New Kuwait emir stresses unity in first speech
Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah succeeded his late brother Sheikh Sabah to become the new emir of Kuwait on Wednesday.
Kuwait’s new leader, Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, was sworn in on Wednesday following the death of his brother, longtime ruler Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, the day before.
The new leader called for domestic unity in his first speech as ruler of the Gulf state, the state-run Kuwait News Agency reported.
“Our nation is facing acute circumstances and critical challenges, which can only be overcome … by unifying ranks and working hard together,” Sabah told parliament upon his accession.
The deceased emir was respected by other world and regional leaders, including those on opposite sides of Middle Eastern conflicts. Both the United Arab Emirates and Qatar offered high praise for him following the death. “He painted an image of moderation and balance,” said Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
