Edited by Anna Popper
February holds profound national significance for the State of Kuwait, as the country commemorates two milestones in its modern history: National Day and Liberation Day.
Kuwait’s National Day, observed annually on 25 February, marks the country’s independence from Britain in 1961, achieved under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, who ascended to the throne in 1950. Revered as the founder of modern Kuwait, Sheikh Abdullah occupies a central place in the nation’s memory. Through his statesmanship and foresight, Kuwait adopted a modern Constitution in 1962, establishing a constitutional monarchy and an elected parliament – a pioneering achievement in the Gulf region. His leadership ushered in a transformative era of institution-building, laying the foundations of a sovereign, stable, and forward-looking state.
Liberation Day, commemorated on 26 February, marks the restoration of Kuwait’s sovereignty following the Iraqi occupation in 1991.
On the occasion of the 65th Anniversary of Kuwait’s Independence and the 35th Anniversary of its Liberation, His Excellency Mr. Tareq Abdullah M. Alfaraj, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Hungary, and his spouse hosted a grand reception on 13 February 2026 at the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, a Leading Luxury Hotel in Hungary. The distinguished event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, senior representatives of the Hungarian Government, and prominent figures from political, economic, academic, and cultural life. The Guest of Honour was Mr. Tamás Vargha, Parliamentary State Secretary and Deputy Minister at the Hungarian Ministry of Defence.
The commemoration commenced with the national anthems of Kuwait and Hungary, setting a solemn and dignified tone for the evening.
It was followed by the address of Ambassador Tareq Abdullah M. Alfaraj:
“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Your Excellency Mr. Tamás Vargha, Parliamentary State Secretary, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great pleasure and honour to welcome you all here today as we gather to celebrate two occasions that hold a special place in the heart of every Kuwaiti: National Day of the State of Kuwait and Liberation Day. These two anniversaries reflect the story of a nation that has embraced the value of building and the meaning of perseverance – a nation that has prevailed through determination and the unity of its people and leadership.
Our celebration today is therefore not only a moment to honour our history but also a reaffirmation of Kuwait’s confidence in the future – a future in which challenges are transformed into opportunities, and partnerships are grounded in mutual respect and shared interests.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The past year was an important and dynamic one for the State of Kuwait. The country has continued to advance major infrastructure projects, enhance the business environment, strengthen the role of the private sector, and accelerate digital transformation and institutional governance – paving the way for a more diversified, innovative, and sustainable economy.
On the international stage, Kuwait has remained committed to its longstanding role as a nation that believes in dialogue, invests in stability, and builds long-term strategic partnerships.
Kuwait continues to reaffirm its full support for efforts aimed at achieving peaceful political solutions, upholding the sovereignty of states, and responding to the legitimate aspirations of peoples for security, stability, and prosperity.
Kuwait also reiterates its firm belief that a just and comprehensive peace – based on international legitimacy and dialogue – is the only viable path to resolving the crises in the Middle East and establishing new frameworks for regional cooperation. Guided by its deep commitment to international law and humanitarian principles, Kuwait continues to play an active diplomatic and humanitarian role, working closely with regional and international partners to alleviate human suffering and promote peace and stability.
Distinguished Guests,
These principles shine brightly in Kuwait’s bilateral relations, including the Kuwaiti–Hungarian relationship – a partnership that continues to grow stronger, richer, and more dynamic with each passing year.
Over the past year, we have seen a notable increase in bilateral trade, expanded cooperation in the fields of energy, tourism, and logistics, and growing investments in infrastructure, traditional and renewable energy, and the banking sector. Educational exchanges also proved highly successful and flourishing, with many Kuwaiti students pursuing their studies at Hungarian universities – particularly in medicine, engineering, and applied sciences – representing a true investment in the shared future of our two nations.
We have witnessed an increase in high-level visits and official exchanges, which advanced political consultations and resulted in the signing of key agreements, including the Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Mutual Investments and the Double Taxation Avoidance Protocol.
We have also seen a deepening of cultural and people-to-people ties, celebrating the friendship, shared history, and mutual respect that bind our societies far beyond formal arrangements.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The progress we have observed between Kuwait and Hungary is no coincidence. It reflects more than six decades of friendship built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared belief that cooperation and openness are the true foundations of stability and prosperity.
As we celebrate Kuwait’s National Day and Liberation Day here in Budapest, we are reminded that Kuwait – having regained its freedom through the determination of its people and the support of its friends – continues to move forward with confidence, optimism, and a clear vision for the future.
