KUWAIT CITY, Feb 18: His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad inaugurated the 12th British Week in Kuwait Exhibition at Assima Mall on Monday in the presence of British Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Lewis, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad, Sheikh Ali Al-Jaber, Sheikh Mubarak Faisal Al-Saud, Sheikh Amir Al- Malik, and Capital Governor Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali. Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad visited the exhibition, which showcases many sectors like the British industries, cars, aviation and schools, as well as world-famous brands. Lewis said “We are proud to participate in the 12th trade exhibition entitled, “Britain in Kuwait”. It celebrates the ongoing friendship and strong relations between our two countries. I urge everyone to visit the exhibition and learn about the pavilions that highlight many areas of cooperation between the United Kingdom and Kuwait, starting from trade and investment to culture and innovation. The British community is proud of its contribution to the development of Kuwait. We look forward to strengthening our partnership in the coming years.”

Chairman of the organizing committee Ahmed Behbehani pointed out that “His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad’s patronage of the event confirms the deep and historic Kuwaiti-British relations, in addition to his commitment to support events and activities that deepen historical ties with Britain.” He added “the Kuwaiti-British relations that extend for 250 years embody a distinctive model of relations built on solid foundations and based on historical friendship. It was crowned by the signing of the Kuwaiti-British Treaty of 1899 by HH the late Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah. The treaty confirmed the independence of Kuwaiti decision-making and kept Kuwait away from major international conflicts.” He stated that the 12th British Week in Kuwait has special importance as it coincides with the 64th anniversary of Independence Day and 34th Liberation Day of Kuwait; making it an extraordinary occasion for all participants in this event. He added the exhibition is considered one of the most important economic activities this year, as it represents the historical relationship between the United Kingdom and Kuwait. He said the success of previous sessions greatly contributed to the increasing demand for British and Kuwaiti participation in this economic event. “We cannot forget the historical position of the United Kingdom during the brutal Iraqi invasion in 1990, the position of the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher towards Kuwait, and the mixing of British and Kuwaiti blood on the soil of Kuwait in 1991. All these remain a testimony that the relationship between the two friendly countries has always been a unique model among countries,” he concluded

By Fares Al-Abdan
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff