expansion eastward, up to the borders of Russia.”

He said, “The decline of the Western-centric world order will not happen overnight. We are witnessing ongoing attempts to maintain the hegemony of the collective West through the doctrine of a rules-based international order. Russia, on the other hand, calls for a just and multi-polar world based on true equality and the principle of indivisible security for all.” He stressed that his country has “always treated the Arab world with respect,” indicating that “our cooperation is based on mutual understanding and consideration of common interests. This applies fully to the State of Kuwait, with which our first ties date back to the early 19th and 20th centuries.”

Meanwhile, Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi told reporters on the sidelines of the ceremony that “Kuwaiti-Russian relations began in 1963,” hoping for more cooperation between the two countries in the future. Regarding investment opportunities between the two countries, Marafi revealed a joint committee meeting will be held on the sidelines of the energy summit to discuss these opportunities. He also highlighted the significant growth of tourism between the two countries in recent years.

By Fares Ghaleb
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff