Kuwait City, 18 December 2023 (TDI): On December 17, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin arrived in Kuwait to offer condolences on the passing of His Highness Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Secretary Austin, on behalf of the Department of Defense, offered his heartfelt condolences to Sheikh Nawaf’s family and the people of Kuwait.
He expressed grief over the loss and shared that President Biden had asked him to lead the US Delegation in Kuwait to mourn for the Kuwaiti people. He conveyed his desire to advance and deepen defense partnership and appreciated the strong legacy of Sheikh Nawaf.
Secretary Austin paid his condolences to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
On his social media platform, the Secretary of Defense said, “His Highness was a valued partner and friend to the U.S. who demonstrated a lasting commitment to diplomacy. He aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. I am honored to be in Kuwait to pay my respects.”
The US Department of Defense stated that praised and valued his courage and leadership. He would be remembered, for his warm hospitality when Secretary Austin visited Kuwait in September 2021.
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State-run news in Kuwait reported that His Highness had traveled to the U.S. for unspecified medical checks in March 2021. Moreover, Sheikh Nawaf was rushed to a hospital in late November 2023 for an unclear illness. The nation had been waiting for news about his health since.
According to reports, Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah, replaced Sheikh Nawaf, who had ruled for three years. There is a 40-day official mourning period and a three-day closure of governmental departments.
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