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.



Arab Parliament Speaker Stresses Need for Solidarity to Confront Regional Challenges

Arab Parliament Speaker Stresses Need for Solidarity to Confront Regional Challenges
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Arab Parliament Speaker Stresses Need for Solidarity to Confront Regional Challenges

Arab Parliament Speaker Stresses Need for Solidarity to Confront Regional Challenges

Speaker of the Arab Parliament Mohammed Al-Yamahi stressed the importance of solidarity, unity of ranks, positions, and voices, and strengthening consensus among Arab countries in addressing the growing challenges and risks facing the region, which require greater solidarity, cohesion, and joint Arab action now more than ever.

He made the remarks today during the preparatory committee meeting for the Eighth Conference of the Arab Parliament and Speakers of Arab Councils and Parliaments, which is being held in partnership with the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, SPA reported.

Al-Yamahi explained that this year's conference is being convened at a critical and exceptional stage for the Arab nation, requiring the highest levels of coordination, consultation, and unified positions on issues and challenges affecting the Arab world's present and future.

He noted that the conference will address several strategic issues, foremost among them the serious developments surrounding the Palestinian cause, the Arab world's primary concern.

It will also discuss recent highly dangerous security developments in the region and Iranian attacks against Arab states, as well as the topic of enhancing Arab digital sovereignty, which has emerged as a strategic issue driven by rapid digital transformation.

He said the issue calls for the development of a unified Arab parliamentary vision that protects Arab interests, strengthens digital security, and supports sustainable development efforts.


Saudi FM Holds Talks with Turkish, Kyrgyz Counterparts

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah chairs his delegation's a meeting of foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, at Tahrir Palace in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah chairs his delegation's a meeting of foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, at Tahrir Palace in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP)
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Saudi FM Holds Talks with Turkish, Kyrgyz Counterparts

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah chairs his delegation's a meeting of foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, at Tahrir Palace in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah chairs his delegation's a meeting of foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, at Tahrir Palace in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday a telephone call today from his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

They discussed regional developments and issues of mutual interest.

Prince Faisal also held telephone talks with his Kyrgyz counterpart Zheenbek Kulubaev.

Pince Faisal congratulated him on the election of Kyrgyzstan as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, hoping it will contribute in supporting the council’s efforts to promote international peace and security.

They also reviewed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them across various fields and discussed regional and international developments and efforts made in this regard.


Mohamed bin Zayed, Rubio Discuss Middle East Developments

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet on Wednesday. (WAM)
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet on Wednesday. (WAM)
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Mohamed bin Zayed, Rubio Discuss Middle East Developments

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet on Wednesday. (WAM)
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet on Wednesday. (WAM)

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is visiting the UAE as part of a tour of the Middle East.

They reviewed strategic cooperation between the UAE and US and discussed ways to further strengthen coordination across various fields in support of shared interests, reported the UAE’s state news agency WAM.

The meeting addressed regional and international issues of mutual concern, with a focus on developments in the Middle East.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Marco Rubio underscored the importance of advancing the foundations of security, stability, and lasting peace across the region.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President; and a number of officials.