On behalf of the people of #India and on my own behalf, Greetings to people of #Kuwait on their 54th #NationalDay.
The State of Kuwait celebrates on Wednesday the 54th National Day amid deepening sentiments of faithfulness and devotion to the homeland among the citizens.
June 19, 1961, marked the day Kuwait won independence from Britain. The late Amir, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the country's 11th ruler, signed at the time the independence document with Sir George Middleton, the British commissioner in the Arabian Gulf, thus repealing a treaty that had been signed by the seventh ruler, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, with the UK on January 23, 1899, to protect the country, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) said.
Kuwait celebrated its the National Day for the first time on June 19, 1961, with a grand military parade at the old airport that had been located at "derwaza Al-Brai'see." On that day, the late Amir, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem addressed the citizens, saying in part that the country "marks the first anniversary of the National Day, with the hearts filled with joy, determination to press ahead with the homeland construction." Sheikh Abdullah noted his keenness on attaining prosperity and justice for all citizens.
On May 18, 1964, leaders decided to change the anniversary day for it fell during very hot summer period, merging the date with February 25th, also coinciding with Abdullah Al-Salem's ascending to the top post. Since then, Kuwait has been celebrating independence on February 25th -- also known as the National Day.
Kuwait, since 1962, has been updating its political system, starting with establishment of the constituent assembly, charged with drafting National Constitution, based on democracy. It was endorsed by the late Amir, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem, in November 1962, thus paving way for first legislative elections, held on January 23, 1963.
Sixth provision of the Constitution stipulates that the ruling system in the country is democratic. The nation, which enjoys "sovereignty, is the source of all jurisdictions." Ruling is practiced on basis of the three powers' separation, however they maintain cooperation. None of the authorities, the executive, parliamentary and judicial, enjoy the right to cede some of the jurisdictions assigned to each, as stipulated by the Constitution.
The Kuwaiti judicial system, renowned as "open and capable of resolving various strives," is internationally respected and acclaimed -- thus enabling country to establish solid political and economic ties with nations of the globe.
Since its independence, Kuwait has adopted moderate and balanced external policies, based on friendship, peace and stability and prosperity for nations. It has succeeded in establishing strong relationships with friendly and brotherly countries, in addition to its leading role in promoting the GCC, backing international efforts for global peace and security.
This approach, also aimed at ensuring abidance by the international legitimacy, has been played within framework of the United Nations, its affiliate agencies, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (formerly the Organization of Islamic Conference), and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Kuwait, since independence, has been offering abundant aid to peoples in need, where humanitarian activities have become a main feature of the country's identity. Aware of this, and as a gesture of gratitude, the United Nations has recently designed His Highness the Amir as a "Humanitarian Leader" and Kuwait as a "Humanitarian Center."
