Latest news with #KuwaitStars
Arab Times
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Ambassador Aliya Mawani's legacy of friendship between Kuwait and Canada
As Ambassador Aliya Mawani concludes her distinguished tenure in Kuwait, we reflect on a years-long journey marked by vision, collaboration, and enduring friendship. Working closely with the Embassy team, her leadership brought Canada–Kuwait relations to vibrant new heights across diplomacy, culture, development, and youth empowerment. One of the key diplomatic cornerstones during Ambassador Mawani's tenure was the signing of multiple MOUs: on bilateral consultations, development cooperation, and healthcare collaboration. These agreements not only reinforced institutional ties but also paved the way for joint initiatives benefiting both nations. In 2025, Canada and Kuwait celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations. The anniversary events spanned cultural exchange, healthcare, education, ICT, energy, defense, security, sports, and food security. Highlights included a dynamic art exhibition, as well as a spirited ice hockey match between the Canadian Mooseheads and Kuwait Stars. These unique moments underscored the power of people-to-people connections and creative dialogue. Ambassador Mawani's time in Kuwait was also defined by her strong advocacy for gender equality and diversity. At events celebrating International Francophonie Day and International Women's Day, she emphasized that 'when women succeed, society as a whole succeeds,' highlighting Canada's commitment to inclusive leadership. Her partnerships with civil society groups consistently promoted the advancement of women in Kuwait. A signature initiative of her mission was the Young Ambassador Programme, launched in partnership with the UN and the British Embassy. This program gave dozens of Kuwaiti youth hands-on exposure to diplomacy and global affairs. It reflects Ambassador Mawani's deep belief in youth as catalysts for peace, security, and sustainable development. Ongoing humanitarian and outreach efforts further shaped her tenure. Ambassador Mawani partnered with UN agencies to raise awareness around refugee issues and promote education for displaced children, engaging with young people directly through storytelling and community events. Throughout her time in Kuwait, she remained closely engaged with Canada-educated alumni, celebrating their success across fields from healthcare to technology. Many of these alumni now play important roles in Kuwait's public and private sectors, reinforcing the longstanding educational ties between the two countries. As Ambassador Mawani bids farewell, her legacy lives on through the relationships, initiatives, and values she championed. She leaves behind not just strengthened diplomacy, but meaningful connections between the people of Canada and Kuwait. We wish her continued success in her next chapter.
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.
