Sultan bin Saad: What unites Saudi Arabia and Kuwait transcends geography
- The National Day is an occasion to recall the journey of generosity and construction initiated by the Founder, as well as the continuous developmental trajectory witnessed by the Kingdom.
- The celebration of this occasion in Kuwait holds a special significance, as the launch of the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia originated from Kuwait.
- Kuwait’s participation in the Investment Forum is substantial, given its political and economic weight and its long-term experience.
- The Kingdom is moving forward, with its primary goal and cornerstone being the Saudi citizen.
- The Kingdom consistently supports the unity of the front and strives to coordinate with brothers and friends for the benefit of all.
In a scene reflecting the depth of the fraternal ties binding the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the hall for the Saudi National Day celebration was packed with official and diplomatic attendees, led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah, Prime Minister, alongside a large number of sheikhs, ministers, senior officials, and heads and members of diplomatic missions accredited to the State of Kuwait. The event carried an atmosphere of affection and pride in the deep-rooted historical relations between the two countries and their brotherly peoples.
In his address during the celebration, Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khalid Al Saud, Envoy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the State of Kuwait, affirmed that “Saudi-Kuwaiti relations represent a unique model of steadfast brotherhood, sincere affection, and shared history.” He noted that what binds the two countries transcends geographical boundaries, resting on the bonds of blood and shared destiny between the two royal families and their peoples.
Bin Saad stated that “the Kingdom’s National Day is an occasion to recall the journey of generosity and construction initiated by the Founder of the Kingdom, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, and the continuous developmental and historical trajectory the Kingdom has witnessed since then.”
In a statement to journalists on the sidelines of the event, the Envoy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said, “The Saudi National Day is a great day and a grand celebration for us as Saudis. We must remember in this grand celebration and on this occasion the Founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, who established this majestic entity, which is considered the fundamental and pivotal cornerstone in the region.”
He clarified that “King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman, may God have mercy on him, had a far-sighted vision. He began by establishing this entity, and his righteous sons followed in his footsteps, leading us to the era of our Master, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and His Highness the Crown Prince, may God protect them both.”
He added: “What adds to the joy, delight, and uniqueness of this occasion is that it is being held in Kuwait. Kuwait holds a special place for us, especially when we recall—and we always remember—that the launch of the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia originated from Kuwait. Therefore, celebrating in Kuwait, with Kuwait, and from Kuwait carries an additional distinct significance.”
He continued: “Congratulations to the Saudi people, and likewise to the Kuwaiti people. Their joy is our joy, and our joy is theirs. We felt more enthusiasm from them during our celebration in Kuwait than during our celebrations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is not surprising given the nature of the Kuwaiti people and their leadership, who have maintained this spirit since time immemorial.”
In response to a question regarding the Kingdom’s role in the region and the importance of Kuwait’s participation in the Investment Forum and the Gulf-European Summit, he said: “I believe the Kingdom’s role is well known to the world. Today, the Kingdom plays a significant role on the international stage and is a member of the G20, the group of the world’s largest economies. Therefore, the Kingdom always pays attention to all events and to ensuring security and stability in the region and everywhere in the world. The Kingdom is always at the forefront of efforts to preserve peace, safety, and security in all regions.”
He clarified that “Kuwait’s participation is significant, as the country holds great importance due to its political and economic weight and its long-standing experience. Consequently, it carries substantial influence and its voice is heard and sincere in what it says, and it also holds weight on both the international and regional levels.”
Regarding Vision 2030, he stated, “We are now moving beyond 2030 toward Vision 2040. The Kingdom is advancing, and its primary goal and fundamental pillar is the Saudi citizen. Since its founding, the Kingdom has been built upon the Saudi citizen, making this its core objective and foundational pillar of the vision.”
On the level of coordination among Gulf states and the unity of the front, he affirmed that “the Kingdom has always supported the unity of the front, whether at the regional or international level, and consistently seeks coordination with brothers and friends everywhere for the benefit of all.”
A number of members of the diplomatic corps extended their congratulations to the Kingdom on the occasion. Their remarks, though varied, reflected the prominent position the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoys within its Arab, Islamic, and international surroundings, as well as the breadth of its network of relationships and partnerships with various countries. The substantial official and diplomatic presence at the event further illustrated the strength of Saudi-Kuwaiti relations and the unique bonds uniting the two brotherly nations.
Stephen Butler, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the U.S. Embassy in the State of Kuwait, congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on its National Day, expressing his pleasure at participating in the occasion.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the celebration, Butler said, “Congratulations to our Saudi friends,” emphasizing that “the partnership and friendship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are deep and span generations, and the relationship between the two countries remains of great importance to this day.”
Qasim Rashid, the British Ambassador to Kuwait, said, “I extend my congratulations to the Saudi Ambassador and all our Saudi friends and colleagues on the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; it is an occasion worthy of celebration.” He added, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays an important role in its relations with the United Kingdom and the State of Kuwait, as well as at the regional level,” praising the ties between his country and the Kingdom.
Olivier Guiffan, the French Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, extended his congratulations to the Kingdom, affirming that it is a close partner and friend of France. During his participation in the celebration, he stated that “French-Saudi relations are close and extend across multiple fields, including culture, economy, and military cooperation.”
He referred to the recent visit by Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Paris and his meetings with the French President, expressing his pride in participating in the occasion and conveying his country’s congratulations to the representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the State of Kuwait.
Rami Tahboub, the Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait, extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, His Highness Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khalid Al Saud, the Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait, and the Saudi people.
Tahboub wished the Kingdom continued progress, prosperity, and leadership in the Arab and Islamic worlds, while expressing his pride in the distinguished relations linking Palestine and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He praised the Saudi role in supporting the Palestinian cause and mobilizing support for the Palestinian people, particularly through its leadership, alongside the French Republic, of the alliance for a two-state solution.
Vladimir Giltov, the Russian Ambassador to Kuwait, expressed his pleasure at participating in the Saudi Embassy’s celebration of the Kingdom’s National Day, praising the large attendance at the event.
Giltov stated that “Russia highly values the close ties linking it with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” highlighting the role played by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in strengthening and developing these relations. He added that he maintains a cordial relationship with the Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait and looks forward to continuing cooperation with Saudi friends, particularly in the State of Kuwait.
Yang Xin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kuwait, extended his congratulations to the Kingdom, affirming the robustness of the bilateral relations between China and Saudi Arabia. He noted that “the two countries enjoy distinguished cooperation at both the bilateral and multilateral levels,” expressing his wishes for a more prosperous future for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its government and people.
Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Kuwait, extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; the Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait; and the Saudi people. He affirmed the depth of the relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that “the Pakistani people share in the joy of this occasion with their Saudi brothers and sisters, considering it a cherished event in the hearts of Pakistanis.”
In his address, Prince Sultan bin Saad, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Ambassador, referred to an image he displayed, explaining that it “encapsulates what words may fail to describe regarding the unique relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait, as well as the mutual positions the two countries have witnessed over the years.”
He called on the audience to reflect on the image as “a story of brotherhood, a national memory, and a message of love condensed into a single moment,” expressing the depth of the bonds uniting the two brotherly nations.
