55th National Day and 25th Liberation Day of the State of Kuwait
Message
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh
Dear Friends,
As we get together to celebrate the twin occasions of the National Day and Liberation Day of the State of Kuwait, I would like to pay special tribute to our leadership and the people.
My Friends, it is because of the pragmatic leadership that Kuwait is endowed with, so fortunate to have, we have successfully made our presence appreciated in the global arena.
Today, Kuwait is poised to play an active role in the Gulf region by harnessing its resources to promote peace and stability.
In light of the Quranic teaching, the Kuwaiti society has been in the forefront when it comes to sharing its wealth and resources. This benevolent policy is effected in three ways: through Kuwait Fund, through Kuwaiti NGOs and by private philanthropists. Kuwaits philanthropism has aptly been recognized in the International comity. I am happy to note that Kuwait is a proud partner in this countrys endeavor to attain economic growth and social justice. Since the time Kuwait established diplomatic ties with Bangladesh in 1973, Kuwait Fund has been very keen in providing necessary loans and grants in 24 core infrastructural development areas like energy, communications, and electrification. The Kuwaiti NGOs in collaboration with local administrations in the rural areas, have played commendable roles in reducing poverty and ensuring social justice. A number of Kuwaiti philanthropists have set up educational institutes in some parts of Bangladesh to make education affordable and accessible for underprivileged children.
Friends, I feel honored to recall once again on this momentous day the principled stand of Bangladesh during Kuwaits ordeal in 1990. This role will remain emblazoned in the annals of Kuwaits history. I am happy to see that this cooperation and coordination of our resources and skills are continuing till today.
Friends, our two countries are strategically placed to play a cooperative role in global issues in general and regional issues in particular. Thus, I take satisfaction in the fact that our two countries have shared perceptions and views and commonality of approach on most matters of International and regional significance. As members of the UNO, OIC and the non-Aligned Movement, our two friendly countries have forged a unified stand and lent a unanimous voice on various issues and problems.
Friends, one of the cornerstones of Kuwaits foreign policy is to promote International peace and stability by building bridges of friendship and cooperation. His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who is the architect of Kuwaits foreign policy, envisions a World of peace, cooperation, friendship and fraternity. It is this lofted perception that serves as the impetus in shaping Kuwaits relation with its neighbors in particular and the world at large.
Friends, the vision of the dynamic Kuwaiti leadership is backed by a responsible sharing of Kuwaits resources with its friends globally without differentiating among the recipients. This practice has been persistently adhered to by successive Kuwaiti leadership and the people of Kuwait since time immemorial. This is indeed a reflection of the globally acknowledged philanthropic principle and practice imbued in the Kuwaiti society.
Friends, this balanced approach of Kuwait in its pursuit of a proactive foreign policy is based on rationality and practicality and like Bangladesh, it believes in the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty of all countries irrespective of their size, location, religion and race. Kuwait like Bangladesh, has taken a principled stand against terrorism and violent extremism.
Friends, I would like to avail myself of this joyous occasion to specifically convey the profound feelings of my country and its people for the friendly people of Bangladesh and for the highly commendable performance of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Kuwait. There are close to 3,00,000 Bangladeshis involved in different trades in Kuwait. Their concerted endeavour in different sectors is deeply appreciated in Kuwait. The strong and growing presence of the Bangladeshi community in Kuwait is a reflection of the wisdom, pragmatism and foresight of the successive leaderships of the two countries that have been developed and nurtured over four decades of relationship between the two countries.
Friends, an important step in foreign and consolidating further our friendly relations, is to encourage and initiate fruitful interaction in the form of exchange of visits of Government officials, political leaders, businessmen and scholars.
I would be happy to facilitate socio-economic interaction between the two countries. I see bright scope for Bangladesh to improve the two way trade in its favour by diversifying its export basket that may help increase the revenue earning by Bangladesh from Kuwait.
Friends, I am highly optimistic that our friendly relations will further be deepened, expanded and consolidated in the years to come under the sagacious leaderships of our two countries.
Long live Kuwait-Bangladesh friendship.
Adel Mohammed A H Hayat
Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Bangladesh
Foreign Policy of Kuwait
The cardinal principle on which the foreign policy of Kuwait is based had been enunciated by the late Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, when he declared that, Kuwait lives under the protection of Islam as its religion, Arabism as its homeland, cooperation as its strategic path, tolerance as its motto, fraternity as its guidance, constitution as its modus operandi, justice as its rule, progress as its responsibility and peace as its goal.
