It is a pleasure to be here with you today to celebrate the National Day of the State of Kuwait.
On 25 and 26 February, the people of the State of Kuwait celebrate their National Day and Liberation Day respectively.
These days represent Kuwait’s resilience in its journey towards independence.
National Day, celebrated on 25 February, commemorates the establishment of Kuwait as a nation in 1961, while Liberation Day marks the end of the Gulf War and the liberation of Kuwait on 26 February 1991.
Jointly, they symbolise the spirit of Kuwait’s sovereignty and the triumph of peace and freedom over adversity.
The significance of these days runs deep in the heart of every Kuwaiti. They are a time to honour and celebrate the foundations which serve for a free and prosperous Kuwait.
The friendship between Malta and Kuwait is unique, and there are a number of characteristics that keep us close.
Our two nations became protectorates of the British Empire. As time went by, Malta and Kuwait became well established and reputed in the field of ship building.
In the sixties, we both fought hard to gain our independence, a historic milestone that permitted us to determine our political, economic, and social path.
Formal diplomatic relations between Malta and Kuwait were officially established in 1972, and subsequent visits conducted by then Prime Minister Dom Mintoff secured funding from the Kuwaiti Fund as assistance in the revival of Malta’s infrastructural and agricultural sectors.
During the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in the Gulf War, Malta was unwavering in its support for Kuwait and its people.
Malta’s stance, along with its support for UN-backed decisions in favour of Kuwait, demonstrated our nation’s commitment to upholding its principles of independence and sovereignty through decisive action.
My predecessor, Prof. Guido de Marco, who at the time occupied the position of President of the General Assembly, displayed his remarkable pledge to the sacredness of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations as enunciated in the UN Charter when he departed from protocol, stood up to applaud the Emir, and proceeded to descend and escort the Head of State to the exit.
Guido de Marco’s gesture left a lasting effect on our relationship.
Malta has always valued partners like Kuwait, especially in developing meaningful opportunities for the benefit of both peoples.
The setting up of the Malta-Kuwait Joint Commission in 2021 paved the way towards the strategic identification of diversified niches for potential collaboration between our two nations.
The areas of education, culture and people-to-people relations have been thoroughly explored. Potential projects aimed at enhancing capacity building of human resources in various areas, have been proposed.
The University of Malta remains a favoured educational institution by hundreds of young persons from Kuwait every year.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Abdulaziz Saud Albabtain Cultural Foundation and the University of Malta will provide more opportunities for students to study in Malta.
People-to-people exchanges, especially those involving young persons, should be at the centre of our efforts to maintain our enduring bilateral relations. In this regard, we are committed to increase opportunities for students, not just within the University of Malta but also within MCAST and ITS.
Malta welcomes the possibility of forging closer collaboration with Kuwait in the myriad areas of the healthcare sector through exchange of expertise, best practice and capacity building as well as patient treatment.
From a trade and commercial perspective, Malta has continuously registered a trade surplus with Kuwait over the past five years.
I believe there remains significant untapped potential, particularly in the tourism and healthcare sectors, which hold vast opportunities for growth. Renewable energy investments is another field where collaboration and further development could yield substantial economic and environmental benefits.
Our countries also share a strong commitment to international law and the promotion of dialogue.
Threats to international peace and security, and violations of the UN Charter are increasing distrust among nations and placing more strain on the multilateral system.
This is particularly relevant at present, when conflicts in the Middle East and the war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine, are challenging regional and global stability. Mis and dis-information are also having a negative impact and contributing to the erosion of trust.
Despite these challenges, Malta remains committed to continue playing a constructive role in highlighting the value of multilateralism and ensuring that the UN, the OSCE, the EU and other regional fora, remain relevant in the contemporary world.
Although our terms as elected members of the UNSC and chair-in-office of the OSCE have come to an end, we will continue being committed and principled members of the international community.
Our principles, firm in upholding social justice and a solidarity that leaves no one behind, will continue to guide us as we assume the Presidency of the Council of Europe between May and November 2025.
We look forward to cooperating with Kuwait within the UN, and through the dialogue between the European Union and Kuwait. The relations between the EU and Kuwait have been historically strong, as Kuwait became the first country in the Gulf to sign a Cooperation Arrangement with the European External Action Service (EEAS) in July 2016.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our friendship, built on similarities and shared experiences, gives us stimulus to continue to enhance our bilateral relationship, including in multilateral forums. It is our intention to safeguard and promote actions to strengthen this relationship.
On behalf of the people of Malta, we celebrate the well-being of the Kuwaiti people and the special friendship that binds the People of Malta and the People of Kuwait.
I also kindly ask Your Excellency to convey my warmest greetings to His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
