On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, I would like to convey my warmest wishes to HH the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Crown Prince and all Muslims in Kuwait and abroad.
Eid is usually a special time when friends and family gather to celebrate. However, this Eid is yet another one with the pandemic still dominating the world. This means that with social distancing measures still in place, we have to be creative in reaching out to our close ones in order to celebrate this occasion. It is important to follow health conditions in doing so. Many Muslims in Europe will be also celebrating Eid. European countries similarly to Kuwait remain a place where people of all faiths can live side by side. Therefore, it is important to stress while celebrating this occasion the concept of tolerance and mutual understanding. Muslims in Europe contribute to a multi-faith and diverse society in Europe.
During the Holy month of Ramadan and sadly for the second consecutive year I could not visit my Kuwaiti friends in their diwanyas or ghabqas. I had to settle for mostly communicating with my Kuwaiti friends virtually. However, and in spite of the restrictions and the partial curfew during Ramadan, we managed to celebrate Europe Day virtually and we are very grateful for the kind Kuwaiti gesture to lit up Kuwait Towers in the colors of the European Union flag to mark Europe Day.
Eid like Ramadan is also about remembering those in need and helping others. Help and compassion demonstrate common values in which we can all share. So, Eid Mubarak and I sincerely hope that despite the pandemic, this Eid will be an occasion for everyone to celebrate and hope for a pandemic free future.
Dr. Cristian Tudor
European Union Ambassador to Kuwait