The State of Kuwait was Thursday celebrating its 64th independence anniversary, a joyous occasion that marked a new chapter in the north Gulf State, which took its first steps in the journey of development.
The late Amir Shaikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah signed the declaration of independence with the British Government Chief Political Resident in the Arabian Gulf Sir George Middleton, ending the protectorate agreement and paved way a journey of development.
Shaikh Abdullah Al-Salem said: "On this day of our beloved nation ... On this day we move from one stage to another stage of history and we fold a page from the past ... and open a new page through this agreement through which Kuwait earned its complete independence and full sovereignty." Three years after the declaration, a decree was signed on May 18, 1964 merging the national day with the day in which Shaikh Abdullah Al-Salem assumed office, making it February 25. Celebrations were held on that day as of 1965.
Shaikh Abdullah Al-Salem took carefully measured steps for this day since assuming office in 1950, securing independence and paving way for adopting a constitution.
He signed a decree on August 26, 1961 to hold elections of the Constituent Assembly, mandated with writing the constitution.
The 183-article constitution was completed in nine months, it laid the foundations for a sturdy democratic regime putting the Kuwaiti people on a path of progress and prosperity.
On September 7, 1961, an Amiri decree was signed specifying the shape and colours of the Kuwaiti flag, the very first flag to be flown following the independence.
Kuwait made many accomplishments at many levels over the past 64 years, meeting aspirations of citizens, playing a major role in regional and international issues, and has become a global humanitarian centre.
The State of Kuwait became member in the Arab League on July 20, 1961.
UN Security Council began on November 30, 1961, considering the State Kuwait's application to join the United Nations, and on May 14, 1963 the application was approved and Kuwait became UN's 111th member.
The 15-year reign of Shaikh Abdullah Al-Salem, who was dubbed, "father of independence" and "father of constitution" was peppered with achievements.
At that time, the State of Kuwait accomplished 43 laws and legislation, including the nationality law, monetary law, passports law and the organisation of government departments.
New departments were established in order to cope with the development of the nation, like public works, health, publication, knowledge, municipality, post and telephone, electricity and water, social affairs, awqaf, radio and television.
Kuwait remains on a steady path of preventative diplomacy, crises mediation and effort contributing to solving outstanding regional and international issues.
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