The exhibition 'The Gulf War of 1990-1991

KUWAIT: Kuwaitis and expats alike have until Sunday (Feb 14) to visit and get to know Canada's contribution during the 1990-1991 war. The exhibition 'The Gulf War of 1990-1991, Contribution to Kuwait's Liberation and Recovery' was opened to public on Wednesday evening as Canada display the timeline of photographs and paintings during Gulf war. The expo is being held under the patronage of National Council for Culture Arts and Letters and was graced by Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah.

Speaking at the opening of the expo, Canada's Ambassador to Kuwait Martine Moreau said the artwork on display portrays Canada's contribution to the global community response to Kuwait's plight - having been invaded by the forces of Saddam Hussein, as well as the aftermath of their withdrawal.  "Around this room you will see a number of paintings from Canadian artist Zuber, which were graciously loaned by Canadia War Museum in Ottawa, along with various photographs depicting the efforts of both Canadian Armed Forces and civilians in supporting Kuwait's liberation and recovery 25 years ago," she said.

She said, Canadian vividly recalls watching the horror scenes of the invasion. "Within days of invasion, Prime Minister Brain Mulroney announced Canada's commitment to participate in the United States and Saudi Arabia-led military coalition of 35 nations, in support of United Nations Security Council resolutions authorizing coalition partners to take all appropriate actions to expel Saddam forces out of Kuwait," she mentioned.

She was proud of Canada's military assets in the Gulf at that time which reached 4,500 with two destroyer ships, naval task group, 24 CF 18 fighter attack aircraft, along with CC-137 air-to-air refueller and transport aircraft. Canada was also in the mission to conduct naval interceptions in support of the embargo, mescort of the coalition logistics fleet responsible for fuel, ammunition and food, combat air patrols over coalition vessels, bombing missions in Iraq and field hospital operations.

Canadian was present at the aftermath of war in peacekeeping duties, mine clearing operations - working tirelessly to extinguish the oil fire in Kuwait, cleaning oil released into the Sea. Canada also invited some Gulf War veterans to pay respect and present matters about Gulf War, like Rear Amiral (retired) Ken Summers, Doctor Richard Gimblett, and Al-Hussein Al-Taque. "They are here today to provide their personal accounts and unique perspective of these world's events," she said.

By Ben Garcia