Kuwait mourns the passing of Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah
Kuwait Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah Image Credit: Gulf News archive

Kuwait City: Leaders around the world mourned the passing of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah. The 91-year old Emir passed away on Tuesday, after seeking medical treatment in the United States.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, and Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, mourned the death of Kuwaiti Emir. The Saudi ambassador to Kuwait, Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khalid Al Saud, said: “My sincere condolences to the Crown Prince, the honourable ruling family and the Kuwaiti people. We share this great tragedy.”

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Bahrain

Bahrain’s Royal Court said in a statement, “King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa mourns the death of Sheikh Sabah, who passed away following a lifetime full of giving and achievements in serving his people and his Arab and Islamic nation and supporting its causes. An official mourning period has been announced and flags will be flown at half-mast in the Kingdom of Bahrain for three days.”

Egypt

Egypt’s Presidential spokesman, Bassam Rady, said in a statement, “President Abdul Fattah Al Sisi decided to announce a state of public mourning nationwide for a period of three days, due to the death of the late Sheikh Sabah Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait.”

An official statement said “in these painful circumstances we should remember with gratitude and appreciation the brotherly stance of Sheikh Sabah and the remarkable mark he had on reviving Kuwait, the Arab and Islamic nations”.

Lebanon

The President of Lebanon, Michel Aoun, expressed his deep pain for the death of the Kuwaiti Emir. “Lebanon, in the absence of Sheikh Sabah, loses a big brother who stood by the Lebanese in difficult circumstances throughout the years. He spared no effort to ensure stability, unity and sovereignty of Lebanon, He was always rushed to support the Lebanese people who will never forget what he did, as he rebuilt many cities and villages and contributed to launching many urban and development projects. Most importantly, he was a loud voice in regional and international forums in dense of Arab rights, foremost of the Palestinian issue.”

Lebanon announced three days mourning period.

Jordan

King Abdullah of Jordan mourned the passing of the Emir Sheikh Sabah and said, “Today we lost a big brother and a wise leader who loved Jordan. He was an exceptional leader and an Emir of humanity and morals, who devoted his life to the service of his country and nation.” The Royal Hashemite Court announced a 40-day mourning period.

Iraq

The Iraqi President, Barham Salih, said that Emir was a big brother and a caring leader to all of the people of the region.

United Kingdom

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said that the Emir of Kuwait contributed to the stability of the region and provided humanitarian services.

Oman

The Sultan of Oman announced official mourning of country, lowering of flags and suspending work in the government and private sectors for a period of three days, starting tomorrow, Wednesday.

Yemen

Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi said the Arab and Islamic nations lost a “great and unique leader”.

In a statement, he said that the late Emir provided various humanitarian contributions to help the Yemeni people, as well as achieving peace in Yemen.

India

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, said, "Today, the State of Kuwait and the Arab world has lost a beloved leader, India a close friend, and the world a great statesman. His Highness played a leading role in strengthening our bilateral relations, and always took special care of the Indian community in Kuwait."

Germany

German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass said, “the late Emir was tireless in mediating to promote channels of understanding, dialogue and balance in the Middle East.”

Sudan

Sudan’s council in a statement said that the President Abdulfattah Al Burhan mourns the late leader who “had a notable position to achieve Arab solidarity.”

He added, “Sheikh Sabah contributed to building strong relations between Kuwait and Sudan and has been backing the African country’s cause.”