KUWAIT CITY, Oct 28: A mural celebrating 125 years of strong relations between Kuwait and the United Kingdom was unveiled on Sunday at the Mubarakiya Gold Market. The artwork was created by Kuwaiti artist Yousef Saleh and British artist Megan Russell.

The event was organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) in collaboration with the British Embassy. British Ambassador Belinda Lewis shared her thoughts with KUNA, stating that the mural is rich with meanings and symbols that reflect the bond between the two nations. Notably, the mural features the hoopoe bird, known for its annual migration to both countries.

Lewis highlighted that the mural not only commemorates the long-standing relationship between Kuwait and the UK but also includes flowers significant to each nation, such as the English white rose and the Arfaj flower, which is native to the Kuwaiti desert. Additionally, the mural includes pearls, a nod to Kuwait's historical pearl diving, which was famously favored by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Emphasizing the depth of collaboration, Lewis remarked that the relationship between Kuwait and the UK has evolved through mutual development across various fields. "We have needed each other in different eras of our shared history, and it is a relationship characterized by maturity and benefit based on the exchange of constructive ideas," she said.

Abdullah Yassin, Director of the National Project for the Third Art at NCCAL, also commented on the mural's significance. He noted that this project is the first in a series aimed at fostering artistic exchange, particularly through murals that involve Kuwaiti artists collaborating with international counterparts and embassies.

Yassin stressed that the primary goal is to elevate the artistic and cultural standards of local artists while showcasing their creativity and enhancing their skills through interaction with international artists in Kuwait. He added that the initiative seeks to beautify public spaces, including empty walls and structures like electrical transformers and bridges, thereby increasing appreciation for art in society.

He also announced that a second mural is set to be created in Mubarakiya Market in the coming weeks in cooperation with the Australian Embassy in Kuwait. (KUNA)