KUWAIT:  Kuwaiti Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah on Saturday said the anniversary of the August 2 (1990) Iraqi invasion of the country would remain a landmark in Kuwait’s history.

Marking its 35th anniversary, the minister said in a statement the Kuwaiti people’s steadfastness and their heroic sacrifices in facing the insidious aggression embodied the solid national unity. He hailed the great sacrifices by the blessed Kuwaiti martyrs who deemed Kuwait with their blood, and prayed for their souls.

Moreover, the minister of defense praised the eminent role of the political leadership for liberating the country from the occupation’s claws, solidarity between the leadership and the people, the martyrs’ sacrifices and the people’s steadfastness.

He also noted that support by brotherly and friendly states was crucial for facing the aggression and liberating the State of Kuwait.

Furthermore, the minister affirmed that the Kuwaiti Armed Forced would remain ready and overhaul their capacities in line with their commitment to safeguard Kuwait and remain faithful to the martyrs, under the sagacious leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Moroccan Ambassador to Kuwait Ali Ibn Issa reaffirmed the deep-rooted and historic relations between Morocco and Kuwait, emphasizing the strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood that unite the two nations and their leadership.

Speaking during a reception held by the Moroccan Embassy on Wednesday evening to mark the Morocco’s Throne Day, the ambassador highlighted the wide scope of cooperation between the two countries, spanning various sectors. The event was attended by Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah.

Ambassador Ibn Issa noted that while several bilateral agreements have already been signed, there remains a pressing need to activate and implement them more effectively. “We are currently working with various Kuwaiti institutions, and I thank the officials here for their support and responsiveness as we aim to elevate bilateral relations to even greater heights,” he said.

KUWAIT: Minister Amthal Al-Huwaila and Moroccan Ambassador Ali Ibn Issa are seen in discussion at a reception held by the Moroccan Embassy on Wednesday evening to mark Throne Day.

More than 23,000 visitors

On the tourism front, the ambassador praised Morocco’s success in attracting international visitors, pointing out that 2023 was a record-breaking year with 17.5 million tourists visiting the country. Among them were more than 23,000 Kuwaiti visitors—a notable increase compared to previous years, which typically saw around 16,000 to 17,000.

He expressed satisfaction with the growing interest from Kuwaiti travelers and noted that the increase in Kuwait Airways flights to Morocco—now up to four per week—is a clear indication of the destination’s rising popularity.

Trade on the rise

Regarding investment ties, Ambassador Ibn Issa said Kuwaiti investments in Morocco have spanned many years and continue to be active today. He emphasized Morocco’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and improve its business climate to attract further investment, particularly from Arab nations, with Kuwait being a key partner.

“There are many encouraging factors that make Morocco an attractive destination for Kuwaiti investors, both from the public and private sectors,” he added.

The ambassador concluded his remarks by pointing to the growth in trade between the two countries. While he did not cite updated figures, he confirmed that commercial exchange is on an upward trend and expressed optimism about further expansion in the near future.

 KUWAIT: Kuwaitis mark on August second, Saturday, the 35th anniversary of the Iraqi invasion of the country, a grave historical happening that led the world to unite and rid the State of Kuwait of its invaders. Most countries around the world condemned the heinous crime carried out against the Kuwaiti people as the brutal Iraqi invasion resulted in incidents of death and destruction against the peaceful people of Kuwait.

Those who lived in Kuwait’s darkest hour will vividly remember how the Iraqi army wreaked havoc, closed vital roads and destroyed infrastructure and properties, inflicting horrors on people. Despite the dire situation, Kuwaitis took a stance and rose above their adversaries, fighting back with all their might to liberate their land.

Kuwaiti women played a great role in the resistance, as they delivered and provided supplies and weapons to the men to defend their homeland, in addition to participating in military operations to liberate Kuwait. Forming resistance groups tasked with fighting the invaders and providing services to the people of the country, Kuwaitis and residents alike took the helm and opposed the Iraqi army.

While Kuwaitis were fighting from within, the government—led by the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah—gathered international support to bring back Kuwait to its people.

Permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) took a unified stance and adopted on August second resolution 660. The resolution condemned the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and demanded that Iraq withdraw immediately and unconditionally all its forces to the positions in which they were located on 1 August 1990.

 It called upon Iraq and Kuwait to begin immediately intensive negotiations for the resolution of their differences and supported all efforts in this regard, and especially those of the League of Arab States; decided to meet again as necessary to consider further steps to ensure compliance with the resolution. ”  

In accordance with the resolution, Arab and international delegations met in Saudi Arabia to formulate a coalition to thwart the invaders, a step that was achieved in February 1991. Kuwait’s global position as a peaceful and generous nation since independence had helped gather support for its just cause. — KUNA