KUWAIT CITY: President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday joined Kuwait's Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah and world leaders in celebrating Kuwait's golden jubilee celebrations, marking its 50th independence day.
Around 40 heads of state and government, envoys and special representatives gathered at the `Loyalty Parade' - the hallmark of the festivities, held at Kuwait city's north.
A 21-gun salute boomed as the Amir of Kuwait, along with President Zardari and other leaders entered the arena.
The 'leader-studded event' proved to be a grand spectacle and was attended by heads of state including; Turkey's President Abdullah Gul, Iraq's President Jalal Talabani, Bangladesh's Muhammad Zillur Rahman, Romania's Traian Basescu, Qatar's Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyei Wangchuk, Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav, Honduras President Lobo Sosa, Canada's Governor General David Johnston and Niger's President Salou Djibo.
Saudi Second Deputy Prime Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Admiral Mike Mullen, Indian Foreign Minister S. M. Krishna, former British Prime Minister John Major, former US Secretary of State Collin Powell and envoys from friendly countries were also present.
President Asif Ali Zardari is in Kuwait to join the Kuwaiti brethren on the three-some celebrations of their 50th Independence Day, 20th anniversary of liberation from Iraq and the fifth anniversary of Amir's assumption of power.
The Amir of Kuwait had sent his Special Envoy to President Zardari in December last inviting him to attend the festivities.
The celebrations mark the liberation after Iraq invaded the tiny oil-rich emirate in August 1990 and was liberated with the help of an international coalition.
The parade was led by a contingent of Kuwait armed forces, carrying national flags of the countries that were part of the international coalition.
The military parade showcased the marching battalions of Kuwait's armed forces as well as those from friendly countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman, France, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Peninsula Shield Forces.
Troops from the countries which had taken part in the international coalition in fighting alongside the Kuwaitis to liberate the country from Iraq in 1991, marched together in a show of solidarity and unity.
It was followed by units of Mechanized Infantry, Tanks, Armoured Personnel Carriers carrying national flags of respective countries. The aircarfts that participated in the fly past included Puma, Apache helicopters, F-16 and Mirage fighter aircraft, besides C-130 and Air Borne Warning and Control System.
The air show with a spectacular aerobatics performance, received thunderous applause from the leaders and the crowd. The aircraft drew the colours of the Kuwait flag as they flew in different formations.
The world's longest flag was unfurled on the occasion by displaying the 2,000 metre-long national banner before the world leaders.
The whole Kuwait city seemed beautifully draped in greens and reds corresponding to the shades of national flag. At night, the capital glowed with streams of white LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), which the authorities said promoted the green image of an enlightened nation which preserved its resources even during festivities.
Kuwait also made it to the Guinness Book of World Records by releasing 5,000 doves, matching the number of its independence days.
As part of celebrations, Kuwait's Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah announced grant of 1,000 dinars ($3,580) to each Kuwaiti citizen plus free distribution of essential food items for 14 months.
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