Kuwait’s National Day Celebrated in Pretoria, Strengthening Bilateral Ties with South Africa
by Anisha Pemjee - TDS
5 March 2025
Pretoria recently played host to a celebration marking the 64th Anniversary of Kuwait’s National Day and the 34th Anniversary of its Liberation Day. The event was attended by dignitaries, diplomats, and officials, and highlighted the deep-rooted ties between Kuwait and South Africa. Salem Rashed Al-Shebli, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Republic of South Africa, highlighted the significance of this occasion, reflecting on Kuwait’s journey of sovereignty, unity, and resilience.
He extended his congratulations to Kuwait’s leadership, including His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister, wishing the country continued peace and prosperity.
Al-Shebli acknowledged the growing diplomatic and economic cooperation between Kuwait and South Africa. He emphasized the upcoming Joint Commission between the two nations, which will provide new opportunities for collaboration in education, healthcare, trade, and cultural exchanges. Trade between the two countries continues to grow, as does tourism as is evidenced by a significant rise in Kuwaiti tourists visiting South Africa.
Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Raesetja Jane Sithole, reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Kuwait. She acknowledged the historical ties of friendship and solidarity between the two nations, emphasizing their shared dedication to multilateral diplomacy, peace, and sustainable development.
Speaking about the Palestinian cause, Ambassador Al-Shebli commended South Africa’s advocacy at the International Court of Justice, emphasizing Kuwait’s unwavering support for Palestinian rights. He called for accountability for the ongoing crisis in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation remains dire. He welcomed the recent ceasefire and reiterated Kuwait’s support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
Reflecting on Kuwait’s humanitarian contributions, Al-Shebli noted that in 2014, the United Nations designated Kuwait as a global humanitarian center. This legacy continues, with Kuwait recently hosting the launch of the Global Humanitarian Overview 2025, an initiative aimed at strengthening international solidarity and local empowerment in response to crises.
The celebration also took place at a pivotal moment, as Kuwait assumes the presidency of the 45th Session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) while South Africa presides over the G20. This simultaneous leadership presents a valuable opportunity for both nations to work closely in addressing global economic and security challenges.
Adding to the significance of Kuwait-South Africa relations, guests were reminded of the historic visit of Nelson Mandela to Kuwait in 1995, a moment that reinforced the strong foundation of bilateral ties.
More recently, South Africa’s Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, visited Kuwait to explore further economic and investment opportunities. The Minister's visit to the Middle East included Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The event in Pretoria served as a celebration of Kuwait’s independence and liberation and a testament to the enduring partnership between Kuwait and South Africa. As both nations look to the future, they remain committed to fostering economic growth, promoting peace, and upholding humanitarian values on the global stage.
(photos supplied by Embassy of Kuwait)