Cooperating with the US to Mediate Qatar Diplomatic Severance Crisis
Crown Prince Nawaf Emerges as New Monarch
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait who pursued balanced diplomacy in the Middle East, passed away on the 29th (local time) at the age of 91. Kuwait immediately appointed Crown Prince Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (83) as the new Emir.
Foreign media including the Associated Press (AP) reported on the 29th (local time), citing Kuwait's state TV, that the Kuwaiti government announced Sheikh Sabah's death in a statement issued that day.
Sheikh Sabah was hospitalized in Kuwait in July and underwent surgery, and he had previously visited the United States for treatment.
The United States paid close attention to the death of Sheikh Sabah, a prominent pro-American politician. The Wall Street Journal described Sheikh Sabah as a regional peacemaker who maintained close ties with the U.S.
He served as Foreign Minister from 1963 to 1991, pursuing a pro-American policy, and experienced Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990.
During his reign, he maintained close relations with Saudi Arabia, the Sunni Islamic powerhouse, worked to rebuild relations with Iraq, which was formerly Kuwait's adversary, and also established good relations with Iran, the Shiite Islamic leader.
In 2017, when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Egypt severed diplomatic ties with Qatar over accusations of supporting terrorism, he attempted mediation.
Crown Prince Nawaf, appointed as the new Emir, was named heir apparent after Sheikh Sabah ascended to the throne in January 2006. Nawaf is known for his gentle character and is considered one of the leaders who spearheaded Kuwait's modernization policies. He also focused on building security cooperation with Arab countries.
Major foreign media outlets predict that Kuwait's oil policy and foreign investment policy will not be affected even after Sheikh Sabah's passing.
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