Saudis, Japan … Iran offer condolences
India announces mourning; Duterte praises late Amir
KUWAIT CITY, Oct 4: Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and Ambassador on Special Mission Motegi Toshimitsu who arrived in Kuwait on Saturday paid a condolence call on Sunday following the demise of former Amir of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Motegi during his visit had talks with His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the newly installed Amir of the State of Kuwait. He expressed his condolences on behalf of the Government and People of Japan on the passing of former Amir Sheikh Sabah, highlighting the vital role played by Sheikh Sabah in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and the international community.
“The demise of the former Amir is a tremendous loss, as the former Amir had always paid close attention to relations with Japan, including the assistance that was extended to Japan following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and Japan stands with the people of Kuwait seek to overcome their grief at the former Amir’s passing,” conveyed Motegi.
In response, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf thanked Motegi for his heartwarming words of condolence.
“Japan’s stance in engaging proactively in diplomatic efforts toward easing tensions and stabilising the situation in the Middle East is unwavering and Japan will continue to work closely with Kuwait,” added Motegi.
His Highness Sheikh Nawaf stated that Kuwait values its relationship with Japan and will work to further develop cooperative relations.
Earlier, Motegi also met with Kuwait Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohamed Al-Sabah on Saturday. During the meeting, Motegi expressed his condolences on the passing of former Amir Sheikh Sabah. They also discussed matters of mutual concern to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.
Motegi stated that he hopes to develop a comprehensive partnership on the basis of the achievements of the two countries to date. Minister Ahmad responded that Kuwait values its relationship with Japan and seeks to further develop relations.
Motegi noted that Kuwait, as a country that values regional balance and contributes to regional stability, is an important partner for Japan. Also, Minister Motegi conveyed that Japan’s policy to make proactive diplomatic efforts for easing tensions in the Middle East and stabilising the situation is unfaltering even under the Suga Cabinet. Minister Ahmad appreciated the diplomatic efforts of Japan. Both Ministers exchanged views regarding the situation of the Gulf and the Middle East including the Middle East Peace Process, and confirmed that they will continue to cooperate closely for the peace and stability in the Middle East.
The ministers also discussed the situation of East Asia including the East China Sea, the South China Sea and the situation regarding North Korea. In this context, Motegi asked for understanding and cooperation toward the early resolution of the abductions issue and obtained the support of his Kuwaiti counterpart.
He also offered condolences to Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanim, Deputy Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Meshal Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak AlHamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and other figures.
Saudi Arabia
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday received a delegation of Saudi Amir’s who arrived in the country to extend condolences on demise of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
His Highness the Amir hosted the Saudi officials at the Amiri Terminal.
The entourage included Prince Fahad bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Amir of Tabuk Region, Prince Khaled bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Adviser of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prince Meshaal bin Majed bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Jeddah Governor, Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Aseer Amir, and Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Prince of Medina.
The SAUDI officials also expressed consolations to National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim, Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of the National Guard, Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad AlAhmad Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled AlHamad Al-Sabah, as well as a number of Sheikhs.
The delegation arrived shortly earlier to extend condolences on demise of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Upon their arrival at the airport, the SAUDI officials were welcomed by the Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs, Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.
Iran
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at the Amiri airport, Representative of the Iranian President Dr Hassan Rouhani, Foreign Minister Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif who offered condolences on the passing of late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah.
Zarif also offered condolences to Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanim, Deputy Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Meshal Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak AlHamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and other figures.
Iraq
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at the Amiri airport, Sunday, Iraq’s Speaker of the Council of Representatives Mohammad Al-Halbousi and the accompanying delegation.
Al-Halbousi is offering condolences on the death of late Amir His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The Iraqi official also offered condolences to Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq AlGhanim, Deputy Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Meshal Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad AlAhmad Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled AlHamad Al-Sabah, and other figures.
Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Sunday a phone call from Usama Abdulaziz AlNujaifi, the former vice- president and ex-parliament Speaker of Iraq, expressing condolences on death of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf expressed deep gratitude for his solace.
India
India’s mourning in the demise of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is a recognition of former Amir’s contributions in several fields, said Kuwaiti Ambassador to India Jasim Al-Najim.
In a statement to KUNA on Sunday, the ambassador said that His Highness Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad had played a vital role in cementing the ties between the two nations in addition to providing leadership at regional and global levels.
His contributions in building global peace and security and the special care given to the Indian expatriates were unique. He also mentioned the Amir of Kuwait’s multiple visits to India especially the one soon after he assumed power in 2006 and his extensive interactions with the Indian leadership.
India on Sunday began official mourning in respect to Sheikh Sabah. The national flag was flown at half-mast on all buildings and all official entertainments scheduled for today were cancelled.
