(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Kuwait's celebration of its 57th National Day coincides this year with the 40th anniversary of the country's national anthem, an occasion that expresses Kuwaitis' belonging, loyalty and pride of their homeland.
Kuwait celebrates the 57th National Day on Sunday which is also the 27th Liberation Day and the 12th anniversary of the assumption of office by His Highness the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who took office after the executive and legislative authorities pledged allegiance to him at a historic parliamentary session on January 29, 2006.
The 40th anniversary of the national anthem adds to the grandeur of the national celebrations across Kuwait that witnesses a remarkable development in all fields under the wise leadership.
The anthem was first broadcast on February 25, 1978, in synchronization with the independence day and the anniversary of late Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah' assumption of power.
The State of Kuwait actually gained independence from Britain on June 19, 1961 by virtue of a treaty signed by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the 11th ruler of the country, and Sir George H. Middleton. The treaty ended Kuwait's status as a British protectorate under the pact signed by Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah and Britain on January 23, 1899, to protect the country from external threats.
The date of celebrating the Independence Day was shifted on May 18, 1964, to February 25 to coincide with the date of the coronation of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah in commemoration of his role in building Kuwait as an independent, fully sovereign, democratic and modern country.
Kuwait celebrated its first Independence Day on June 19, 1962, with a grand military parade at the old airport where the late Emir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah pledged to set up a constituent assembly to work out a modern constitution and arrange for legislative elections. The constitution was approved in November 1962 and the polls were held on January 23, 1963.
Since its independence, the State of Kuwait has made great strides on the road of progress and prosperity and abided by a balanced foreign open-door policy based on friendship, peace and mutual benefit cooperation.
It has been working with regional and international organization to help realize the aspirations of the peoples of the world for development, security and stability.
It was able to build firm relations with almost all countries of the world thanks to contributions to the efforts, led by the United Nations, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Gulf Cooperation Council to ensure stability and security worldwide.
Kuwait also plays a prominent role in humanitarian efforts, which became a distinctive feature in its foreign policy and deservedly led to the UN recognition of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as Humanitarian Leader and Kuwait as Humanitarian Center in September 2014.
The national celebrations have passed through different stages since the early 1960s. The festivities were first held along the Gulf Street with various state bodies, folklore bands and students taking part.
In 1985, ‘Sahat Al-Alam' (the Flag Square), near the Arabian Gulf coastline, was designated as site of festivities; its area amounts to 10,000 sq. m. The country's tallest flagpole, standing 36 meters, was built at there.
The jubilant Kuwaiti people enjoy the festivities this year amid remarkable achievements in the economic development, prosperity and national unity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Muabark Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
His Highness the Emir of Kuwait Emir is working hard to make his country a major economic hub and a source of democracy. He approved the development plan to build vital projects that will promote Kuwait and turn it into a global financial and commercial center that attracts investment and diversifies the income resources in order to build a bright future.
Meanwhile, His Highness the Emir of Kuwait paid great attention to the national unity, and stressed the unity and solidarity among the people of Kuwait, the rejection of differences and problems and the strive to build the future of Kuwait by love and tolerance. ‘We in this country are loving brothers, there is no place for fanaticism to any sect, tribe or group at the expense of the homeland. We are loyal to Allah and then to the homeland in which we live. We protect the homeland by our national unity and build it by the solidarity of our sons,' His Highness the Emir of Kuwait said. (QNA)
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