ShareKUWAIT: Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Renato Villa sent the following message on the occasion of the 57th National Day and 27th Anniversary of the Liberation Day of Kuwait:
"I convey my heartfelt greetings of peace and continuous prosperity to the State of Kuwait and its people on the occasion of the 57th National Day and the 27th Anniversary of the Liberation of the State of Kuwait. We cannot deny that in the past few day, the good and friendly relations between the Philippines and Kuwait have been strained due to incidents involving Filipino workers in the country. Despite these incidents, our relations with Kuwait remain as strong as both sides exert their best effort and undertakes measures to maintain and enhance relations.
"Kuwait has proven to be a friend in need to the Philippines, always ready to extend humanitarian aid to Filipinos. In November 2013, His Highness Sheikh Sabah AI-Ahmad AI-Jaber AI-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, donated $10 million worth of emergency aid to the Philippines through the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) for the victims of typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines' Western Visayas region, whose houses were totally devastated and destroyed. The KRCS oversaw the construction of 297 housing units for the Yolanda victims who lost their homes in Samar. The housing project was completed and inaugurated in January 2018. KRCS is keen to provide more assistance by building some 500 more housing units for the Yolanda victims.
"The Philippines sided with Kuwait during the 1990-1991 Iraqi invasion and occupation offering political support and joining the UN Coalition. The Philippines sent some 200 military medical personnel to assist coalition forces in the liberation of Kuwait.
"We consider the National Day of Kuwait and Anniversary of its Liberation as fortuitous events as it coincides with the Philippines' celebration of the Anniversary of the EDSA Revolution, which freed the Philippines from tyranny and dictatorship. Both countries thus share the abiding love for freedom, having known the pain of losing it and the tremendous struggle necessary to regain it. On this occasion, I extend my best wishes for Kuwait's continued stability, peace and progress as well as the continuous good health of the Amir, His Highness Sheikh Sabah AI-Ahmad Al-Jaber AI-Sabah."
