AL-SIDDEEQ, Kuwait: Kuwait's Emir Shaikh 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, Shaikh Meshal al Ahmad al Sabah, 83, was seen in tears at the prayer service attended by members of the ruling Al Sabah family and speaker of Kuwait's parliament.
As he formally takes the helm of the Opec member with the world's seventh-largest oil reserves from his half-brother, Shaikh Meshal is expected to preserve key Kuwaiti foreign policies, including support for Gulf Arab unity, Western alliances and good ties to Riyadh - a priority relationship.
Shaikh Nawaf's three-year reign as emir was marred by ill-health. His predecessor and brother, Shaikh Sabah al Ahmad al Sabah, reigned for 14 years and shaped the Gulf state's foreign policy for two generations.
Shaikh Nawaf, whose casket was draped in Kuwait's flag, was buried at Sulaibikhat cemetery alongside his kin, after prayers at Bilal bin Rabah mosque. He died aged 86.
Abdullah Sabah al Mulla, a 56-year-old Kuwaiti professor, said the nation has lost a "great father" in Shaikh Nawaf.
"He did not put a barrier between him and anyone. To him, all the people were equal," he said.
Shaikh Nawaf's six decades in public service included stints as minister of defence, interior and labour. He was also deputy chief of the national guard and a governor.
PAY RESPECTS
Dignitaries from around the world, including US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Jordan's King Abdallah were due in Kuwait to pay their respects. Qatar's Emir Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani arrived in Kuwait in the afternoon.
Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was also due to present condolences on behalf of President Ebrahim Raisi.
He would stress the importance of the development of bilateral relations in meetings with senior Kuwait officials, Iran's Foreign Ministry said.
The President of the United Arab Emirates, Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, on X wished Kuwait's new ruler success and said he would work with Shaikh Meshal to advance cooperation in the Gulf.
Shaikh Nawaf died on Saturday. He was 83 when he became Emir in 2020.
The late emir was perceived domestically as a consensus-builder who sought to repair a long strained relationship between the parliament and government.
Eid Abdullah al Fraih, a 60-year-old Kuwaiti retiree, said he was captivated by the late emir's humility and compassion and that he believed Shaikh Meshal would continue his predecessors efforts to improve ties between the government and parliament.
"Kuwait will be prosperous (under his reign). The (political and economic) situation will improve, God willing," he said.
Under the constitution, the emir chooses his successor, the crown prince, but traditionally the ruling family convenes a meeting to build consensus. Parliament also has to approve it. - Reuters
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