The Nations and leaders have expressed sadness over the passing of Kuwait’s Amir, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah who was reported to have died in the hospital on Saturday after a long illness.
According to media reports, Kuwaiti Royal Court in a statement released, disclosed that Sheikh Nawaf died at the age of 86 while the State of Kuwait also in a separate statement declared an official mourning over his death.
The reports further said the Amiri Diwan of Kuwait had earlier announced that the Amir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, was admitted to hospital following a sudden health setback.
Sheikh Nawaf was sworn in as Amir following the death of his predecessor, the late Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah in 2020, he was born in 1937 and was the fifth son of Kuwait’s late ruler from 1921 to 1950 Sheikh Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.
Reacting to this, the United Nations through her Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres described Sheikh Nawaf as distinguished statesman who contributed to the growth of understanding, cooperation in Gulf and beyond, pursued strengthened relations in support of peace and stability in the region and around the world.
The Secretary-General extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of His Highness and to the Government and people of Kuwait, reiterating the commitment of the United Nations to its close cooperation with Kuwait on humanitarian issues as well as on peace, security and sustainable development.
The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken in statement said he was saddened to learn of Amir Sheikh Nawaf’s death while on behalf of the United States, extended his sincere condolences to the late Amir’s family and to all Kuwaitis.
According to him, “I had the opportunity to know His Highness personally and appreciated his dedication to the welfare of the Kuwaiti people and the many ways he nurtured the Kuwaiti-American partnership.
“His perseverance and resolve helped shape Kuwait into the prosperous and modern state it is today, and his public service over his lifetime contributed to a lasting and positive change in Kuwait and the entire Middle East region.
“His Highness Amir Nawaf was a deeply respected leader and a friend to all nations. We honor his legacy and remain committed to our strong partnership and friendship with Kuwait”, US Secretary of State concluded
The European Union Commission who remembered the late Emir’s unwavering dedication and commitment to serving his country, even in turbulent times, said Amir Nawaf will be remembered by all who work for regional stability and mutual understanding between nations.
In a statement through the President, Ursula von der Leyen and the High Representative, Joseph Borell stated that European Union will continue to work towards consolidating a solid and enduring partnership with the State of Kuwait and its people.
United Kingdom Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak on Saturday offered deepest condolences to the Kuwaiti people and the Al-Sabah family on the death of the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah.
In a statement, Sunak said that His Highness the late Amir was a great friend to the UK and that he will remember fondly all what His Highness the late Amir did for the bilateral relationship and his work to promote stability in the Middle East.
UK Foreign Minister, David Cameron said the late Sheikh Nawaf, “leaves behind a great legacy, the result of a long and distinguished career in the Interior Ministry, as Defence Minister, Crown Prince and then as Amir.”
“His contribution to regional stability, his personal commitment to global development and his work to bridge gaps between nations will long be remembered,” he added.
The United Kingdom in its condolences over the death of the Amir Nawaf through the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said union flags will usually be half-masted on all government buildings in the UK on the day of death of a ruling Middle Eastern Head of State.
Therefore the Government instructed flags to be flown at half mast at the United Kingdom Government buildings from Saturday until 20.00hrs on Sunday 17th December, urging all other organisations and local authorities may follow suit.
Canada’s Justin Trudeau on X (formerly known as Twitter) Saturday, said, “His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah dedicated his life to serving the Kuwaiti people – and to advancing peace and prosperity. To all who are mourning the Amir’s passing: I’m sending you my deepest condolences”.
The Saudi King, Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammad bin Salman offered condolences to the State of Kuwait and both Arab and Muslim nations over the passing of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf.
The Royal Court said in a statement that the Saudi King and Crown Prince received the news of the Amir’s death with great sadness and sorrow, adding that the kingdom “and its people share the sorrows of their brothers in the State of Kuwait”.
Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said that the world lost “a wise leader who was committed in his policies to serving the best interests of his country and people, as well as boosting GCC integration, supporting Arab and Muslim causes and promoting security, stability and peace regionally and globally.”
Not leaving Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who sympathized with the ruling Sabah family, the government, and people of the State of Kuwait over the passing of the Emir, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah.
Applauding the achievements of the late Emir in such a short time, President Tinubu describes the monarch as a man of great compassion, peace, and mercy, who granted amnesty to political prisoners and dissidents, fashioning a progressive and stable state.
In a statement released by his aide, the President condoled with the ruling House of Sabah, and all those who mourn this painful loss while praying to Almighty Allah to show the Emir mercy and grant him a place in Aljannah Firdaus.