On Tuesday, the people of Kuwait celebrate the 64th anniversary of their country's National Day, an annual occasion where they reaffirm their loyalty to the homeland, whose love is deeply rooted in their hearts and souls, and their allegiance to its wise leadership. This leadership is dedicated to the nation's prosperity, safeguarding its security and stability, and ensuring it attains the esteemed position it deserves both regionally and globally.  

In celebration of this cherished occasion, which marks a significant milestone in the country's history and coincides with the 34th anniversary of its liberation from the brutal Iraqi aggression on Wednesday, Kuwait is adorned in its finest attire, radiating joy and happiness. Its buildings are decorated with the colors of the national flag and images of its esteemed leaders.  

These days, Kuwait celebrates under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and bless him, and with the people united around him. Together, they steer the ship of Kuwait toward the shores of security, stability, and prosperity.  

His Highness the Amir has always placed great emphasis on national unity, urging the people of Kuwait to stand together and cooperate in building the Kuwait of today and tomorrow. As His Highness emphasized in his historic speech after taking the constitutional oath before the National Assembly on December 20, 2023, "Crises, challenges, and dangers surround us, and wisdom requires us to recognize the magnitude of our responsibility and hold fast to national unity, which is the guarantee of our survival after God."  

Kuwait celebrated its first National Day on June 19, 1962, with a grand military parade at the old airport near Darwaza Al-Buraisi, attended by numerous officials and citizens in an atmosphere of joy and celebration. On that day, the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah delivered a speech, saying, "Kuwait welcomes the first anniversary of its National Day with hearts filled with joy and happiness for the honor and dignity God has bestowed upon its people. Our spirits are determined to move forward in building this nation, working tirelessly to achieve progress, prosperity, and social justice for all citizens."  

Kuwaitis continued to celebrate National Day on June 19 each year from 1962 to 1964. However, on May 18, 1964, an Amiri decree was issued to merge Independence Day with the anniversary of the accession of the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, celebrated on February 25 each year, starting in 1965.  

Since 1962, Kuwait has worked to strengthen its political system by establishing a Constituent Assembly tasked with drafting a constitution for a governance system based on democratic principles suited to Kuwait's reality and aspirations. One of the Assembly's most significant achievements was the draft constitution, which the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah (the Father of the Constitution) ratified in November 1962, ushering the country into the era of constitutional legitimacy. The first legislative elections were held on January 23, 1963.  

Since gaining independence, Kuwait has achieved numerous milestones on its path to comprehensive development. Over the past decades, the nation has continued its journey of progress and modernization, following the path laid out by its forefathers and pursued by its people under the guidance of its wise leadership.  

Since its independence, Kuwait has pursued a moderate and balanced foreign policy, embracing openness and communication as its approach, friendship and peace as its principles, and human development and economic prosperity for its people as its goals. This has been achieved through cooperation with regional and international organizations, supporting their efforts and aspirations toward global security, stability, and the well-being of all nations.  

Kuwait has made relentless efforts to advance development, reconstruction, and modernization, while also cooperating with sisterly and friendly nations to achieve peace and security worldwide. Over the decades, Kuwait has established strong relationships with sisterly and friendly countries, thanks to its pioneering policies and distinguished role, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It has also strengthened Arab cooperation and supported international efforts to promote global peace and security, adhering to international legitimacy and fostering regional and international cooperation through the United Nations, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement.  

Since its independence, Kuwait has been committed to providing humanitarian aid and alleviating the suffering of those in need, making humanitarian work one of its defining characteristics. In September 2014, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may he rest in peace, was honored by the United Nations as a "Leader in Humanitarian Work," and Kuwait was recognized as a "Center for Humanitarian Action."  

February is no ordinary month in Kuwait's history, as the national occasions celebrated during this time represent pivotal milestones in the nation's journey. Each year, these events remind us of the sacrifices made by the founding fathers and their efforts to secure the nation's independence and build its future. This is a proud history that must never be forgotten, a legacy laid down by the forefathers and carried forward by successive generations.