Kuwait Amir’s achievements in first year illuminate the path forward

• On December 20, 2023, His Highness became the 17th ruler of Kuwait after six decades of service in key security and military roles, including at the Ministry of Interior and National Guard, and representing Kuwait in official visits.

• His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has consistently emphasized his commitment to advancing the progress and prosperity of Kuwait, protecting its interests, and safeguarding the welfare of its people.

• His Highness the Amir emphasized national unity, law enforcement, combating corruption, and fulfilling citizens’ aspirations, while maintaining Kuwait’s leadership in regional and global relations.

On Tuesday, Kuwait marked the first anniversary of the Council of Ministers’ call for His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as the Amir, continuing the legacy of his esteemed predecessors andushering in an era of achievement, leadership, and hope for a prosperous future, according to Al Qabas newspaper.

On December 16, 2023, the Council of Ministers met following the announcement of the death of the late Amir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, may God rest his soul. During the meeting, the Council called on His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to be appointed as the Amir of the country, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and Article 4 of Law No. 4 of 1964 regarding the inheritance of the emirate. His Highness’s appointment was based on his wisdom, sincerity, and dedication, ensuring the security and stability of Kuwait.

On December 20, 2023, His Highness took over the reins of government, becoming the 17th ruler of Kuwait after a long period of service marked by numerous achievements. Over six decades, he held key security and military positions at the Ministry of Interior and the National Guard before being appointed Crown Prince. He also accompanied the esteemed rulers of Kuwait or represented them in many official visits and missions.

His Highness the Amir’s remarkable journey

His Highness the Amir was born in Kuwait in 1940 and received his education at the Mubarakiya School, the first regular school in Kuwait. He later joined Hindon College in the United Kingdom to study police science and graduated in 1960.

He joined the Ministry of Interior and served in various roles, eventually becoming the head of General Investigations with the rank of colonel until 1980. His Highness is regarded as the founder of the State Security Service and played a major role in its development.

On April 17, 2004, His Highness was appointed Deputy Chairman of the National Guard, during which the Guard underwent significant development, enhancing the institution’s ability to carry out its duties in defending the homeland and maintaining security. He was appointed Crown Prince on October 7, 2020, by Amiri decree.

Wisdom and management

His Highness grew up in the House of Judgment. He is the seventh son of the late Ruler of Kuwait, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber, and the brother of three rulers: the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, and Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, may God have mercy on them.

He is considered one of the righteous men of the country, having grown up under the shadow of the Al-Sabah family. He was raised by its sages, learned wisdom and management from its men, and gained knowledge of governance affairs and leadership methods from its politicians.

Outstanding achievements

Over the past 12 months, the country, under His Highness’s leadership, has witnessed numerous achievements in various fields, in line with his directives. These efforts aimed at enhancing Kuwait’s leading role both regionally and internationally, enabling the country to face challenges and drive development in all areas.

His Highness the Amir has consistently emphasized his commitment to advancing the progress and prosperity of Kuwait, protecting its interests, and safeguarding the welfare of its people. He has underscored the importance of preserving national unity, respecting and enforcing the law, combating all forms of corruption, and fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of citizens who look towards a brighter future.

Greatest attention to local issues

Local issues have received His Highness’s greatest attention during his first year of leadership, focusing on the needs, concerns, and aspirations of citizens. He has actively listened to their opinions and ideas, encouraging them to contribute to the nation’s unity and security, and to work together toward ensuring its continued development and prosperity.

Addressing regional and international challenges

Complementing Kuwait’s efforts to strengthen Gulf ties, His Highness visited several Gulf countries. He began with a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on January 30, followed by a state visit to the Sultanate of Oman on February 6, a state visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain on February 13, a state visit to Qatar on February 19, and a state visit to the United Arab Emirates on March 5.

Under the leadership of His Highness the Amir, Kuwait hosted the 45th session of the Supreme Council for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf on December 1. This session reflected the unity of the Gulf, the strength of the union, and its cohesion, with the goal of strengthening joint Gulf action, addressing regional and international challenges, and broadening cooperation to meet the aspirations of the Gulf peoples and achieve their goals.

His Highness the Amir continued to follow Kuwait’s approach in maintaining a leading role in relations with brotherly and friendly countries, addressing common issues, and upholding regional and international commitments.

On several occasions, His Highness emphasized his dedication to strengthening constructive cooperation with Arab countries to resolve regional issues, especially the Palestinian cause, while preserving Arab unity, sovereignty, and independence.

Strengthening Kuwaiti-Arab relations

To further strengthen Kuwaiti-Arab relations, His Highness visited the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on April 23 for a state visit, followed by a state visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt on April 30. During these visits, he discussed with the leaderships of both countries issues of mutual interest, as well as regional and international developments.

In his discussions with countries worldwide, His Highness outlined Kuwait’s long-standing approach, which includes respecting the sovereignty of nations, refraining from interfering in their internal affairs, adhering to international legitimacy, maintaining global peace and security, and resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.

On May 7, His Highness visited Turkey for a state visit, during which six agreements were signed in various fields. On May 12, he received Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General. On September 11, he met Charles Michel, the European Council President, in addition to receiving numerous officials from Arab and international countries.

The march of reconstruction and development

The march of goodness, reconstruction, and development in the country continues under the wise leadership of His Highness, following the path set by his esteemed predecessors to build upon their contributions in shaping the country’s history of goodness and giving, elevating its glory, raising its flag, and enhancing its status regionally, and internationally.

Well-established Amiri directives

• Working for the advancement and prosperity of Kuwait.
• Taking care of the interests of the country and its people.
• Preserving national unity.
• The need to respect and enforce the law.
• Combating all forms and manifestations of corruption.
• Meeting the aspirations and hopes of citizens.

Key events sponsored by His Highness the Amir

• March 6: His Highness the Amir attended and patronized the official opening ceremony of Abdullah Al-Salem University.
• March 25: His Highness visited the Kuwait Sports Club for the Deaf and the Diwaniya of the NabatPoets.
• March 26: His Highness visited the Kuwait Blind Association and the Kuwait Sports Club for the Disabled.
• April 29: His Highness patronized and attended the ceremony honoring a group of teachers and distinguished schools on the occasion of International Teacher’s Day.
• May 6: His Highness sponsored and attended the ceremony for the Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Award for Informatics.
• May 10: His Highness the Amir ordered the dissolution of the National Assembly and the suspension of certain articles of the Constitution for a period not exceeding four years, during which all aspects of the democratic process will be studied to take necessary measures aimed at achieving the country’s supreme interests.
• May 13: His Highness patronized and attended the opening ceremony of Sabah Al-Salem University City and honored the first graduates at Kuwait University.
• December 11: His Highness the Amir sponsored and attended the awards ceremony of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences.