Al-Hajjaj: Kuwait’s Stance Toward Algeria, Leadership and People, Is Historic and Honorable

The Algerian Ambassador to Kuwait, Omar Belhadj, affirmed the depth and strength of Kuwaiti-Algerian relations, describing them as historical and rooted in solid foundations of brotherhood, solidarity, and mutual respect. He praised the honorable historical positions taken by Kuwait, both its leadership and people, alongside Algeria during the glorious War of Liberation, as well as the support and assistance provided to the Algerian cause throughout the various stages of the struggle for independence.

This statement was made during a speech delivered by Ambassador Belhadj yesterday morning on the occasion of the Embassy’s celebration of the Mujahid Day, which falls on August 20 of each year, in the presence of members of the Algerian community.

The ambassador stated that commemorating Mujahid Day represents a national occasion of great importance in the history of Algeria and its liberation revolution, as it recalls the sacrifices of the mujahideen and martyrs who gave their lives to liberate the country and restore national sovereignty. He emphasized that the August 20 anniversary remains a prominent milestone in the course of the Algerian Revolution due to its military, political, and organizational significance.

He clarified that this day is linked to two fundamental events in the history of the Algerian Revolution. The first is the Battle of Constantine North, which took place on August 20, 1955. This battle marked a crucial turning point in the revolution’s trajectory, contributing to the expansion of armed struggle and conveying the voice of the Algerian Revolution both domestically and internationally, while also drawing the attention of the international community to the justice of the Algerian cause.

He pointed out that the second event is the convening of the Soummam Conference on August 20, 1956, which is considered one of the most significant political and organizational milestones in the history of the Algerian Revolution. The conference contributed to establishing clear organizational frameworks for revolutionary action, consolidating revolutionary structures, defining responsibilities, reorganizing regions and wilayas, and dividing tasks among various military and political leaderships and structures.

Furthermore, the ambassador noted that the Soummam Conference served as a fundamental reference for the Algerian Revolution, as it discussed several issues related to developing revolutionary work, unifying the ranks of the mujahideen, and enhancing coordination among different regions, thereby helping to transition the revolution into a more organized and cohesive phase.

Regarding bilateral relations, Ambassador Belhadj affirmed that relations between Kuwait and Algeria are witnessing continuous development, noting a shared commitment by the leaderships of both countries to enhance and elevate these ties across various fields. This reflects the nature of the brotherly and historical relations uniting the two countries and their fraternal peoples.

He revealed that he recently met with the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Arab Affairs of Kuwait, during which several files and issues of mutual interest were discussed, alongside a review of the state of bilateral relations and ways to advance cooperation and coordination.

He added that the meeting also addressed the Kuwaiti-Algerian Joint Committee, highlighting the importance of holding its meetings in the coming stages, as it constitutes one of the main mechanisms for enhancing cooperation between the two countries and following up on various bilateral cooperation files. He noted that the upcoming committee meetings will be chaired by the finance ministers of both countries, reflecting the interest in strengthening economic, investment, and trade relations.

He also pointed out that both sides are discussing the imminent opening of a direct air route between the capitals of the two countries, Kuwait and Algiers. He considered the launch of this route a significant step in enhancing communication between the peoples, facilitating the movement of citizens, businessmen, investors, and tourists, and contributing to activating economic, tourism, and cultural cooperation between the two countries. He affirmed that enhancing direct air connectivity would open broader horizons for bilateral relations, particularly given the presence of an Algerian community in Kuwait and the strong social, human, and cultural ties between the two peoples.

Praising Kuwait and the Algerian Community

The Algerian ambassador praised Kuwait, its leadership, government, and people, for the care and hospitality extended to the Algerian community, describing Kuwait as a fraternal and hospitable country. He emphasized that members of the Algerian community are respected and honored in Kuwaiti society.

He called on members of the Algerian community to comply with the laws and regulations in force in Kuwait and to respect local customs and traditions. He stressed that every Algerian residing in Kuwait represents his country and should therefore be the best ambassador for Algeria, reflecting the honorable image of the Algerian people.

He underscored the importance of preserving the brotherly relations between Algeria and Kuwait, noting that mutual respect and adherence to laws form a crucial foundation for maintaining the positive atmosphere enjoyed by the Algerian community in Kuwait.

He affirmed that the Algerian Embassy continues to work on enhancing communication with community members and listening to their concerns, alongside supporting all initiatives that strengthen ties between Algeria and Kuwait, in service of the interests of the two countries and their fraternal peoples.

Ambassador Belhadj concluded by emphasizing that commemorating Mujahid Day is not merely a remembrance of a historical event, but an occasion to renew loyalty to the sacrifices of the martyrs and mujahideen and to recall the values upon which the Algerian Revolution was built, foremost among them being freedom, sovereignty, and national unity. He reaffirmed the commitment to continuing the construction of strong relations with fraternal and friendly countries, with Kuwait being at the forefront, as it has been and remains present in the Algerian memory through its historical supportive positions toward the Algerian people and their just cause.