Dear Friends,:ASSALAMU ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAH WA BARAKATUH.This is an auspicious month both for the State of Kuwait and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. This is the month when five decades ago, Kuwait emerged as an independent entity in the world arena. This is also the month of victory of rights, justice and rule of law as free Kuwait once again relishes the sweet flavor of freedom and territorial integrity.My Friends,This is also the month of great significance for Bangladesh. It is the month of movement in Bangladesh for asserting one’s freedom to express one’s thoughts in one’s own month tongue- the melodious Bangla language.On the momentous occasions of our Independence Day and the Liberation Day, I pay special tribute to the fraternal country of Bangladesh and its friendly people as they prepare to observe the International Mother Language Day. The bonds of our historically friendly relations span over three fruitful decades. Our two countries, entwined in a relationship based on mutual respect, strong principles and values, traditions and practices, have stood the test of time. The conspicuously unstinted support of Bangladesh during Kuwait’s ordeal will remain emblazoned in the annals of Kuwait’s history. On the other hand, Kuwait has always stood by Bangladesh as this young country strives stridently to attain its development goals and objectives. I take great pride in asserting that Kuwait is a proud partner in progress of this wonderful country as it endeavors to attain its millennium development goals. In this aspect, I am happy to see that Kuwait Fund has been involved in some core and priority infrastructural projects in Bangladesh for four decades since the inception of diplomatic relations between our two fraternal countries. Kuwait Fund has provided US $ 519.60 million as assistance in implementing 22 core projects throughout Bangladesh.Both Kuwait and Bangladesh are strategically placed to play a cooperative role in global issues in general and regional issues in particular. Thus, take satisfaction in the fact that our two countries have shared perceptions, views and approach on most matters of international and regional significance. Both the countries have commonality of approach in the United Nations, OIC and the non-aligned movement and have forged a unified stand and lent a unanimous voice on various issues and problems of international and regional concern. Friends, this balanced approach of Kuwait in its pursuit of foreign policy is based on rationality and practicality and like Bangladesh, it believes in the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty of all countries irrespective of their size, location, religion and race. His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait and the architect of Kuwait’s foreign policy, envisions a world of peace, cooperation, friendship and fraternity. It is these lofted perceptions that serve as the impetus in shaping Kuwait’s relations with its neighbors in particular and the world at large. The vision of the dynamic Kuwaiti leadership is backed by a responsible use of Kuwait’s resources globally without differentiating the recipients. This practice has been persistently adhered to by the Kuwaiti leadership and its people since time immemorial. The world, through the aegis of the United Nations, has acclaimed this historical fact, through a certificate that has designated Kuwait as a center for humanitarian action and His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as a Humanitarian Leader. This is indeed a reflection of the philanthropic principle and practice imbued in the Kuwaiti Society. The Kuwaiti people have generously contributed through the various Kuwaiti social welfare organizations and non-governmental organizations, in upliftment projects in friendly countries like Bangladesh. Kuwait and its people are indeed happy to stand by their Bangladeshi brethrens at all time.Friends, I would like to avail myself of this joyous occasion to specifically convey the profound feelings of my country and its people for the highly commendable performance of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Kuwait. There are around 2,40,000 Bangladeshis in Kuwait. Their concerted endeavor in the service of different sectors is deeply appreciated in Kuwait. The strong presence of the Bangladeshi community in Kuwait is a result of the wise and pragmatic foresight of the leadership of our two countries that have been developed and nurtured over forty years by successive leaderships of the two countries.Friends, I invite enterprising Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to avail the opportunities of trade and economic interaction that have opened up in Kuwait. Kuwait could serve as the gateway to the gulf countries because of its excellent communication network in the region and its emergence as regional economic hub. Bangladesh has the scope to diversify its export products to Kuwait to increase export venue from the Kuwait sector to above the US $ 20.82 million earning in the recent past.I am highly optimistic that our relations will further be deepened, expanded and consolidated in the years to come under the sagacious leaderships of our two countries.Thank youLong live Kuwait-Bangladesh relations.
