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Kuwait donates Pound 5 mLn to British Royal Air Force Museum project

Kuwait's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Khalid Al-Duwaisan during a ceremony
Kuwait's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Khalid Al-Duwaisan during a ceremony

By Khaled Al-Daihani

LONDON, Nov 24 (KUNA) -- The State of Kuwait donated five million pounds (USD 6.65 million) as a contribution to the expansion project of the British Royal Air Force Museum, Kuwait's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Khalid Al-Duwaisan said on Friday.
This came during a ceremony held at the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in the British capital London, which was witnessed by embassy staff and head of the military Attache office, Maj. Gen. Fahad Al-Baz, in addition to members of the Board of Directors of the museum.
Al-Duwaisan said, in a statement to KUNA, that this donation is a reflection of the depth and the distinguished relations between Kuwait and the United Kingdom, adding that the opening of the museum, expected in May next year, will be under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth II.
He explained that due to these exceptional relations between the two countries, the directors of the museum decided to name one of the most important hangars in the museum on behalf of the State of Kuwait.
He added that a pavilion would also be set up in the museum to display photographs and historical paintings that reflect the history of cooperation and partnership between Kuwait and the British Royal Air Force.
Al-Duwaisan expressed his pleasure at the opening ceremony of this "important" project.
The ambassador pointed out that this milestone aims to introduce the history of the first independent air force in the world, as well as the history of the close relations between the Royal Air Force and a number of friendly countries, including the State of Kuwait, which has a close relationship with the Air Force which began in 1919 to this day.
Al-Duwaisan noted that the State of Kuwait has had historical relations with the Royal Air Force, which has spanned over 100 years, praising the firm positions of the United Kingdom to support the security and stability of the State of Kuwait throughout the last century.
For his part, Ambassador of the British Air Force Museum Tony Edwards expressed his deep thanks and appreciation for Kuwait contribution to the project, which will enhance relations between the two countries and forever "important stations" of their common history.
"We have been working with the Kuwaiti side for five years to complete this idea, which will forever perpetuate the wonderful story between the Royal Air Force and the State of Kuwait," Edwards told KUNA.
He added that Ambassador Khaled Al-Duwaisan was right when he pointed to the depth of relations between the two countries, especially the implementation of the Royal Air Force's first foreign mission to defend Kuwait in 1919, as well as support by armored vehicles from the British army.
"Kuwait has contributed with Gulf countries to the purchase of 50 Spitfire aircraft for our air forces during World War II," Edwards added.
"The late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah expressed his desire to see the Spitfire, so we sent one to Kuwait and we have exclusive pictures of the Amir riding this fighter, which played a major role during the World War," Edwards said.
"These are important events that must be chronicled forever and that is what we will do at the Royal Air Force Museum," Edwards added. (end) kd.mb