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs had announced the state mourning in a statement earlier saying “His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, passed away on September 29, 2020. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the government of India has decided that there will be one day’s state mourning tomorrow throughout india. The national flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings throughout India where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day.”
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar had expressed their condolences earlier.
“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,” Modi said.
Meanwhile, Jaishankar, who was received by ambassador Al-Najim, wrote in the condolence book,”This is a very difficult day and I am here to express the condolences of the government and people of India on the passing away of the late Amir. His Highness was exceptionally well regarded in India. He had contributed a lot to the building of this relationship. He had come here as a foreign minister, as a special envoy, and we were actually looking forward to his visit last year so his passing away was something which has also shaken us and distressed us very deeply. At this time we express our fullest solidarity with the people of Kuwait.”
Ambassador Al-Najim also received several calls from the officials and heads of universities from across India.
Philippines
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Sunday a message of condolences from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on demise of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The Philippine president praised the late Amir for boosting bilateral relations.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf sent him
a message in reply, expressing deep gratitude for his solace on the grave event, also addressing him with good wishes for him and his nation.
Qatar
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received, Sunday, at the Amiri airport Qatar’s father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and the accompanying delegation who are offering condolences over the passing of late Amir Sheikh Sabah A-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah.
Sheikh Hamad also offered condolences to Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq AlGhanim, Deputy Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Meshal Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad AlAhmad Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled AlHamad Al-Sabah, and other figures.
UAE
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received, Sunday, at the Amiri airport UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al-Maktoum and the accompanying delegation.
Al-Maktoum is in Kuwait to offer condolences over the passing away of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Al-Maktoum also offered condolences to Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq AlGhanim, Deputy Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Meshal Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad AlAhmad Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled AlHamad Al-Sabah, and other figures.
Lebanon
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received, Sunday, at the Amiri airport former Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Al-Hariri and the accompanying delegation.
Al-Hariri is in Kuwait to convey his condolences over the death of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Al-Hariri also offered condolences to Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanim, Deputy Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Meshal Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad AlAhmad Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled AlHamad Al-Sabah, and other figures.
Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir received on Sunday a phone call from Bahaa Eddine Al-Hariri, expressing condolences on death of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
His Highness the Amir thanked him for his kind overture.
Arab League
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Sunday at the Amiri airport Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmad Aboul-Gheit.
Aboul-Gheit and the accompanying are here to offer condolences on the passing away of late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The top Arab league official also offered condolences to Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanim, Deputy Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Meshal Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber AlSabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah AlKhaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and other figures.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Sunday a cable of condolences from Chairman of the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya Fayez Mustafa Al-Sarraj, over the death of the late His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
In the cable, he sent his condolences to His Highness the Amir and to the people of Kuwait, commending the prominent role of the late His Highness the Amir, with his constant contributions for the unity of the Arab and Islamic nations.
His Highness the Amir sent a cable back, in which he thanked and appreciated the sympathetic message, wishing him wellness.
Yemen
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday received a cable of condolences from Yemeni President Abd Rabu Mansour Hadi over demise of late Amir His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
In return, His Highness the Amir sent a cable expressing gratitude over sincere condolences and wished him good health and prosperity.
Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir received a cable of congratulations on Saturday from Yemeni Foreign Minister Hisham Sharaf Abdullah on assuming power.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf addressed a cable the foreign minister, expressing gratitude for the sincere sentiments and kind words.
France
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Sunday a message of solace from French President Emmanuel Macron on death of the late Amir His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The French president lauded the late Amir for his generosity, well seen role in boosting relations between the two friendly countries and his contributions to achieve security and stability at the international and regional levels.
Moreover, President Macron wished His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf patience and endurance amid the distressing event, demise of his predecessor, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad.
Reciprocating, His Highness the Amir sent President Macron a cable forwarding his gratitude for his true sentiments of sympathy and solidarity toward the calamity.
Switzerland
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Saturday a cable of consolation from President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga on demise of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
She praised the late Amir for his noticeable efforts in the Arabian Gulf and his prominent role for boosting peace in the region.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf addressed a cable in reply to the Swiss president voicing gratitude for her sincere sentiments of consolation and expressing good wishes for her and her nation.
The Netherlands
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Saturday a cable of condolences from King of The Netherlands Willem-Alexander on demise of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf addressed a cable in reply to the His Excellency, expressing gratitude for the sincere consolations on the painful event.
Bosnia
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Saturday a cable of condolences from member of the Bosnian Presidency Zeliko Komsic on demise of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf addressed a cable in reply to the His Excellency, expressing gratitude for the sincere consolations on the painful event.
Paraguay
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Saturday a cable of condolences from Paraguay President Mario Abdo Benitez on the demise of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
In turn, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf addressed in a cable to Paraguay leader his thanks, expressing gratitude for the sincere consolations on the painful event.