By Adnan Al-Failkawi, KUNA
Kuwait : The 20th of February marks the second anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah taking up the post of Kuwait’s Crown Prince.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah issued an Amiri Decree, February 7, 2006, nominating His Highness Sheikh Nawaf as Kuwait’s Crown Prince, in view of his honorable career and in view of his qualifyication for the post virtue of the constitutional rules of succession.
February 20, 2006, an Amiri Decree was issued assigning Sheikh Nawaf as Crown Prince, followed by a ceremony where he took oath before the Amir, and later, the National Assembly pledged allegiance during a special session.
MPs praised His Highness the Amir’s choice of Crown Prince, as NA Speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi marked the honorable service of Sheikh Nawaf in the interest of Kuwait and its people.
During the oath-taking session, Sheikh Nawaf asserted that though Kuwait is a small country, it was able to overcome all challenges and obstacles. “With pride and dignity, I bow to this country and its people, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir,” Sheikh Nawaf said.
He also expressed gratitude for the Amir and the National Assembly’s trust and his appointment in the post.
Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad is a main figure who led Kuwait since its independence towards development and prosperity in various fields.
Born in 1937, Sheikh Nawaf was educated in Kuwait schools. February 12, 1962, he was assigned Hawali Governor, then Interior Minister in 1978. He held the same portfolio in the years 1986-1988, and in 1988 and 1990, he served as Minister of Defense.
April 1991, Sheikh Nawaf was assigned as Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, 1994; Deputy Chief of National Guards, 2003; Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior, and later that year; First Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior.
Sheikh Nawaf’s achievements include set up of the elections department in the Ministry of Interior and developing police work in the Ministry of Defense.
He also developed elderly care hospitals during his service as Minister of Social Affairs and Labor.
Sheikh Nawaf is known to be modest, kind, and loyal to the Kuwaiti people.
Meanwhile, GCC officials also praise Sheikh Nawaf’s efforts in leading the GCC towards development and prosperity.
His Highness Sheikh Nawaf went on a GCC tour in January 2007, with the aim of boosting cooperation and brotherly understanding among the countries in various fields and on all issues. This was his first tour as Crown Prince.
In June 2007, His Highness the Crown Prince went on an Arab tour that took him to Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, where he discussed issues including Arab unity and peace in the Middle East.
The second anniversary for his succession to this post coincides with the Kuwaiti 47th National Day and 17th Liberation Day celebrations.