Ottawa – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement on the passing of the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah:
“Today, it is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah. Sheikh Nawaf was committed to advancing the ideals of progress and prosperity for the Kuwaiti people. He dedicated his life to public service, serving in various positions in the Government of Kuwait, including Minister of Defence, Minister of Interior, and Deputy Prime Minister.
“As Amir, Sheikh Nawaf was a proponent of peace and co-operation in the Middle East. He led Kuwait through a period of great regional and global instability, including by guiding his country through the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, Kuwait also played a critical role in the evacuation of Canadians after the fall of Afghanistan – something for which Canada will be forever grateful.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my deepest condolences to the Kuwaiti people and the Al-Sabah family.”