KUWAIT CITY (KUWAIT) – The new ruler of Kuwait Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah received on Sunday senior US, Iranian and Gulf officials. They separately paid tribute to the late Emir of the state.
Nawaf came to power on Tuesday after the death of his brother Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad, who had maintained strong ties with the US and balanced the relations with Iran and Saudi Arabia. It was during his tenure that the US-led coalition put an end to Iraqi occupation of Kuwait.
“He will be remembered as a great man and a special friend to the United States,” said US Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Twitter.
The new ruler also hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who hailed the late Emir for fostering “moderation and balance”, said the Kuwait state media.
Nawaf, 83, is expected to continue the OPEC member state’s oil and foreign policy.
He has not yet named a crown prince to help him in state affairs at a time when the pandemic and low oil prices have affected the state’s finances.
Experts believe that the successor will be named in coming weeks as members of the royal family vie for position. His choice has to be ratified by Parliament.
