Edited by Anna Popper
Kuwait gained independence from the British Protectorate in 1961. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah of the Al-Sabah family, which has ruled the country since 1756, became the first Emir of the State of Kuwait. Today, Kuwait is considered one of the richest and most prosperous countries, ranking well in terms of political stability and maintaining security in turbulent times.
Kuwait is striving through its comprehensive strategic and development plan, the ambitious Kuwait Vision 2035, NewKuwait, to transform the country into a global financial and commercial hub with a business-friendly environment that attracts local and foreign investments, where the private sector leads the economy, creating competition and promoting production efficiency. The aim is to achieve a sustainable, diversified economy and a sustainable living environment for the country’s population. The foreign, economic and humanitarian policies of the State of Kuwait has a high respect in the international community worldwide.
To mark the National Day and the Liberation Day of the State of Kuwait, which are observed annually and are dedicated to the country’s sovereignty and pride in its national identity, H.E. Mr. Saad Al Asousi, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Hungary & Mrs. Al Asousi, hosted a grand diplomatic reception at the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest.
A large number of guests: senior representatives of the government, including the Guest of Honour, Mr. Tibor Tóth, State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, leading personalities of business and academic communities, cultural life, members of the diplomatic corps and Kuwaiti nationals attended the reception.
The celebration started with the national anthems, followed by the greetings and remarks of the Ambassador:
“I am extremely delighted to welcome you all on behalf of the members of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Hungary. We truly appreciate your participating in our annual celebration of the 62nd National Day and the 32nd Liberation Anniversary of the State of Kuwait.
First of all, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of Syria and Türkiye for the victims of the devastating earthquake, and affirm the solidarity of the people of Kuwait with them in facing the aftermath of this tragedy. It gives us immense pride to witness the immediate response of the people of Kuwait, being able, in a matter of hours, to raise more than 20 million Kuwaiti dinars to provide relief to both countries. In addition to the swift order of His Highness, the Emir of the State of Kuwait, may God preserve and protect him, to establish an urgent air bridge to send aid and medical personnel to Türkiye, in hopes of helping those affected by this tragedy. We sincerely wish fast and full recovery for all the injured, and wounded.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year, the State of Kuwait celebrates its national holidays under the slogan “GLORY and PRIDE.” Yes, indeed, Kuwait is the source of our glory and pride of our homeland, our history, our culture and our Arabism. Thus, let me take the opportunity of this occasion, to express my most sincere congratulations and blessings to His Highness Sheikh / Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of the State of Kuwait, and His Highness Sheikh / Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait. May God protect and safeguard them, along with the honourable people of Kuwait and all the residents in Kuwait. I would like, here, to renew my pledge of devotion and loyalty to Kuwait and its leadership, by working with all the efforts given to build the homeland of the future, and to continue renewing its renaissance in all fields.
Excellences, Honourable Guests,
The State of Kuwait and Hungary enjoy longstanding, deep-rooted, and constructive relationship, which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. Over the past few years, this relationship has grown and flourished in spite of the various regional challenges and economic struggles, working together to overcome any obstacles in our way. Our joint efforts have enabled us to make significant progress, such as the implementation of all signed agreements between our friendly countries, ranging from economics and investments, exchanging experiences among technical and scientific institutions. And in September 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of higher education cooperation and another MoU regarding water management were also signed. Moreover, H.E. Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, has accepted the invitation of Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, to visit Budapest this year. Furthermore, Kuwait Airways will be relaunching its direct flight service between Kuwait City and Budapest starting from June 2023.
We are delighted to see that the ties between our two friendly countries and peoples are growing stronger and deeper, allowing us to accomplish our joint objectives and mutual goals.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your presence on this special occasion, is honouring us, and greatly appreciated, and I can only proudly affirm our commitment to advancing these distinguished relationships forward and ensuring their further progress and prosperity.
At the end, please allow me to thank the members and staff of the embassy for their efforts to ensure the success of this occasion, my gratitude goes also to the Hotel Management and the Technical Support team for their cooperation during the phase of preparation for this event. A special thank for the Media Representatives who are joining us tonight, and covering the occasion.
May Peace, Mercy and Blessings of God be upon you! Thank You!”
Then, on behalf of the Hungarian government, Mr Tibor Tóth, State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance conveyed congratulations and best wishes to the highly esteemed leaders and the people of Kuwait for maintaining stability, prosperity, security, further development and successes in all spheres of life.
The official part of the event concluded with a cake cutting ceremony, dedicated to the historical anniversaries.
As a sign of friendship and high respect, the Ambassador offered and placed on the shoulders of the Guest of Honour a black bisht adorned with gold, a traditional male cloak, usually worn as a symbol of prestige on special occasions.
The event continued with a rich buffet dinner with specialities and other delicacies from the Kuwaiti gastronomy, which the invitees enjoyed very much.
Source: Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Budapest
