In Pictures: Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Sabah sworn in as the new Emir of Kuwait

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, took constitutional oath and became the 16th Emir of Kuwait this morning. “I swear to respect the constitution and the laws of the state, provide for the people’s freedoms, interest and money and safeguard the independence of the country and its territorial integrity,” Sheikh Nawaz said.

Sheikh Nawaf Al was greeted by speaker of the National Assembly, Marzouq Al Ghanim and Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Sabah.

The new Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, center on the podium, performs the constitutional oath at the Kuwaiti National Assembly in Kuwait. Following the swearing in, Emir Sheikh Nawaf delivered a statement to the National Assembly (parliament). “We will remember with all pride the directions of the late Emir Sheikh Sabah, which will continue to [be a] beacon.”

Sheikh Nawaf took the constitutional oath and has become the sixteenth Emir of Kuwait. The remains of Sheikh Sabah are expected to arrive in Kuwait City later Wednesday, on a flight from Minnesota where he had been undergoing treatment in hospital since July. According to the royal court, the funeral will be "restricted to the emir's relatives" - a move likely designed to avoid large crowds amid the coronavirus pandemic. The country has already begun a 40-day period of national mourning.

The Emir pronounced the oath: “I swear to respect the constitution and the laws of the state, provide for the people’s freedoms, interest and finances and safeguard the independence of the country and its territorial integrity.”

Sheikh Nawaf said that the constitution guaranteed “smooth transition” of leadership to ensure “stability”. He vowed to carry out his responsibilities to his utmost best.

Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah (L) salutes the crowd after being sworn in as Kuwait's new Emir at the National Assembly in Kuwait City, as Parilament Speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim looks on.

The new Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah waves after he performed the constitutional oath at the Kuwaiti National Assembly in Kuwait.

Marzouq Al Ghanim delivered a statement following the Emir, where he said, “the late Emir, Sheikh Sabah, was a wise leader who preserved our country’s weight. With his wise policies, he drew a path of survival and safe crossing, which led our country to safe heavens.”

Kuwait's new Emir Nawwaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah pose for a group photo after taking the oath of office at the parliament, in Kuwait City.

The Emir leaves the National Assembly after he took the constitutional oath and delivered a speech in front of the National Assembly MPs and governmental ministers.