The objective of Kuwaits pursuit of diplomacy is based on a pragmatic and balanced approach and is conducted in accordance with the governments philosophy and the interest of the State. Kuwait adheres to a policy, which is characterised by clarity, straightforward and quiet diplomacy. It strives to strengthen constructive cooperation with all countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States in accordance with the principles of fairness and justice. It advocates the use of peaceful means in resolving all problems between States in accordance with the principles of right and justice, away from conflicts, sphere of influence and International blocs. His Highness the amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, while outlining the salient features of Kuwaits foreign policy, said that one of the main objectives of Kuwaits diplomacy is to cooperate with all countries to maintain world security and stability as well as reach sustainable development of societies.
Kuwait endeavors to promote peace among nations and enter into partnerships with brotherly and friendly countries for the development of societies. At the same time, Kuwaits policy is concerned with the safeguard of her independence and sovereignty and her freedom of political decision. His Highness the amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah asserted that the pursuit of Kuwaits diplomacy is the first line of defence of the States security and interests.
Kuwait is an ardent advocate of Pan Arabism and its policy and interest in the Arab world is motivated by its strong adherence to the principles of Arab nationalism. It is an active and vocal member of the Arab League where it realizes its belief in a common Arab destuny by enhancing its relations with the Arab States. Kuwait plays a leading role in promoting economic prosperity in the region. In its pursuit of economic diplomacy, His Highness the Amir said that the loans and grants provided by Kuwait Fund as well as the Kuwaiti donations for other International funds are a testimony of Kuwaits effective role in building bridges of friendship and cooperation by financing development projects in the four corners of the globe. Kuwait is vocal in its demand for withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from all Arab lands illegally and forcibly occupied by Israel.
In response to the United Nations appeal for humanitarian assistance for Syrian war victims, Kuwait twice hosted a donor countries summit meeting, the first in January 2013 and the second in January 2014.
Philanthropy and benevolence is an integral part of Kuwaits diplomatic pursuit. His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir referred to an initiative taken by His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 1988 whereby interest on soft loans to numerous developing countries was waived, thereby setting a precedent which initiated a quantum leap in the assistance methods of Kuwaiti diplomacy.
This can be discerned from statistics that show 86.4% of Kuwaits official humanitarian assistance was spent in fragile states.
Further, Kuwait doubled its contribution to various international Organizations and has been playing a leading role in support of the humanitarian work globally.
In recognition of Kuwaits diplomatic thrust in bridging the differences between countries through its humanitarian service and support, the UN Secretary General presented His Highness the Amir a Certificate of Appreciation in 2014. The citation described His Highness the Amir as the exemplary Humanitarian Leader.
This presentation underscores the achievement and success of Kuwaits foreign policy pursuit. From this perspective, His Highness the Amir summed up the goals and objectives of Kuwaiti diplomacy when he categorically outlined the foundation of Kuwaits foreign policy, since the dawn of its independence, based on humanitarian assistance to all countries regardless of their geographic location, religious beliefs or ethnic origin.
Being a Gulf State, Kuwait played a pivotal role in bringing about the unification of the Gulf Emirates. The formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a brainchild of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, was perhaps one of the most important landmark of Kuwaits foreign policy. The formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council is an expression and extension of Kuwaits primary foreign policy goals. His Highness the Amir of Kuwait conceived such a forum to promote cooperation and co-ordination amongst the member States in all spheres not only for their mutual benefit but also for the whole Arab nation. Kuwait was the host of the 34th summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council in December 2013 which focused on the unified political stance of the member States on matters of regional and international concerns. The conference also laid emphasis on striving to attain economic integration.
Since the dawn of Kuwaits independence, Kuwait exerted strenuous efforts, to fulfil Kuwaits strong commitment to the welfare and progress of the Islamic Ummah. This was aptly reflected when it hosted the 5th. OIC Summit meeting in January 1987.
On the International plane, Kuwaits foreign relations have always been balanced and based on openness. The recent hosting of the Asian Cooperation Dialog Summit by Kuwait testifies Kuwaits eagerness to buttress cooperation among the Asian countries.
As part of Kuwaits role in pursuing a dynamic and pro-active foreign policy, Kuwait hosted the third Arab-African Summit in November 2013.
As an active member of the Arab League, Kuwait hosted the 25th Arab League Summit in March 2014 which focused on Arab integration, cooperation and coordination as well as the latest Arab developments.
This candid approach in the conduct of its relations with other countries, based on cooperation, understanding and continuity, is not a mere coincidence or a passing phase that might be altered with a change of faces in the government. Rather, it is a philosophy felt deeply by the government and is based on self-confidence and mutual trust between the citizens and the government of Kuwait.
Kuwait aspires to a new approach in International Relations moulded by a New World Order, which is based on international legitimacy and a rejection of the principles of using force, terrorism and aggression to alter the status quo.
