By Faten Omar

KUWAIT: The Embassy of the United States of America held its annual Independence Day celebration at its premises in Bayan on Tuesday evening. During the celebration, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah expressed his sincere congratulations to the US leadership, government and people on this occasion, wishing continued progress and prosperity of the bilateral strategic partnership that connects the two countries.

Sheikh Salem praised the deep-rooted and historical relations between Kuwait and the United States, which have witnessed 61 years of diplomatic ties and 31 years of relations since the liberation of Kuwait, stressing the depth of these relations in all fields and on all levels in a growing way, which achieves common interests of the two countries and their peoples.

"We celebrate in honor of the 246th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. This is our first Independence Day celebration together since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am delighted to be hosting you tonight," said James Holtsnider, Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy. "Two and a half centuries ago, with a shining vision for the future and a belief in a greater nation, the signing of the Declaration of Independence launched our world into a new age of democracy. We all know that democracy and independence are not achieved overnight.

KUWAIT: Photographs of the US Independence Day celebration

It is both an honor and hard work. It requires unstinting dedication to improve, make and remake your nation with every election and every voice. It takes persistence and devotion, but it is a task we happily take on." Holtsnider congratulated Kuwait on the successful elections a few weeks ago. "Kuwait has been, and will always be, a model for democratic institutions in the region. Kuwait is an important international partner and we are looking forward to working with the new government on the global issues that will shape the future for all of us," he said.

Holtsnider affirmed that US and Kuwait have long stood together as partners, allies and friends, noting that this year marks the seventh decade of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and the 31st anniversary of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, when the United States led a coalition of 35 countries that brought an end to the Gulf War and liberated Kuwait.

"In the short year that I have been here, Kuwait has been a terrific ally on some of the most difficult issues facing the world. When Russia unjustifiably invaded Ukraine, Kuwait stood with us on the right side of history and cosponsored the UN resolution, and provided humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. Also, special thanks to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his help and his approval of the safe transit and evacuation of thousands of Americans, Afghans and people from many other countries through Kuwait to onward destinations," Holtsnider said.

He expressed his appreciation of the support of the people of Kuwait. "We are proud to have partnered with Kuwait. Without Kuwait's partnership, financial support and collaboration over the years, we would not be able to come together for events like this," Holtsnider added.