KUWAIT CITY, Sept 24: In the presence of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, along with several sheikhs, ministers, officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of missions, representatives of accredited regional and international organizations, and a large public gathering, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Kuwait celebrated the Kingdom’s 95th National Day on Tuesday evening. Among the attendees were Ahmed Al-Jarallah, Editor-in-Chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers and Dean of Kuwaiti Journalism, as well as his deputy Suleiman Al-Jarallah.

This year’s celebration was held under the slogan “Our Pride is in Our Nature.” In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Kuwait, Prince Sultan bin Saad Al- Saud, highlighted that Saudi Arabia commemorates the anniversary of its unification by the founding King Abdulaziz Al-Saud (May God have mercy on him). He praised the king and his heroic men for their immortal epics and sacrifices in establishing the foundations of the state and preserving its unity, based on Islamic law and the Sunnah of the Noble Prophet (PBUH). Prince Sultan bin Saad explained that the righteous sons of the founding king have continued to carry the banner after him, steadfastly adhering to their pure faith and the authenticity and principles of society, and steadily advancing the development and progress of this blessed nation.

This national anniversary serves as both an incentive and motivation to continue the journey of construction and giving. The 95th National Day commemorates the glorious history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and strengthens the resolve of its people to redouble their efforts toward development and progress. Under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is moving forward with an ambitious vision to join the ranks of developed countries.

He prayed that God would return this occasion to the Kingdom, its leadership, and its people in continued prosperity and glory, and that He would preserve the blessings of security, stability, and prosperity for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the entire Arab and Islamic nation. In a press statement issued following the celebration, the Saudi ambassador expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the love he found in Kuwait, describing the joy and celebration as no less vibrant than those in Saudi Arabia, adding that this reflects the deep affection and unity between the two brotherly peoples. He said, “We are one people, sailing in the same boat and united by a common future. We began in Kuwait, and we celebrate in Kuwait.”

Regarding Saudi Arabia’s leadership in international initiatives, the Saudi ambassador affirmed that the world has witnessed its role, and that the halls of the United Nations stand as testimony, adding, “We will let history and events speak for us”. He noted that Saudi-Kuwait relations dates back to more than two centuries, emphasizing that the close ties between the two ruling families are not recent, but deeply rooted in history, adding, “Anyone who wants to understand the true depth of this relationship must carefully study history”.

The ambassador also highlighted the large turnout at the embassy’s celebration, including Kuwaiti officials, ambassadors, and citizens, which is a reflection of the esteemed place Saudi Arabia has in the hearts of Kuwaitis. He concluded by affirming that Kuwait holds a special place in the hearts of both the Saudi leadership and its people. Meanwhile, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Salah Al-Maliki, expressed his pleasure in participating in the celebration. He emphasized that Saudi National Day embodies the journey of giving and achievement that began with the founding king and continues under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He explained that Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive renaissance, cultural development, and regional and international leadership are a source of pride for all Gulf nations.

They reflect the wisdom of the Saudi leadership and its ambitious vision that places the individual at the heart of the development process. Furthermore, UAE Ambassador Matar Al-Neyadi congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership and people. Describing the occasion as a shared joy for all Gulf nations, he affirmed that the achievements realized by Saudi Arabia year after year are a source of pride for the entire region. In this regard, the Palestinian Ambassador Rami Tahboub extended his congratulations on behalf of the Palestinian community and himself. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ongoing historic role in supporting the Palestinian people and their just cause. The ambassador said Saudi Arabia’s leadership of the international coalition advocating the two-state solution has recently led to several countries recognizing the State of Palestine. He described this as a historic step that reflects the Kingdom’s influence and pivotal role in defending Palestinian rights.

Meanwhile, Moroccan Ambassador Ali Ben Issa affirmed that Saudi-Moroccan relations are rooted in strong historical ties based on solidarity, trust, and cooperation in various fields. He wished the Kingdom continued progress and prosperity. Also, the Jordanian Ambassador Sinan Majali expressed his pride in participating in Saudi Arabia’s National Day celebration. He affirmed that Saudi Arabia has always been at the forefront of Arab countries in supporting regional causes and promoting joint Arab action. On his part, the Tunisian Ambassador Mohamed Boudali praised the Kingdom’s remarkable achievements in various fields, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia has become a model for Arab nations in reform, development, and progress.

In addition, the Omani Ambassador Dr. Saleh Al-Kharousi extended his heartfelt congratulations, commending the Kingdom’s comprehensive renaissance and rapid advancement. He conveyed his best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people, wishing Saudi Arabia continued prosperity and progress. Also, Head of the Red Cross Mission to the Gulf States Mamadou Sow expressed pride in the partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in promoting international humanitarian law. He emphasized the Kingdom’s positive role in conflict resolution, mediation, and its contribution to protecting victims of war.

In addition, Secretary-General of the Asian Dialogue Forum Ambassador Nasser Al-Mutairi extended his warmest congratulations to the Kingdom, noting that Saudi Arabia stands as a pillar of stability and development both regionally and internationally. Also, the Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Totonji extended his congratulations, praising the progress in bilateral relations over the past two years. He expressed confidence that continuing on this path will lead to further achievements in cooperation and development, not only between the two countries, but also throughout the Islamic world.

The ceremony, held at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, was marked by a joyful and festive atmosphere. Attendees exchanged congratulations and expressed pride in the strong Saudi-Kuwait relations, as well as the fraternal bonds and shared destiny that unite the peoples of the Gulf. The celebration reflected deep love and loyalty for a country

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff