ShareKUWAIT: The Kuwait National Library inaugurated an exhibition on Monday showcasing a rare collection of historical photographs and documents on Kuwaiti-British relations, curated by researcher Issa Dashti. The exhibition, titled “His Majesty King Charles III’s Visit to Kuwait in 1997,” features 50 rare items from Dashti’s personal archive, documenting a pivotal moment in the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
British Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Lewis, speaking to the press following the exhibition’s opening, praised the event for highlighting the significance of King Charles III’s visit to Kuwait in 1997. She noted that the visit reflected His Majesty’s efforts to foster stronger ties between the British royal family and Kuwait’s ruling leadership, emphasizing the enduring strength of bilateral relations.
Sheikha Hala Bader Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who sponsored the event, told KUNA that such cultural exhibitions play a vital role in enhancing international relations across cultural, social, and political spheres. She underlined the importance of exchanging knowledge and experiences to build bridges of mutual understanding, portraying Kuwait’s civilizational values and its commitment to cultural dialogue and openness.
Director of the Kuwait National Library Suham Al-Azmi, speaking to KUNA, affirmed the library’s dedication—under the umbrella of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters—to supporting such initiatives in cooperation with various state institutions. She commended Issa Dashti’s contributions, particularly his generous donation of rare photographs and historical materials, which will be preserved as part of the library’s national archive.
Researcher Issa Dashti said the exhibition commemorates the 250th anniversary of Kuwaiti-British relations, which began in 1775 with the rerouting of Gulf-bound mail from Basra to Kuwait, following the relocation of the British East India Company’s office. He described King Charles III’s 1997 visit as a landmark event in the history of Kuwaiti-British ties, exemplifying the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations over two and a half centuries. - KUNA