Before I close, allow me to express my sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Hungary for their friendship, hospitality, and constructive cooperation. I also wish to reaffirm Kuwait’s firm commitment to working hand in hand with our Hungarian partners to deepen and expand our bilateral relations in ways that serve the shared interests of our two friendly nations and peoples.
A heartfelt thanks to my colleagues at the Embassy for their dedication in organizing this event, and to the management and staff of the Kempinski Hotel for their excellent cooperation and professionalism.
Thank you for being with us today. May Kuwait always remain free, united, and proud. And may Kuwaiti–Hungarian relations continue to stand as a successful model of political and economic partnership. I wish you all a delightful and memorable time. Peace be upon you.”
Then the Guest of Honour, Mr. Tamás Vargha, delivered his speech:
“Your Excellency, Mr. Ambassador, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is an honour to celebrate with you Kuwait’s 65th National Day and 35th Liberation Day. I am grateful to His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Tareq Abdullah Alfaraj for inviting me to this event. Please accept my congratulations on this momentous occasion and my best wishes on behalf of the Government of Hungary.
February is a special month in Kuwait. On the 25th, we celebrate the country’s independence since 1961 and thus its rightful place among modern, sovereign nations. On the 26th of February, Kuwait’s Liberation Day commemorates the perseverance and sacrifice of the Kuwaiti people in their struggle for freedom. This period, called Hala February, is a celebration of national pride and sovereignty and a testament to the values of resilience, independence, peace, and stability.
This period marks your country’s rich history, during which Kuwait has been a key commercial and cultural hub in the Gulf, connecting historical Mesopotamia and Persia, Arabia and India, and the East and West. For sixty-five years now, the modern State of Kuwait has been an example of sovereignty and international cooperation, demonstrating how smart diplomacy, political dialogue, and the pursuit of economic interests can ensure a country’s prosperity and independence. Kuwaiti policymaking has always sought a fine balance between principles and pragmatism, sea and land, tradition and innovation: these traits place the country in its well-deserved position in the region as a commercial and emerging investment centre.
Kuwait’s deeply rooted mercantile spirit is reflected in its political significance as well. Hungary recognizes and greatly appreciates Kuwait’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, maintaining dialogue with all key players in international politics in a crisis-ridden and perhaps increasingly complex world.
Today’s event is not just a commemoration: Hungary has high expectations for Kuwait’s Vision 2035 program, called New Kuwait, which focuses on sustainability, energy diversification, human resources, the encouragement of the private sector, and international cooperation. Hungary and Hungarian foreign trade are ready to take part in the realization of this forward-looking vision.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bilateral relations between Hungary and Kuwait are based on mutual respect, shared interests, and a common vision of a prosperous and peaceful future. Our diplomatic relations go back a long way. In 1964, Kuwait was the first country in the Gulf region to establish diplomatic relations with Hungary. Since 1966, a Commercial Office has represented us in the country, and in 1975, Hungary opened its embassy in Kuwait. Recently, our countries have strengthened their ties in many areas, significantly increasing the volume of foreign trade and the activities of Hungarian and Kuwaiti companies in each other’s countries. Recent high-level visits between our nations also attest to our commitment.
As Co-chair of the Hungarian-Kuwaiti Joint Economic Commission, I look back with pride on the Commission’s five successfully organised sessions so far, which have served as excellent tools for enhancing the partnership between the two countries.
During the last session, Hungary and Kuwait renewed their cooperation in areas such as energy and renewable energy, investment, trade, water management, information technology, tourism, education, and culture. I look forward to continuing the joint work toward successful collaborations benefiting both Hungary and Kuwait.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Government of Hungary, I would like to extend my congratulations on Kuwait’s Independence Day and Liberation Day, and allow me to wish you a blessed Ramadan in advance. Let us celebrate together the National Day of the State of Kuwait and the forward-looking friendship of our countries.”
The official proceedings concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting, as ambassadors of Arab countries were invited to the stage alongside the Guest of Honour – an elegant and symbolic highlight of the celebration.
The evening then continued with a gracious reception, where guests enjoyed a selection of exquisite specialties in a warm and convivial atmosphere. The occasion offered an opportunity for meaningful exchanges, further strengthening the bonds of cooperation and deepening the spirit of friendship among all those present – an inspiring conclusion to a memorable National Day celebration.
Source: Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Budapest, and Diplomatic Press Agency
