Latest news with #MohammedAl-Jassar
Arab Times
20-05-2025
- General
- Arab Times
A Legacy Of Friendship: Kuwait And India Reflect On 250 Years Of Strong Bilateral Relations
KUWAIT CITY, May 20: In a testament to the rich and enduring friendship between Kuwait and India, the Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, praised the relationship between the two nations as a unique model of brotherhood and cultural synergy. His remarks came during the inauguration of the exhibition 'Rihla - E- Dosti: 250 Years of Relations between India and Kuwait,' hosted at the Kuwait National Library in collaboration with the Embassy of India and the Kuwait Heritage Society. Dr. Al-Jassar emphasized that the relationship between Kuwait and India has never been limited to mere economic interests. 'It is a deep and exceptional bond woven through centuries of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and shared values,' he said. Highlighting the long-standing maritime and commercial ties, he described how the early roots of this connection began around 1775 when Kuwaiti ships first docked at Indian ports. These initial encounters laid the foundation for what would become a dynamic trade network stretching across the East and West, positioning Kuwait as a vital commercial hub in the Gulf region. He noted that many Kuwaiti families eventually settled near Indian ports, engaging in the export of key commodities such as foodstuffs and timber, while importing dates and Arabian horses, contributing significantly to the economic and cultural prosperity of both nations. 'Our shared heritage and ancient history continue to be a guiding light toward a future of stronger cooperation and cultural unity,' Al-Jassar added. The exhibition, which runs until the end of the week, showcases rare archival photographs, historical documents, and items that highlight the profound civilizational and cultural influence exchanged between the two countries over centuries. Seminars and interactive sessions also explore these deep-rooted connections. Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Sewaka, echoed these sentiments, noting that the relationship between the two countries predates their formation as modern states. He recalled how Kuwaiti vessels once carried dates, pearls, and horses to Indian shores, returning with rice, spices, wood, and textiles—products that sustained not only Kuwait but the wider Gulf region. Ambassador Sewaka stressed the importance of educating the younger generations about this historic bond. 'This exhibition serves as a celebration of our shared journey and a reminder to our youth of the cultural bridges that have long connected our peoples,' he said. He revealed that school and university students from across Kuwait would visit the exhibition in the coming days. Among the displays are documents related to trade at Indian ports, Arabic books on pearl diving printed in India, historic banknotes and currencies used in Kuwait up to 1961, and postage stamps printed in India. These artifacts offer a tangible look into the intertwined legacies of India and Kuwait. The ambassador extended his gratitude to the NCCAL for its ongoing efforts in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and praised the Kuwait Heritage Society, particularly its chairman Fahad Al-Abduljalil, for being instrumental in bringing the event to life. The exhibition, 'Dosti's Journey: 250 Years of India-Kuwait Relations,' is a joint initiative involving the Embassy of India, NCCAL, Kuwait Heritage Society, National Archives of India, and India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of External Affairs. It stands as a powerful tribute to the centuries-old relationship built on trade, trust, and an enduring cultural kinship.
Arab Times
20-02-2025
- General
- Arab Times
US-Kuwait ties shine in liberation photo exhibit
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 20: The American Embassy, in cooperation with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), organized the 'Allied Efforts and Documentation of Liberation' exhibition on Thursday at the National Museum. The exhibition focused on the role of the United States of America in supporting Kuwait during the invasion. It was a reflection of the strength of relations between the two countries and a commemoration of the heroic moments during the liberation period. In his speech at the event, the Secretary General of the NCCAL Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar pointed out that the National Museum is not just a building; as it is rather a living testimony to Kuwait's steadfastness and strong will. He pointed out that the establishment of the museum is aimed at telling the story of Kuwait throughout the ages -- from its ancient history extending to more than 7,000 years up to the modern era, including the Al-Sabah Collection, which is one of the most prominent Islamic collections in the world. 'Today, a new chapter is added to this narrative -- the events of the liberation and the subsequent reconstruction and renaissance,' he stated. Meanwhile, American Ambassador to Kuwait Karen Sasahara said the photographs displayed at the exhibition shed light on the pivotal role of the United States in liberating Kuwait during the Gulf War. She added it is a unique documentation of the moments of courage, resilience, and solidarity that formed the deep bonds between the two countries. She continued: As we look forward to the future, let us recall moments from the past when there was a man named Saddam Hussein who wanted to erase the identity of Kuwait. Tanks came and tried to do so, but after 34 years, all we see here is the true, unique, and independent identity of Kuwait. There is a famous saying, 'The best revenge is to live a prosperous life.' I believe that Kuwait lives a very prosperous life. So, thank you very much for allowing me to participate in this important event. Diplomacy officer at the American Embassy Stuart Turner said the reason behind displaying such photos now is that they were kept inside the embassy and were not available to the public. On military cooperation, he disclosed there is a foreign military sales (FMS) program between the United States and Kuwait, and the details of which are being discussed through the Office of Military Cooperation. He stressed that Kuwait is always keen on obtaining the latest military technologies while affirming the continuation of joint training between the Kuwaiti and American armies using advanced American equipment. He revealed 'When I contacted Eng. Bashar Al-Salem -- the organizer of the event at 'Gardenia', to discuss ways for us to participate in a special event, it immediately came to my mind to display these photos because of the strong indications they carry about the extended partnership between our two countries. The timing of the exhibition is also ideal, coinciding with Kuwait's national and liberation celebrations.' He talked about the recent developments in the cooperation of the two countries – citing the opening of offices of major companies like Microsoft and Google in Kuwait, in addition to many technical partnerships that reflect the American role in supporting development in Kuwait, such as the transition to renewable energy, oil extraction or educating the next generation of Kuwaitis. He confirmed that the United States, as a global leader in the field of artificial intelligence, is keen on strengthening cooperation with Kuwait in this field as well.
