Celebrating Kuwait’s Liberation
Kuwaiti Ambassador Waleed Ahmad Al-Kandari led the celebrations for the 54th National Day of the State of Kuwait at the Shangri-La Makati last Wednesday. The event also commemorated the 24th “Day of Liberation” of the Gulf State in 1991 after a seven-month occupation by invading Iraqi forces.
Over the years, harmonious relations between the Philippines and Kuwait have become stronger especially with over 150,000 overseas Filipino workers finding employment in the Arab state. In 2012, the visit to Manila by Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, saw the expansion of bilateral relations between the two countries with the signing of several agreements on labor, agriculture and fisheries.
Not many also know that Kuwait has been very active in humanitarian efforts to help the survivors of calamities and disasters. In 2009 during the onslaught of typhoon Ondoy, it donated $3 million worth of relief goods. In 2013, the Amir of Kuwait personally gave orders for the donation of $10 million worth of relief goods to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda.
No surprise therefore that the United Nations recently conferred the prestigious title of Global Humanitarian Leader to the Amir, and awarded the title of Global Humanitarian Center to the State of Kuwait – the first time that the UN bestowed such awards to a leader and a state. Not many are aware that aside from donating to victims of calamities, Kuwait has been pouring hundreds of millions of dollars to support research on climate change, giving funds for displaced people and calling for the creation of a $2-billion Asian fund for developmental projects in non-Arab countries in Asia.
Since it gained independence, Kuwait’s policy has been geared towards humanitarian assistance to countries in need regardless of geography, creed or ethnicity. As the Amir said when he accepted his UN award, their aim is to maintain and preserve the foundations of life.
