By Baron Henri Estramant.
Kuwait’s National Day celebrates the end of British protectorate over the then sheikhdom of Kuwait in 1961 making it a fully-fledged independent country. Effectively the country’s hakim (ruler), Sheikh Abdullah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah, took the title of “Amir”. It was likewise under his auspices that Kuwait became the very first country in the region to draft and proclaim a constitution in 1962, followed by a parliament in 1963.
For a full Robert Huiberts’ photo album, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157664797431172
More properly the reception marks the success in expelling Iraqi armed forces from Kuwait after that country had invaded the former in August 1990, and annexed it briefly as a province. That is, 25 February 1991, is a fête for the end of the Gulf War, albeit the emirate had to wait until March 1991 for the return to Kuwaiti soil of Amir Jaber III Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and of the Government.
The two dates were celebrated with a reception on Monday, 22 February 2016, hosted by the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Head of Mission to the OPCW, HE Mr Hafeez bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Ajmi at the Hilton Hotel in The Hague, and with the sponsorship support of Q8 (Kuwait Petroleum).
A couple of large flat screens showed impressions of towns, dances and traditions typical of Kuwait. Guests included numerous Heads of Mission as well as officials from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs they were treated to a copious buffet of Arab specialities but also a large selection of juices and soft drinks.
