His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, called today to work to confront challenges with unity of ranks, pledging to preserve the security and stability of his country.
This came in his speech before the National Assembly (Parliament) after the constitutional oath was taken as Emir of Kuwait, succeeding the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
In a speech broadcast on state television, Nawaf Al-Ahmad said, “I pledge to God and the people and I pledge to you that I will do my utmost for the security and stability of Kuwait.”
He added, “Our country today is facing delicate circumstances and serious challenges that can only be overcome with unity of ranks and concerted efforts.”
And he went on: “His Highness the late Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad gave a lot to his homeland and his nation, and he departed from us to the hereafter, a lofty symbol of our eternal symbols.
He continued, “We affirm our pride in our constitution and our democratic approach as a state that respects law and institutions.”
Before his speech, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was sworn in as Emir of the State of Kuwait, in the special session of the National Assembly today, in accordance with Article (60) of the Kuwaiti Constitution.
His Highness said: “I swear by God Almighty to respect the constitution and the laws of the state and defend the people’s freedoms, interests and money, and safeguard the nation’s independence and territorial integrity.”
His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was born on June 25, 1937, in Kuwait City, and he is the sixth son of the tenth ruler of Kuwait, the late Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, who ruled Kuwait from 1921 to 1950.
The National Assembly pledged allegiance to His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as Crown Prince on February 20, 2006, and His Highness assumed the position of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior in Kuwait on October 16, 2003.
Sheikh Nawwaf assumed the position of Deputy Chief of the National Guard in October 1994, and His Highness assumed the position of Minister of Social Affairs and Labor in 1991 upon the formation of the first Kuwaiti government after the Kuwait Liberation War, and before that he assumed the Ministry of Defense in 1988.
His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad began his political journey after assuming the responsibilities of Hawalli Governorate in 1962.
And the Kuwaiti constitution developed an explanation of how the crown prince was chosen, through Article 4 of Chapter One, which is the first compulsory step towards reaching the highest position to manage the country’s affairs.
Article 4 states:
Kuwait is a hereditary Emirate in the descendants of the late Mubarak Al-Sabah.
The Crown Prince shall be appointed within one year at most of the Prince’s inauguration, and his appointment shall be by an Emiri order based on the Prince’s recommendation and the pledge of allegiance by the National Assembly, which takes place in a special session, with the approval of the majority of the members who make up the Council.
– In the event that the appointment is not made in the previous manner, the Emir recommends to the crown prince at least three of the aforementioned offspring, then the Council (Parliament) pledges allegiance to one of them as crown prince.
