KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah took oath before the National Assembly on Wednesday to become the 16th Amir of the state of Kuwait. "I swear by Allah Almighty to respect the Constitution and the laws of the State, to defend the liberties, interests and properties of the people and to safeguard the independence and territorial integrity of the country," His Highness the Amir, reading Article 60 of the Constitution.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf said the Constitution guaranteed "smooth transition" of leadership to ensure "stability and sustainability," and vowed to carry out his responsibility to his utmost best. His Highness the Amir, in written remarks at the Record of Honor of the National Assembly, said the constitution of the State of Kuwait guaranteed smooth transition of leadership and constitutional-related authorities to avoid "constitutional vacuum" to ensure stability. He paid tribute to late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his humanitarian contributions. "The trust bestowed upon me by the Kuwaiti people is a trust I bear in my neck," he said. He vowed the people to carry out his "responsibilities" to his utmost best and reiterated commitment to the constitution and democracy.

The Amiri Diwan announced the passing of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad on Tuesday, and the government named His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad as Amir of the State of Kuwait during an extraordinary meeting. – KUNA