World leaders grieve as Kuwait bids farewell to late Emir Sheikh Nawaf

Kuwait bids farewell to its late Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday, who died on Saturday at the age of 86 following a severe medical emergency.

According to the official news agency KUNA, the late emir was buried in Kuwait City’s Sulaibikhat Cemetery in an event attended only by close family.

The funeral prayers for Sheikh Nawaf were led by the country’s new ruler, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, 83, at the Bilal ibn Rabah Mosque in Kuwait City, the agency stated.

Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani were in Kuwait to pay condolences to Sheikh Meshal.

U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin visited the grieving country to commiserate with the royal family.

“On behalf of President Biden, I convey heartfelt condolences,” Austin said.

Sheikh Nawaf “will be missed but we will build upon his legacy,” Austin added.

Jordan’s King Abdullah, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also visited the oil-rich nation to mourn the loss of its leader. Kuwait has been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause.

The Kuwaiti government has since declared 40 days of mourning following the death of the emir, with public offices closing for three days.

The emir of Kuwait chooses his successor, the crown prince, according to the constitution; however, the royal family are expected to meet to reach a consensus. Parliament must also ratify it after their eventual decision.