KUWAIT CITY – President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday joined Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other world leaders in celebrating Kuwait’s golden jubilee celebrations, marking its 50th independence day.
Around 40 heads of state and government, envoys and special representatives gathered at the ‘Loyalty Parade’ – the hallmark of the festivities, held at Kuwait city’s north. A 21-gun salute was offered as the Amir of Kuwait, along with President Zardari and other leaders entered the arena.
The event proved to be a grand spectacle and was attended by heads of state including; Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul, Iraq’s President Jalal Talabani, Bangladesh’s Muhammad Zillur Rahman, Romania’s Traian Basescu, Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyei Wangchuk, Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav, Honduras President Lobo Sosa, Canada’s Governor General David Johnston and Niger’s President Salou Djibo.
Saudi Second Deputy Prime Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Admiral Mike Mullen, Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna, former British prime minister John Major, former US Secretary of State Collin Powell and envoys from friendly countries were also present. President Asif Ali Zardari is in Kuwait to join the Kuwaiti brethren on the three-some celebrations of their 50th Independence Day, 20th anniversary of liberation from Iraq and the fifth anniversary of Amir’s assumption of power.
The celebrations mark the liberation after Iraq invaded the tiny oil-rich emirate in August 1990 and was liberated with the help of an international coalition.
The parade was led by a contingent of Kuwait armed forces, carrying national flags of the countries that were part of the international coalition. As part of celebrations, Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah announced grant of 1,000 dinars ($3,580) to each Kuwaiti citizen plus free distribution of essential food items for 14 months.
Meanwhile, President Zardari and Turkish President Abdullah Gul agreed to facilitating their private sectors for increased joint ventures in trade and communication and gaining maximum benefit from their geo-strategic locations.
Zardari and Gul travelled back from the Loyalty Parade avenue, taking a 50-minute drive to the Bayan Palace after which the talks continued for more than half an hour at the Turkish president’s villa.
