The late Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, may his soul rest in peace, will always have a special niche in the hearts of all Gulf and Arab societies.
The late Sheikh was not only the father of Kuwaiti diplomacy and the founder of a renowned institution known for defusing tensions, eliminating conflicts, turning the page of discord and ushering in security and stability in our Gulf and Arab region over the decades.
He was also an icon of the wisdom, moderation, rationality and political guidance needed to deal with tough problems and situations.
The seasoned leader has navigated his country through hard times. He was able to bring the peace and security he needed for development and progress. Thanks to him, the sister state of Kuwait has become a model for construction and modernization.
In addition, the late leader white-handedly marked various areas of humanitarian action. In 2014, the UN Secretary General called him a “great humanitarian leader of our world,” in honor of his efforts in this field.
This title was not only a unanimous description and appreciation of his efforts, but also an expression of how millions of people felt. The title has grown into a sobriquet that stands for people’ s love for a man who had not failed to give and who had earnestly helped those in need all over the world.
For four decades at the helm of Kuwaiti diplomacy, he forged an admirable mental image of Kuwait throughout the world, thanks to his wisdom and sense of reconciliation.
He was well aware of the value, aims and impact of diplomatic work since he laid the foundation for diplomacy in Kuwait. In the words of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the late great leader is “a man of wisdom, tolerance and peace, and a great pioneer of joint action in the Gulf.”
And when we speak of Gulf pioneers, we also recall a generation of great leaders, not least Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the initiator of the Gulf Cooperation Council and organizer of the first GCC summit in Abu Dhabi on May 25, 1981.
Sheikh Zayed said: “After the unification of the UAE, the GCC was born. God knows what I did for the creation of the Cooperation Council with my brothers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. I shared with them the things we found in the Union that we wanted to take advantage of and benefit our brothers and neighbors, whether in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar or Oman.”
We also look back to the efforts of the late Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, to work towards the establishment of the GCC.
The late has left the Gulf and Arab people a great legacy of wisdom, charity and humanitarian giving. His memory will forever be etched in hearts. Present and future generations will continue to be inspired by his historical stands.
No one will forget the “emir of humanity” for his noble positions and endless givings. The sister country of Kuwait will remain a land of kindness, generosity and great leaders. In our Arab and Gulf region, Kuwait is a beacon of civilization, a guiding light of rationality, moderation and wisdom.
Goodbye, big-hearted leader. Your body has left us. But your good manners, your genuine Arab magnanimity and your great attitudes will be eternalized in the eyes of Kuwaitis and the world, inspiring them with all the noble values of humanity, giving, kindness and devotion.
My sincere condolences to the great Kuwaiti people, the Gulf and Arab people, as well as to all the admirers of the dear departed.
