Kuwaiti-Belgian exhibit marks 60 years of bilateral relations

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KUWAIT CITY, April 29: The Belgian Ambassador to Kuwait, Christian Dooms, praised the depth of Kuwaiti-Belgian relations, which he described as “excellent”. On the sidelines of the opening of the exhibition “Kuwaiti-Belgian Relations in Pictures” at the National Library, the ambassador said he is looking forward to enhancing further cooperation between the two countries in various fields. Ambassador Dooms affirmed that the exhibition provides a wonderful look at the vibrant diplomatic relations between the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Belgium, highlighting the importance of such cultural exhibitions to shed light on the strong relations between the two countries.

He thanked the Kuwaiti researcher Issa Dashti for his wonderful booklet, which serves as an important documentary about the history of relations between the two countries. The ambassador indicated that the booklet covers 60 years of diplomatic relations through photographs of unforgettable events and visits. He said, “The Belgian royal family has established real bonds of friendship and respect with the highest authorities in Kuwait. Many political contacts have taken place between ministers and members of parliament during these years.”

Meanwhile, Sheikha Hala Bader Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah praised the level of bilateral relations between Kuwait and Belgium, recalling the important and historical role of the Kingdom of Belgium in supporting and endorsing Kuwaiti rights, and its participation in the international coalition forces to liberate the State of Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion. In a statement to reporters on the sidelines of the opening of the “Kuwaiti-Belgian Relations in Pictures” exhibition at the National Library yesterday afternoon, she said, “This year will witness the two countries celebrating the diamond jubilee of bilateral relations, which have been established for 60 years.

This exhibition aims to document a number of historical milestones, through 60 selected images that reflect the good path that brought the two countries together. Let this booklet be one of the pieces of evidence and documents that worked to preserve part of the history of Kuwaiti-Belgian relations over 60 years. The creative and distinguished researcher Issa Dashti collected and prepared the material for this exhibition and issued the three booklets. They are considered important documents and references about the history of the relations between the two friendly countries.

He was able to competently preserve and document our relationship with friendly Belgium.” In this regard, the organizer and owner of the exhibition Issa Abdul Rasul Dashti expressed his happiness at being responsible for documenting this important occasion by holding this exhibition, which includes about 30 different photos that documented some of the common events between the two countries, as well as by issuing the exhibition brochure, which includes 60 important photographs that documented with pictures and explanations the Kuwaiti-Belgian events, the book “Kuwaiti-Belgian relations in pictures” and the book “The Visit of the Belgian Princess Astrid.” He said. “These are the first books of their kind in this field, which constitute important sources for researchers and those interested in studying bilateral relations.

It is clear that our relationship with Belgium is older than 60 years, especially after I found some British documents that talk about the participation of the tenth ruler of Kuwait Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in offering condolences for the death of the former King of Belgium, and the Kuwaiti fl ag being fl own at half-mast at Al-Seif Palace in mourning for the king’s death. Kuwait was also a stopover for some of Belgium’s ambassadors to the countries of the region during their travel trips. These and other documents dating back to that period give us an indication and evidence of the strong relationship between the two friendly countries.” Dashti said he hoped he had succeeded in documenting this aspect of Kuwait’s history.

He added, “I also hope that we would display this history of ours in Brussels so that the Belgian people would learn about our special relationship with them. I also thank Her Excellency Sheikha Hala Bader Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for her attendance and sponsorship of this exhibition. This is evidence of its great interest in the history of Kuwait, which brings it together with friendly and brotherly countries. I thank His Excellency the Belgian Ambassador, Christian Dooms, for opening this historic exhibition. I also extend my thanks to Mrs. Siham Saad Al-Azmi, Director of the Kuwait National Office, for hosting and supporting this exhibition and overcoming all obstacles to its establishment.”

By Fares Al-Abdan
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff

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