AL-SIDDEEQ, Kuwait, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, whose six-decade career in public service primarily focused on domestic issues, was buried on Sunday as world leaders made their way to pay their respects and meet the new ruler of the Gulf state.
His successor, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, was seen shedding a tear at the prayer service attended by members of the ruling Al Sabah family and speaker of Kuwait's parliament.
Sheikh Meshaal has been the de facto ruler of Kuwait since late 2021, when a weakened Sheikh Nawaf handed over most of his responsibilities.kuwait emir
As he formally takes over from his half-brother as the OPEC member with the world's seventh-largest oil reserves, Sheikh Meshaal is expected to maintain good relations with the Gulf Arab bloc, the Western bloc and Riyadh. Will preserve key Kuwaiti foreign policies including support. A preferred relationship.
kuwait death news today
Sheikh Nawaf's three-year tenure as emir, relatively short by Kuwaiti standards, was marred by ill health. His predecessor and brother, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, ruled for 14 years and shaped the Gulf state's foreign policy for two generations.
Sheikh Nawaf, whose casket was draped in the Kuwaiti flag, was laid to rest in Salabikhat cemetery with his family after prayers at the Bilal Bin Rabah Mosque.
He died at the age of 86.
Abdullah Sabah Al Mulla, a 56-year-old Kuwaiti professor, said the nation had lost a "great father" in Sheikh Nawaf.
He said that he did not put any barrier between himself and anyone. All people were equal to him.
Sheikh Nawaf's six decades of public service include the Minister of Defence, Interior and Labour. He was also the Deputy Chief of the National Guard and the Governor.
PAY RESPECTS
Dignitaries from around the world, including US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Jordan's King Abdullah, were expected to pay their respects in Kuwait. Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in Kuwait in the afternoon.
Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was also scheduled to offer condolences on behalf of President Ibrahim Raisi.
Iran's foreign ministry said it would emphasize the importance of developing bilateral relations in meetings with senior Kuwaiti officials.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of regional power UAE, wished success to the new ruler of Kuwait and said he would work closely with Sheikh Meshaal to advance cooperation in the Gulf.
Sheikh Nawaf passed away on Saturday. He was 83 when he became emir in 2020, making him the oldest ruler in the Gulf state, which was invaded and occupied by Iraq in 1990.
The late emir was regarded locally as a consensus-builder who tried to mend long-strained relations between parliament and the government and who pardoned dozens of dissidents and other citizens who had publicly criticized him. What was expressed?
Eid Abdullah Al Farih, 60, a Kuwaiti retiree, said he was impressed by the late emir's humility and compassion and believed Sheikh Meshaal would continue his predecessor's efforts to improve relations between the government and parliament.
He said that Kuwait will be prosperous (under his rule). (Political and economic) conditions will improve, God willing.
Under the constitution, the emir chooses his successor, the crown prince, but traditionally the ruling family calls a meeting to build a consensus. Parliament also has to approve it.
Rulers in other Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have in recent years chosen their own sons as their designated successors, signaling that power will pass to the next generation of the ruling family next year.
0 Comments