UAE’s legacy lives in the hearts of Kuwaitis, says Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef

• Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef stated, “Whenever I visit the UAE on an official mission, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah always reminds me to convey to the children of Sheikh Zayed that we will never forget what their father did for Kuwait.”

• H. E. Dr. Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, highlighted the exceptional UAE-Kuwaiti relations and the leaderships’ commitment to advancing progress and prosperity.

• H. E. Prince Sultan bin Saad, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Kuwait, praised UAE leaders for consistently following the path set by Sheikh Zayed, emphasizing their commitment to his approach and values.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Minister of Defence, expressed his deep joy on the anniversary of the United Arab Emirates’ National Day. He stated, “The UAE, as a nation and people, holds a special place in the heart of every Kuwaiti. I congratulate myself before congratulating the UAE on this significant occasion,” according to Al Rai newspaper.

Al-Yousef said, on the sidelines of his participation in the celebration held by the UAE Embassy in the country last Monday evening, marking the 53rd anniversary of the National Day: “Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, did not fail anyone, whether near or far. He was the father of generosity, and his children have followed in his footsteps.” He added, “I believe there is no Kuwaiti who forgets Sheikh Zayed’s stance during the invasion, when he instructed the Emiratis to play the Kuwaiti national anthem before the UAE’s anthem.”

He further stated, “Whenever I visit the UAE on an official mission, His Highness the Amir Sheikh MeshalAl-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah always reminds me to convey to the children of Sheikh Zayed that we will never forget what their father did for Kuwait.”

Kuwait’s Gulf Cup preparations set for success

When asked about Kuwait’s preparations to host the 26th session of the Gulf Cup, Al-Yousef said that “First of all, we extend our gratitude to the security forces for their efforts in successfully securing the Gulf Summit hosted by the country last Sunday. The Gulf countries stand apart due to the wisdom of their leaders, a legacy of love and mutual respect passed down from their fathers. Regarding the Gulf 26 Championship, I noted during the recent match between Kuwait and Jordan the high level of organization and preparedness, and I am confident the Gulf Cup will be even better.”

UAE-Kuwaiti relations represent an exceptional model of cooperation across all levels

His Excellency Dr. Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to Kuwait, emphasized during the ceremony that UAE-Kuwaiti relations represent an exceptional model of cooperation across all levels. He highlighted the commitment of the leaderships of both countries to further advancing these relations to achieve greater progress and prosperity, meeting the ambitions and aspirations of their brotherly peoples.

Dr. Al Neyadi underscored the significance of the state visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the UAE, his “second country,” last March, as well as the visit of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Kuwait last November.

He noted that this year marked the fifth session of the Joint Higher Committee between the two countries, during which several memorandums of cooperation and work programs were signed. The two sides have also conducted numerous mutual visits to continue consultations and coordination on issues of common interest.

He added, “At the level of economic cooperation, the two countries signed an agreement to avoid double taxation, and the first exhibition of Emirati companies was held under the patronage of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah, titled ‘Exploring Opportunities in the Kuwaiti Market.'”

Importance of international cooperation

Dr. Al Neyadi affirmed his country’s belief in the importance of international cooperation, its ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand foreign relations, and its firm commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue and peaceful means. He emphasized the UAE’s support for initiatives aimed at achieving international stability, peace, tolerance, and human coexistence.

He further stated that the UAE’s foreign policy is rooted in building economic partnerships and promoting economic prosperity. The UAE believes that the future of regional security depends on strong multilateral partnerships and a shared commitment to achieving stability and growth.

To support this vision, the UAE has concluded comprehensive economic partnership agreements with strategic partners as part of a long-term strategy to diversify its economy and build robust international partnerships in trade, industry, and investment. To date, eleven agreements have been signed, with negotiations underway for eight more.

UAE’s global humanitarian leadership with $97 billion in aid to 206 countries since 1971

Dr. Al Neyadi also highlighted the UAE’s leading role in global humanitarian efforts. Since 1971, the UAE has extended humanitarian assistance to 206 countries across six continents, covering 25 sectors, with a total of $97 billion in aid. Additionally, UAE diplomacy has played a key role in facilitating nine prisoner-of-war exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.

UAE leaders have steadfastly followed the same consistent path and approach established by Sheikh Zayed: Ambassador of Saudi Arabia

In turn, H.H. Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khaled Al Saud, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Kuwait, extended his warmest congratulations to the UAE and the members of its diplomatic mission.

He recalled the pivotal role played by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, may God have mercy on him, and his brothers, the rulers of the Emirates, in unifying the nation. He emphasized that the UAE’s leaders have steadfastly followed the same consistent path and approach established by Sheikh Zayed.

