Latest news with #Canada-Kuwait
Kuwait Times
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Embassy celebrates 60th anniversary of Kuwait-Canada ties
By Christine Susan Shine KUWAIT: The Canadian Embassy in Kuwait commemorated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Kuwait with a spirited ice hockey match on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between the two nations. Held in collaboration with the Kuwait Winter Games Club, the friendly game between the Canadian Mooseheads and the Kuwait Stars drew a lively crowd of families, hockey fans, and dignitaries. Spectators of all ages filled the stands, waving Canadian and Kuwaiti flags and cheering for their teams in a vibrant display of camaraderie. Canadian Ambassador Aliya Mawani, speaking at the event, underscored the cultural significance of the sport. 'Ice hockey is a core part of Canadian identity, and it's inspiring to see how it's been embraced here in Kuwait, bringing together players from all over the world,' she said in her opening remarks. The match was part of a broader, year-long celebration of Canada-Kuwait ties, with events throughout 2025 showcasing shared values through art, music, business, and education. Ambassador Mawani highlighted the power of sports in building bridges between cultures, telling Kuwait Times, 'It's really wonderful to see how sports can be a great vehicle for empowerment—for both girls and boys—in terms of building confidence, skill, and teamwork. People-to-people connections are at the heart of strong bilateral ties, and today's match truly captured that spirit.' Canadian Ambassador Ambassador Aliya Mawani and Chairman of Kuwait Winter Games Club Fehaid Al-Ajmi take group photo with Kuwait Stars And Canadian Mooseheads. Canadian Ambassador Aliya Mawani and Chairman of Kuwait Winter Games Club Fehaid Al- Ajmi The game itself was a thrilling contest, ending in a tie that led to a dramatic tiebreaker. In the end, the Canadian Mooseheads clinched victory, but the true triumph lay in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect displayed on and off the ice. Long-time Canadian resident in Kuwait, Debra Clark, who has lived in the country for 18 years, reflected on the significance of the moment. 'You don't often get to watch your home team play live when you're abroad. This event brought the Canadian community together in such a meaningful way,' she said. Kuwaiti attendee Sabeekah Al-Bahar said she was drawn to the event to celebrate the long-standing friendship between the two countries. 'I was amazed by the high level of skill and challenge on the ice. Both teams were incredibly professional—it was such a joy to watch,' she said. The stadium echoed with energy as fans donned team jerseys and celebrated the occasion with cheers and chants. Among them was Walid Elawadly, a Canadian living in Kuwait, who attended with his family. 'It brings me so much joy to see Kuwait's team playing so well. This was a match we were really looking forward to, and it didn't disappoint,' he said. Also present was Fehaid Al-Ajmi, Chairman of the Kuwait Winter Games Club, who praised the growing popularity of ice hockey in Kuwait. He noted the club's ongoing efforts to promote the sport among men, women and youth, providing new avenues for athletic development and empowerment. The evening's festivities underscored the deep and evolving relationship between Canada and Kuwait, with the ice rink serving as a stage for shared celebration, sporting excellence and lasting friendship.
Arab Times
11-02-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
‘Canada, Kuwait pursue goals jointly'
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait Aliya Mawani said the 60th Canadian National Flag Day and 60th anniversary of Canada and Kuwait relations come at a time of change and transformation in both countries and in the world in general. Mawani made the statement during the celebration of the Canadian National Flag Day in the presence of Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel and a large number of ambassadors and diplomats. She pointed out these two occasions also coincide with the two countries assuming major leadership roles -- Canada as the chair of the G7 and Kuwait as the chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab Capital of Culture and Information for 2025. 'These roles provide the two countries with platforms as partners and members of the international community to pursue their shared commitment to humanitarian work, cooperation and enhancing global security and stability. These priorities are essential for economic development and prosperity, not only of our two countries but also the entire world,' she added. She explained that 'an anniversary -- whether in life or diplomacy -- acquires the importance we give to it and can provide opportunities to reflect on what we have built and what we aspire for.' She also asserted that 'both Canada and Kuwait support a collective approach to problem-solving. We firmly believe that we can achieve more together. This is the essence of our diplomatic relations and has been a hallmark of Canada-Kuwait cooperation since the relationship was formally established on April 27, 1965. This has been reinforced by Canada's role in liberating Kuwait from occupation during the first Gulf War, in which approximately 4,500 Canadian service members participated, and by Kuwait hosting a Canadian Armed Forces base since 2011, which plays a critical role in our security, stability and humanitarian engagement across the region.' She added 'our celebration tonight is part of a program of events and activities for the anniversary that will take place throughout 2025 and will revolve around connectivity, highlighting key aspects of the relationship -- cultural exchange, trade and cooperation in healthcare and education, ICT, oil and gas, defense and security, sports, and food that is always a favorite topic here. If you are a Tim Hortons fan, we are pleased to announce that we will soon be launching our 60th Anniversary Friendship Blend which you will be able to enjoy throughout Ramadan, combining the special flavors of Canada and Kuwait. Also, stay tuned for our social media campaign, which will highlight some of the wonderful people who form a bond between Canada and Kuwait.' She concluded her speech by extending her best wishes to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Kuwaiti people on the auspicious occasion of the National Day and Liberation Day. 'Long live Kuwait and its people. I would like to thank you for your long-standing friendship, which will continue to extend into the future. In a world where communication and cooperation are more important than ever, we must uphold human dignity and strive for a sustainable future for everyone. Together, we can ensure that the Canada-Kuwait partnership remains strong and enduring, as we collectively work towards peace, security, and prosperity for our two countries and a brighter future for generations to come.'
