Embassies mark milestones and traditions

The events celebrated women's leadership, national milestones and cultural traditions, highlighting diplomacy's role in fostering dialogue, unity and shared values across regions, writes Marion Smith

- Marion Smith

Kuwait National Day, marked on 25 February 2026, commemorates the 65th anniversary of the State of Kuwait’s independence.

In recognition of the milestone, the Kuwaiti embassy in Pretoria hosted a reception on 5 February at the CT Hotel, bringing together members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives and partners to celebrate Kuwait's national journey and its global friendships.

National Day honours a defining chapter in Kuwait’s history — 1950, when Sheikh Abdullah al-Salem al-Sabah ascended to the throne. His leadership laid the foundations of modern Kuwait, guiding the country towards constitutional governance, state institutions and a forward-looking national vision.

The celebrations are traditionally followed by Liberation Day on 26 February, a poignant reminder of Kuwait's resilience, sovereignty and unity in the face of adversity.

The Pretoria celebration reflected both the pride of the Kuwaiti people and the strength of Kuwait’s international relationships, particularly with South Africa. Diplomatic relations between Kuwait and South Africa were established in 1994 and 1995 and have since grown into a warm and cooperative partnership. Collaboration has expanded across key sectors, including mining, agriculture, energy and infrastructure.

Economic ties between the two continue to deepen. Bilateral trade exceeded R2 billion in 2020 and cooperation was further institutionalised through the launch of the Joint Commission for Cooperation in 2021, facilitating structured engagement across multiple areas of mutual interest.

Kuwait, through its sovereign wealth fund, remains a significant investor in South Africa’s capital and financial markets, underscoring long-term confidence in the country’s economic potential. In 2025, renewed efforts were made to strengthen partnerships, particularly in energy and infrastructure development, aligning with both countries’ growth and sustainability priorities.