Kuwait is currently in the midst of a transformation, as it considers its place in the era of globalization. The Kuwaiti people recognize the nexus between domestic and foreign policy, and have undertaken tremendous political and economic decisions that prepare the country for sweeping reforms. In recent years, Kuwait has deepened its commitment to democratic progress.
Kuwaits strong adherence to what it regards as the basic principles of her external policy has been put to severe tests on a number of occasions.
Kuwait does not compromise its principles and honour. His Highness the Amir had once said in October 1985 that our decision will remain free and we will not yield to blackmail, terrorism and emotionalism.
Kuwait has strong conviction that World peace in general and regional peace, stability and prosperity can only come through a rational approach to divisive issues which could be and should be resolve amicably through discussions.
In this aspect, it has tremendous faith on the United Nations and its principles and charters, as a means of sustaining international legitimacy, peace and security of all the countries.
Women Empowerment in Kuwait
Women in Kuwait are among the most emancipated women in the Middle East region. They have experienced many changes since the discovery of oil. They have long history of official, political and social activism which started in the early 1960s and continues till today. As a result of this strong endeavor by enterprising Kuwaiti women who were also patronized their access to education and employment increased dramatically. In 2013, 53% of Kuwaiti women participated in the labor force. In 2014, Kuwait was ranked first among the Arab countries in the Global Gender Gap Report. Article 41 stipulates that Every Kuwaiti has the right to work and to choose the type of work. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, categorically affirmed that Kuwait directs growing attention to foster womens rights and their role in the society.
Article 29 of the Kuwait constitution affirms the rights of women equally alongside the men. The article states that All people are equal in human dignity and in public rights and duties before the law, without distinction to race, origin, language or religion. This respect for the rights of women is further strengthened by the adherence of Kuwait to both the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Article 26 of the Covenant states that All persons are equal before the law and are entitled to the equal protection of the law.
From the 17th century until the discovery of oil in the 1950s, the economy of Kuwait was largely dependent on maritime trade, while men were seafaring, Kuwaiti womenfolk managed their homes and controlled family affairs and finances. Urban, upper class women participated in a limited scale in public sphere.
The 17th century marked the beginning of womens education in Kuwait with girls beginning to learn the Holy Scripture when the first Quranic School was set up in 1916. This paved the way for Kuwaiti women to strive for jobs as religious instructors. The first private school for girls opened in 1926 while the first public school was set up in 1937. By the 1940s many young Kuwaiti girls got enrolled in primary school. Women began to voice their rights for advanced educational opportunities both at home and abroad. Article 40 of the constitution guarantees the education rights of the women. Its states Education is a right for Kuwaitis guaranteed by the State.
The participation of Kuwaiti women in the labor force is much higher than the regional GCC average. Kuwait has the highest percentage of working female citizens in the GCC.
Womens activism in Kuwait began in the 1950s. To give shape to this activism, the first womens Organization, the Arab Womens Renaissance Association was founded by Noureya Al-Saddani in 1962 followed soon by the Womens Cultural and Social Society in 1963. In 1975, the Girls Club was established with its initial focus on encouraging women in sport. In 1981, Byader As Salam was formed to nurtur cultural awareness. The same year the Sheikha Latifa Al-Sabahs Islamic Care Association was formed to help spread Islamic lifestyle and culture.
The courageous role of Kuwaiti women during the 1990 Kuwaiti ordeal is a shining example of valor and patriotism demonstrated by Kuwaiti women through their resistance of the invasion by neighboring Iraq. They mobilized the opposition, started an underground resistance paper called Al-Kuwaitiya passed weapons and ammunitions through Iraqi checkpoints, transported and planted explosives, collected and distributed food and medicine and ran shelters for the sick and the disabled. They organized large demonstrations and some of them embraced martyrdom in defence of their motherland.
Kuwaiti women acquired Organizational experience and skills by playing active roles in various reform movements. These splinter movements had a catalytic effect on their campaign for suffrage. The campaign started in 1971. In the early 1990s the campaign for political rights intensified and His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the then Amir of Kuwait, while recognizing the role of the Kuwaiti women during the Liberation struggle, promulgated a decree granting women suffrage. However, it was not until May 2005 that the women earned the suffrage. For the first time in Kuwaits history, 28 women contested in the June 2006 Parliamentary elections. Four years later, four women were elected to the Parliament for the first time. In 2011. Kuwait was ranked highest of all Arab countries in gender equality in the Human Development Reports Gender Inequality Index.
Women in Kuwait are enjoying greater empowerment due to their proactive role in different aspects of the Kuwaiti society, particularly in the fields of education, social development, arts and culture, cadre services and politics.
