25th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait

February 25, 2016, marks the 25th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait from Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi forces.  This occasion provides us the opportunity to reflect on the strong and enduring partnership resulting from that seminal event in our two nations’ shared history.

Over 700,000 U.S. service men and women took part in the operations leading to the liberation of Kuwait; American mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers sent their loved ones off to war.  They did this because they believed in the cause of freedom, because, as President George H.W. Bush said, “this aggression will not stand.”  The aggression did not stand, and many Americans today have a deeply personal connection to Kuwait that was forged in war and strengthened in the resulting peace.

Let us also remember the sacrifices of the generation of Kuwaitis who lived through the occupation and who shook off tyranny to create the free, modern state Kuwait is today. The United States congratulates Kuwait on its efforts to promote regional stability.  The Kuwaiti government has brought much needed relief and comfort to those suffering from conflict in the region.

We are proud of the strong bonds of friendship that unite our governments, our militaries, our economies, and our people.  Our ties are deep and unshakeable.  On 22 February, 2016, the USS Arlington, a Navy San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, arrived at Shuaiba Port in Kuwait.  The presence of the USS Arlington is a sign of the strong military cooperation between our two countries, and the U.S. commitment to our Kuwaiti friends.