Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, alongside Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Minister of Defence of the State of Kuwait, participated in the UAE-Kuwait Media Forum at the Museum of the Future in Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum is part of the 'UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever' Week, which runs from 29 January to 4 February across all emirates. The event highlighted the enduring fraternal ties between the UAE and Kuwait, featuring sessions with strategic dialogues involving diplomatic, cultural, and sports figures. These discussions focused on the future of bilateral relations and revisited historical, cultural, and humanitarian milestones that have bonded the two nations over decades.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the UAE-Kuwait relationship exemplifies a model of brotherly ties built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for a prosperous future. He expressed pride in the historical journey that has united the UAE and Kuwait through joint action in political, economic, cultural, and social domains, aiming to strengthen this strategic partnership further.
Sheikh Abdullah Al Sabah remarked on the deep historical ties and strong humanitarian values shared by the two nations. He lauded the UAE's initiative to organize the 'UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever' week, seeing it as a testament to the genuine brotherhood between the countries. He described the initiative as a platform to enhance strategic cooperation and expand mutual interests.
During the forum, Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Abdullah attended a session titled 'The Gulf War and the Emirati-Kuwaiti Solidarity'. The session examined the UAE's supportive role during Kuwait's 1990 invasion, featuring testimonials that highlighted the management of the crisis and the unified Gulf response. The session also addressed the humanitarian and logistical support provided by the UAE.
Moderated by Jamal Al Mulla, the session included insights from Retired Major General Staff Pilot Rashad Mohammed Al Saadi and Retired Air Force Major General Saber Al Suwaidan. Al Saadi underscored the UAE's vigilant and ready response to the Iraqi invasion, highlighting the decisive stance of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He recounted the UAE's humanitarian support, which included welcoming tens of thousands of Kuwaitis during the crisis.
Major General Saber Al Suwaidan recalled the initial destruction of Kuwaiti airbases and the subsequent support from the UAE Air Force, which provided technical assistance, spare parts, and training to Kuwaiti pilots. He noted the presence and commitment of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during and after the war, demonstrating solidarity with Kuwait.
The UAE-Kuwait Media Forum features sessions with leading speakers from both nations, serving as a platform to showcase educational, media, cultural, and sports relations while honoring pioneers who have contributed to building ties since the beginning.