Arab world mourns death of Kuwait's 'peace-loving' emir

The Arab world began mourning the death of Kuwait's late ruler, Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, whose death, at the age of 91, was announced on Tuesday and was remembered fondly as a key regional mediator.

During his lifetime, Al-Sabah was famous for being a diplomatic mastermind and regarded as the architect of Kuwait's current foreign policy, which denoted the Gulf state as a peacemaker in a highly volatile region.

Jordan

Jordan has announced it will enter a mourning period of 40 days in Al-Sabah's memory.

"By order of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Royal Hashemite Court announces mourning for the great deceased of the nation, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, at the Hashemite Royal Court for a period of 40 days, starting today, Tuesday," the palace announced.

Jordan's royal palace said they are entering mourning "with hearts believing in the judgment of God and faith in divine destiny".

Palestine

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas mourned the loss of the late emir, describing him as a wise leader and great brother of the Palestinian people.

He said Al-Sabah's death signifies a departure of a great Arab leader in this sensitive period for the region, noting it as a "great loss".

Abbas said the Palestinian people stand with Kuwait in these difficult circumstances.

Kuwait under Al-Sabah maintained a strong anti-normalisation stance as other Gulf Arab states moved closer to Israel.

Lebanon:

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun hailed Al-Sabah for his strong solidarity with Palestine and also remembered the late emir for rebuilding Lebanese infrastructure.

"He spared no effort except for the sake of Lebanon's stability, unity and sovereignty, as he was always rushing to support the Lebanese people who would never forget how he helped the small nation in ordeals that came. He rebuilt many of its cities and villages that were destroyed, and contributed to the launch of many urban and development projects," Aoun said.

"The great late man was a loud voice in regional and international forums in defence of Arab rights in general and just causes, foremost among which is the Palestinian issue," he added.

Gulf

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) released a statement mourning Al-Sabah and sending him thanks for his efforts to sustain peace.

"His Excellency the Secretary-General expressed deep sadness and sorrow for this great calamity that grieved the peoples of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Arab and Islamic nations because of the sincere love and great appreciation for his great roles he played in the GCC," the bloc said.

"He made relentless and sincere efforts to support the GCC's causes, raised its status and supported its path to development," it added.

The regional bloc remembered him as a "prince of humanity" and a figure that emphathised peace, harmony and security.

"His Excellency said that, with his death, the world has lost the prince of humanity and pioneer of development, always striving for good, love and peace, aiming to strengthen harmony, cooperation and solidarity among the peoples of the world, and - may God have mercy on him - has spared no effort for the good of all humanity."

Saudi Arabia's King Salman and de-facto leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman released a statement offering condolences to the Al-Sabah dynasty and to the Kuwaiti people, hailing him for his "generosity and his service to the Arab and Islamic nations".

Qatar's Emir Tamim Al-Thani said: "It is with great sadness that we have received the news of the death of everyone's father, Sheikh Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait. The world is mourning the loss of the beacon of humanity."