Kuwait Emir Sheikh Nawaf laid to rest

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 following a prayer service.

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 Nawaf's three-year reign as emir, relatively short by Kuwait standards, was marred by ill health. His predecessor and brother, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, reigned for 14 years and shaped the Gulf state's foreign policy for two generations.

Sheikh Nawaf, whose casket was draped in Kuwait's flag, was buried Sulaibikhat cemetery alongside his kin, after prayers at Bilal Bin Rabah mosque.

Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah

Dignitaries from around the world paid respects to Sheikh Nawaf, whose six decades in public service included minister of defence, interior, labour and deputy chief of the national guard.

Under Kuwait's constitution, the crown prince automatically becomes emir but assumes power only after taking an oath in parliament. The new emir has up to a year to name an heir.

Analysts and diplomats say that Sheikh Nawaf and his crown prince Sheikh Meshal both appeared to align Kuwait more closely with regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah

On Saturday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, said in a joint statement, Sheikh Nawaf would be remembered for his "unwavering dedication and commitment to serving his country, even in turbulent times."

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was saddened to hear of the passing of Sheikh Nawaf, who he described as a great friend of the United Kingdom who would be remembered fondly.

Reuters