Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Mishal said the Remembrance Day represents a solemn occasion to honor the bravery and sacrifices of those who gave their lives in defense of peace and freedom.
He noted that the values of courage, loyalty, and dedication unite all who wear the military uniform, regardless of nationality or background.
Speaking at a ceremony organized by the British Embassy in Kuwait to mark the Remembrance Day, Sheikh Dr. Al-Mishal delivered his remarks in the presence of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Qudsi Rasheed, British Defense Attaché Colonel Neil Marriott, and a number of diplomatic and military representatives.
“This occasion calls on us to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice and loyalty,” Sheikh Dr. Al-Mishal said, adding that “the sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace transcend borders and generations, reminding us always of the price of security and the strength of solidarity among allies.”
He emphasized that the Kuwaiti people hold a deep emotional connection to this commemoration, recalling with gratitude “the courage and noble actions shown by the sons of the United Kingdom and the coalition forces who stood by Kuwait in its darkest hours during the occupation and helped liberate the nation in 1991.”
Sheikh Dr. Al-Mishal added that the partnership between Kuwait and the United Kingdom has long been founded on sincere friendship, shared sacrifices, and mutual respect, describing it as “a cornerstone of regional security cooperation and a distinguished symbol of a friendship that grows stronger with each generation.”
He concluded his address by expressing heartfelt appreciation “to all who have served their nations with honor and to the families of martyrs who carry their legacy with pride,” praying for mercy upon their souls and wishing that “the bonds of friendship and remembrance between our two nations continue to grow stronger with the passing of time.”
For his part, Colonel (Navy) Neil Marriott, British Defense Attaché to Kuwait, affirmed that commemorating Remembrance Day in Kuwait carries special significance for the United Kingdom, given the historical ties and shared sacrifices between the two countries.
“This day embodies the values of loyalty, peace, and gratitude to those who gave their lives for freedom,” he said.
Colonel Marriott explained that Remembrance Day is observed annually in the United Kingdom on the second Sunday of November, nearest to November 11 — the date marking the Armistice that ended World War I in 1918. The commemoration, he said, offers a moment to remember “all those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and in conflicts since then,” emphasizing that “their sacrifices paved the way for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.”
He described the ceremony in Kuwait as a powerful symbol of the deep relationship between the two nations, saying: “We take great pride in holding this event in Kuwait. We stood shoulder to shoulder with our Kuwaiti brothers and coalition partners to ensure Kuwait’s liberation in 1991. Today, we pause in silence to remember those who lost their lives during that difficult time.”
Colonel Marriott also highlighted the long-standing defense cooperation between the two countries, noting that UK–Kuwait relations span over 250 years of trade ties and 125 years of diplomatic friendship, growing stronger each year despite global challenges.
He pointed out that the United Kingdom and Kuwait are bound by several defense agreements and memoranda of understanding, aimed at enhancing military cooperation. Currently, more than 30 British officers serve within the Kuwait Armed Forces, providing training and technical support, while over 100 Kuwaiti officers attend military programs in the UK — including the Royal College of Defence Studies and the Joint Services Command and Staff College.
Colonel Marriott also revealed that field cooperation will continue through the joint military exercise “Desert Warrior”, scheduled for January and February 2026, with the participation of both British and Kuwaiti units to strengthen operational coordination and readiness.
He concluded by expressing the embassy’s anticipation of participating in Kuwait’s Liberation Day celebrations next February, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to preserving the historic bond and deep friendship between the two nations.
Meanwhile, Major General (Pilot) Fahad Falah Al-Khreinej, Commandant of Mubarak Al-Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College, described Kuwait–UK relations as “a model of distinguished and enduring partnership spanning more than 35 years.”
He said the Kuwaiti Armed Forces’ participation in the Remembrance Day ceremony was in response to the kind invitation of the British Ambassador and Defense Attaché, underscoring the event’s importance in honoring the fallen and recognizing contributions to peacekeeping and the liberation of Kuwait.
Major General Al-Khreinej added that the United Kingdom played a pivotal role in Kuwait’s liberation and “stood at the forefront of nations that contributed to freeing the country — a memory that remains deeply engraved in the hearts of all Kuwaitis.”
