04/12/2025
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04/12/2025
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KUWAIT CITY, Dec 4: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef expressed his pride in attending the United Arab Emirates’ National Day celebrations, highlighting the strong and long-standing ties between Kuwait and the UAE. He gave this statement during a reception organised by the UAE Embassy recently to mark the 54th National Day of the United Arab Emirates under the slogan “United”, in the presence of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, several ministers, ambassadors, and members of the diplomatic corps. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef said, “Since I was a child, I have known that the relationship between Kuwait and the UAE is strong, a bond reinforced by the rulers of both countries.”
He highlighted that this year’s celebration coincided with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders’ meeting in Bahrain, describing it as “one of the best gatherings convened by the Gulf leadership.” Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef expressed confidence that the summit’s outcomes would help “strengthen unity and reinforce consensus on all items discussed by the committees of the Ministers of Interior, Defence, Foreign Affairs, and other Gulf ministries”. He said, “We see the joy on the faces of citizens from all Gulf countries today.” Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya affirmed that relations between Kuwait and the UAE are “distinguished and deeply rooted,” noting Kuwait’s commitment to participate in the UAE’s national celebrations despite the delegation arriving directly from Manama Airport, where the GCC summit had concluded. He stated, “We were keen to be present on this blessed day to celebrate with our brothers in the UAE, and we are happy to be here. We extend our sincere congratulations to the UAE and pray that it be a year of goodness, progress, and prosperity.” Commenting on the outcomes of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit hosted by Bahrain, Al-Yahya said, “The summit was excellent, and the final statement, which has been published, reflects the unity of the Gulf states and their shared positions.” He noted that the next phase will focus on continued joint work and building upon the achievements made during Kuwait’s presidency of the current session. Al-Yahya said, “We will continue to strengthen Gulf coordination in all areas, particularly in unified customs, economic matters, security issues, cybersecurity, and all matters related to Gulf security, the completion of which has become an urgent necessity.” On the topic of the unified Gulf visa, Al-Yahya stated, “I do not currently have any further details on this matter, but any updates or clarifications will be provided once available.”
He highlighted that Kuwait’s presidency of the current session received widespread praise from member states and observers, emphasizing that this success was achieved through joint efforts and continuous coordination among all member states. Al-Yahya concluded by saying, “We will continue on this path and wish the Kingdom of Bahrain success in its upcoming presidency. We look forward to further Gulf integration in the next phase.” Furthermore, the UAE Ambassador to Kuwait Dr. Matar Al-Neyadi expressed his deep appreciation for the presence of Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef and Abdullah Al- Yahya at the embassy’s National Day celebration. He emphasized that their participation “was a great motivation and a sincere expression of the love and respect that unites our two nations.”
In a press statement following the event, Ambassador Al-Neyadi said, “The distinguished presence of senior Kuwaiti officials comes as no surprise. It reflects the deep mutual affection between our countries. Today, we celebrate along with our brothers and sisters in Kuwait, reaffirming our shared motto - ‘Celebrations in the UAE and Kuwait are a joy.’ Thank you to everyone who joined us and whose presence brought joy to this occasion. We also thank the media for their coverage and support; you are true partners in the success of this day.” Regarding UAE-Kuwait relations, Ambassador Al- Neyadi affirmed that “there is a deep bond between the UAE and Kuwait at all levels. The relationship is not only political or economic, but a relationship of loyalty and solidarity that extends throughout history.”
He highlighted the generous directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to honor the fraternal ties between the two nations, stating, “There is an unforgettable loyalty… The UAE will never forget Kuwait’s stances in the 1960s and 1970s, just as Kuwait will never forget the UAE’s. This mutual loyalty forms the foundation of our relationship. May Allah have mercy on those who established it and grant long life to those who continue to strengthen it.” The ambassador highlighted that the large turnout of the Kuwaiti public at the celebration reflects the true bond between the two peoples, highlighting, “Today, you could see the joy on everyone’s faces… Allah loves Kuwait, and Kuwait cherishes everything Emirati. This is a reality we experience and witness on every occasion.” Ambassador Al-Neyadi concluded by saying, “We thank everyone for attending and we look forward to continuously strengthening this fraternal relationship, the roots of which were laid by the founding fathers and are nurtured today by the leaders of both countries with love and dedication.”
By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
