Butler: Firm... US commitment to Kuwait's security, sovereignty, and stability

- The Kuwaiti-American partnership is a model of a robust friendship that withstood various challenges for decades.

- The two peoples are bound by deep historical and human ties that predate the establishment of formal diplomatic relations.

- The reopening of the embassy last June is one of the proudest moments of my professional career.

- Raising the American flag again above the embassy building symbolized the continuity of friendship and close partnership.

- We recall the United States standing by Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion and its leadership of the international coalition to liberate the country.

- Celebrating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations embodies the importance of preserving and building upon our shared historical legacy.

Stephen Butler, the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, emphasized the depth of the historical ties between the two friendly nations, reaffirming his country’s firm commitment to Kuwait’s security, sovereignty, and stability.

This statement came during a press briefing by Butler on the sidelines of the U.S. Embassy’s celebration on Tuesday, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Kuwait. The event was attended by Foreign Minister Sheikh Jaraah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, heads of diplomatic missions in the country, representatives of U.S. companies, and officials from various sectors.

Butler stated that “the Kuwaiti-American partnership represents a model of a strong friendship that has withstood various challenges over many decades.” He clarified that “relations between the two countries are not limited to the 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1961; their roots extend back to 1911 with the founding of the American Hospital in Kuwait, which marked one of the early milestones of contact between the two friendly peoples.”

He added that “the two peoples share deep historical and human bonds that predate formal diplomatic relations and have contributed to building a partnership based on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests.” Butler recalled historical moments that demonstrated the strength of these relations, foremost among them the United States standing by Kuwait during the brutal Iraqi invasion in 1990, and its leadership of the international coalition that contributed to the country’s liberation in 1991.

He affirmed that “the two countries have continued to stand side by side in facing regional security challenges, driven by their shared commitment to protecting Kuwait’s sovereignty and the security of its people, and enhancing stability in the region.” In this context, he pointed to recent security challenges in the region that necessitated the temporary evacuation of some U.S. embassy staff before their return and the resumption of operations.

Butler described leading the team that reopened the embassy last June as “one of the proudest moments of my professional career,” emphasizing that raising the American flag again above the embassy building symbolized the continuity of friendship and close partnership between the two countries.

Regarding the celebration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, Butler said this historic occasion serves as an opportunity to recall the principles upon which his country was founded, foremost among them freedom, popular sovereignty, innovation, and a forward-looking vision.

He explained that the “Freedom 250” initiative, the slogan of the celebrations, aims to honor the U.S. journey over two and a half centuries and renew commitment to the values and principles that formed the foundation of its establishment. He noted that the celebration is not merely about remembering the past, but also serves as an occasion to look forward to the coming years and strengthen the values of freedom, creativity, and innovation that have contributed to the development of the United States and its global standing.

He noted that “the celebration in the State of Kuwait also reflects the broad presence of American companies and brands and their role in strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two peoples,” emphasizing that the spread of American brands in Kuwait underscores the depth of economic and cultural engagement between the two countries.

Butler concluded his remarks by stating that “the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the State of Kuwait embodies the importance of preserving and building upon our shared historical legacy to enhance cooperation and partnership between the two countries in the coming phase.”