By Gediminas Varanavicius, European Union Charge' d'Affaires  in Kuwait

On the occasion of the 62nd Kuwait National Day and the 32nd anniversary of Kuwait's Liberation, and on behalf of the European Union I would like to congratulate the people of Kuwait and wish them a joyous celebration. I would also like to avail of this opportunity to extend my greetings to HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as well as to HH the Crown Prince, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Kuwait has built a modern nation state, working as a catalyst for positive change in the region and around the world. I am pleased to see how the EU-Kuwait relations go from strength to strength. Kuwait and the European Union stand together as friends and allies. We know we are stronger together.

I am delighted to see EU-Kuwait relations are on the right track. We have witnessed many productive engagements between the EU and Kuwait including the first visit of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy Josep Borrell to Kuwait last March.

Another milestone was the EU adopting a strategic partnership with the Gulf including Kuwait, which aims at expanding cooperation in many key areas. We are planning to build on what have been achieved with plans to enhance cooperation with Kuwait further. I am looking forward for another year of strong EU-Kuwait relations. I wish you all a happy National Day and a happy Liberation Day, and all the best for a prosperous future.