Kuwait City: Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the architect of the nation's modern foreign policy and mediator in some of the worst crises to grip the Gulf, died on Tuesday at the age of 91, the royal court announced.
Sheikh Sabah had earned a reputation as a shrewd, unshakeable leader who helped steer his country through the 1990 Iraqi invasion, crashes in global oil markets and crises in parliament and on the streets, AFP reported.
"With great sadness and sorrow, we mourn... the death of Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait," said Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, Minister in charge of Royal Affairs, in a televised statement.
State television had cut its regular programming and switched to a broadcast of Quran recital before the announcement.
No details have been disclosed on the nature of his illness or treatment, and the palace did not say where he died.
Sheikh Sabah was admitted to hospital in July and underwent surgery, before traveling to the US for further treatment.
He served as Kuwait’s foreign minister from 1963 for four decades after holding a number of other governmental posts. He then became prime minister in 2003.
For all the latest News, Opinions and Views, download ummid.com App.
Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
Sinicization of Islam bringing stability in Xinjiang, must continue: Xi
Also Read
Fasting Uyghur Muslims forcibly fed during Ramadan: Isa
Azerbaijan claims 'liberating' six villages from Armenia
Fatalities reported on both sides as Armenian, Azerbaijan troops clash
Yamuna Menon cracks Law Exam with record 18 Gold Medals