Prince Sultan said that “Our presence on this day is not to convey congratulations, but to receive them. The UAE’s National Day, or the national day of any Gulf country, is our own. The celebration is one, the joy is one, and the occasion is one.”

Regarding his assessment of the outcomes of the recent Gulf summit, he stated: “I always say that a summit held in Kuwait has a unique significance, as Kuwait is the birthplace of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Whenever a summit takes place in Kuwait, we are reminded of the origins of the idea. The Gulf summit repeatedly demonstrates to everyone that the Gulf countries are one bloc and one entity, and they will continue on this path, God willing, under the guidance of our leaders and the enthusiasm of our peoples.”

Every year, the UAE continues to achieve progress, development, and growth: Omani ambassador

H. E. Dr Saleh Amer Alkharusi, the Omani Ambassador to Kuwait, remarked that the recent Gulf summit in Kuwait concluded with positive outcomes, expressing confidence that future summits would yield even greater results. He highlighted that the GCC is one of the most significant and strongest political and economic blocs in the world.

Dr. Al-Khrousi added, “The Gulf Cooperation Council was established for the benefit of the peoples of the region, serving both regional and global interests. Its achievements speak for themselves, and the future is Gulf-oriented, God willing. We look ahead with confidence and optimism for even more accomplishments.”

Speaking about the occasion, he said: “We extend our heartfelt greetings, congratulations, and blessings to our brothers in the UAE. Every year, the UAE continues to achieve progress, development, and growth.”

He further noted that Omani-Emirati relations are deeply rooted and strong, mirroring the close and authentic ties shared among the GCC countries.

The United Arab Emirates is a major ally of the United States, says US ambassador

H. E. Karen Sasahara, the US Ambassador to Kuwait, expressed her delight in participating in the UAE Embassy’s celebration of the UAE National Day. She highlighted that the UAE is “a diplomatic partner, an important member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and a great friend and ally of the United States.”

Ambassador Sasahara stated, “The recent Gulf summit hosted by Kuwait was successful by all standards. It is inspiring to see GCC leaders gather to discuss issues of common interest in Kuwait, which has become a focal point of regional attention. I believe there will be follow-up actions to implement the outcomes of this summit.”

When asked about her expectations for Kuwait’s presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council, she remarked that “I have not yet had the opportunity to discuss this topic with the Kuwaiti side. However, I am pleased with the appointment of Ambassador Jassim Muhammad Al-Budaiwi as Secretary-General of the GCC, which is, in itself, a significant achievement.”

We look forward to strengthening positive cooperation with Gulf countries, says British ambassador

H. E. Belinda Lewis, the British Ambassador to Kuwait, expressed her pleasure in attending the UAE Embassy’s celebration of the UAE National Day. She noted that the large turnout and enthusiastic participation underscored the enduring ties between the United Kingdom, the UAE, and all Gulf countries.

She added, “We look forward to continuing and strengthening positive cooperation with the various Gulf countries.

Gulf countries are pioneers in unity, says Yemeni ambassador

His Excellency Professor Ali bin Safa’a, the Yemeni Ambassador to Kuwait, extended his congratulations to the UAE’s leadership, government, and people on the 53rd anniversary of the Union. He wished the UAE continued success, prosperity, and progress in all its endeavors, including fostering Arab unity.

Regarding his perspective on the outcomes of the Gulf summit, he stated: “In general, any gathering is positive, and the Gulf countries have always been pioneers in unity and fostering collaboration.” He described the summit’s outcomes as “remarkable by all standards.”

Emiratis are our family and pride: Sheikha Hala Badr Al-Mohammed

Sheikha Hala Badr Al-Mohammed congratulated the leadership, people, and residents of the UAE on the anniversary of this historic day. She noted that her father, Sheikh Badr Al-Mohammed, was Kuwait’s first ambassador to the UAE, adding: “We witnessed firsthand how the UAE was established and how tirelessly its leaders and people worked to reach these advanced stages of development and progress.”

Al-Badr emphasized that the Emirati people fully deserve their achievements, saying: “They are our family, friends, and our pride.” She also stressed the unity of the Gulf nations, declaring: “All the peoples of the Gulf are one family, with no distinction between them—they are one house.”

Honoring Al-Jazi Al-Mutairi

The ceremony featured the honoring of Kuwaiti child Al-Jazi Al-Mutairi, who won second place nationally in Kuwait and first place in the primary school category of the Arab Reading Challenge competition held in Dubai. The event also included performances showcasing Emirati heritage, as well as an art exhibition displaying handicrafts and cultural imagery reflecting Emirati traditions.