RIYADH, Feb 23 (KUNA) -- Friendly nations and those in the region and especially Saudi Arabia are joining in Kuwait's National Day and Liberation Day celebrations in testimony to good relations and appreciation of Kuwait as state and people, Ambassador to Saudi Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah said.
Kuwaiti-Saudi ties are deeply-rooted, the ambassador told KUNA on the sidelines of a celebration held Monday night at the Embassy's headquarters to mark Kuwait's 49th National Day and 19th Liberation anniversaries.
Saudi Arabia played a great role in the liberation of Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation back in 1991, he said, adding that Saudi people showed great hospitality towards Kuwaitis.
The ambassador congratulated His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the National Guards Chief Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah on the occasion.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, an exhibition of handcrafts was held with the Amiri Diwan presenting a collection of 18 photographs documenting Kuwaiti-Saudi relations for display.
Meanwhile, KUNA held an exhibition of its own with a collection of 80 photos narrating the history of bilateral and brotherly relations between the two countries since the reign of late Amir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The exhibition also included display of photos on Kuwait's landmarks, KUNA's Director of Photography Center Anwar Al-Hasawi said.
Kuwaiti researcher Saleh Al-Misbah also presented Kuwaiti and Saudi newspapers' first issues for display during the event which was attended by senior Saudi officials.
In Cooperation with the embassy, the foreign media sector at the Ministry of Information presented a number of photographs and books, while Kuwait Television Troupe played a number of folklore songs, Director of media concerned with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Mishal Al-Thaidi said.
The ministry is keen on presenting glimpses of Kuwait's cultural identity and status and supporting the activities and gestures of Kuwaiti embassies abroad, he said. - Kuna