Kuwait Appoints New Defense, Interior Ministers

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah with newly-appointed ministers (KUNA)
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah with newly-appointed ministers (KUNA)
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Kuwait Appoints New Defense, Interior Ministers

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah with newly-appointed ministers (KUNA)
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah with newly-appointed ministers (KUNA)

Kuwait issued a new Emiri decree appointing retired General Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah as the interior minister, and Sheikh Talal Khaled al-Ahmad al-Sabah as defense minister.

They were both appointed as deputies to the prime minister.

Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah received the newly-appointed ministers on Wednesday at Dar al-Yamama, where they took the constitutional oath.

Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported that the Emir affirmed the necessity of increasing efforts to preserve Kuwait's security, wishing them further success, noting the importance of cooperation with the legislative authority to meet the aspirations of citizens for the benefit of all.

In February, Kuwait's government said that an Emiri decree was issued to accept the resignation of Defense Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber al-Ali al-Sabah and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad Mansour al-Ahmad al-Sabah.

The two former ministers submitted their resignations in protest of the manner of parliamentary questioning, saying the lengthy grilling was an abuse of power.

Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, born in 1956, is the eldest son of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. He is a retired Lieutenant-General who was the Deputy Chief of the National Guard since November 2021 and served as the Governor of Hawalli Governorate.

He also held several positions in the Ministry of Interior, most recently the Assistant Undersecretary for Education and Training Affairs.

Sheikh Talal al-Sabah was the governor of the capital after serving as an official spokesman for the oil sector and president of the Kuwait Oil Tanker.

The appointment comes amid the ongoing tensions between the government and the parliament, which resulted in subsequent questioning of the Ministers of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Works.

The current government was formed in December, the third in 2021, to resolve a long-running crisis with the parliament that has hampered the state's efforts to implement financial reforms.

Next Wednesday, the parliament is scheduled to vote on a motion of no confidence against the Minister of Public Works after questioning him in parliament over accusations of not taking sufficient measures to combat corruption.

On Wednesday, three deputies in the National Assembly submitted an interpellation to the Prime Minister regarding unconstitutional practices and looting of public funds.



Saudi Arabia Reiterates Call on Countries to Join Two-State Solution Global Coalition

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reiterates Call on Countries to Join Two-State Solution Global Coalition

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday its call on countries to join the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which was launched by the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee and led by the Kingdom in collaboration with the European Union and Norway.

The cabinet underscored its solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people in overcoming the humanitarian impact of the Israeli war against them.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The cabinet hailed the outcome of the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit that was held in Riyadh on Monday, which it said will help in strengthening joint action and continuing cooperation with the international community to stop the war on the Gaza Strip to achieve security and stability in the region.

It welcomed the document of the tripartite mechanism to support Palestine signed between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Arab League and African Union Commission.

Crown Prince Mohammed briefed the cabinet on the letters Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz received from Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Comoros’ President Azali Assoumani.

He also briefed them on his telephone talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and US President-elect Donald Trump, during which he highlighted the Kingdom's keenness to strengthening historical and strategic relations between their countries.

The cabinet reviewed the Kingdom's contributions and initiatives aimed at boosting the effectiveness and speed of international multilateral action in addressing current and future challenges. These efforts are intended to respond to urgent global issues while promoting development and prosperity and strengthening common cultural and social ties.

The cabinet highlighted the Kingdom's emphasis, at recent international meetings, on boosting cooperation with world countries, strengthening coordination in various fields, and endeavoring to continue its humanitarian and development assistance to countries and peoples affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

Moreover, the cabinet reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to fostering cultural communication between diverse cultures worldwide. It expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the "Arab Week at UNESCO" initiative, launched by the Kingdom at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris, France.

The cabinet praised the Crown Prince's support for national talent, which enables them to become leaders in various fields, out of the belief that individuals are the core and foundation of development. One such talent is the Saudi medical team, which was received by Crown Prince Mohammed after having performed the world's first robotic heart transplant.

The cabinet also lauded the outcome of the 10th Biban24 Forum, held in Riyadh; agreements worth SAR35.4 billion were signed to support entrepreneurship in various sectors and to achieve one of the national goals, which is to increase the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the GDP.