French and Pakistani officials offer condolences to Kuwait after loss of late Emir

French Defence Minister Florence Parly arrived in Kuwait on Monday to offer France’s sympathies after the loss of the late Emir, Sheikh Sabah, who died on Tuesday aged 91.

Pakistani President Arif Alvi was also headed to Kuwait on Monday to offer condolences as the official period of mourning continues.

“Pakistan and Kuwait are bound by a close fraternal relationship. Under the leadership of the late emir, bilateral co-operation acquired a new level," a Foreign Office spokesman said on Sunday.

Sheikh Sabah "was a sincere and trusted friend of Pakistan", it said. "He made an invaluable contribution to bringing the two countries and peoples closer. His efforts in the bilateral context and for regional peace and stability will be long remembered.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, travelled to Kuwait on Sunday to offer his sympathies to the new emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Sabah, on behalf of the President Sheikh Khalifa.

A delegation of Saudi officials also arrived in Kuwait on Sunday and were welcomed by Sheikh Nawaf at the Emiri Terminal, Kuwait’s Kuna news agency reported.

The entourage included Prince Fahad bin Sultan, governor of Tabuk Region; Prince Khalid bin Bandar, adviser to King Salman; Prince Mishaal bin Majid, governor of Jeddah; Prince Turki bin Talal, governor of Asir; and Prince Faisal bin Salman, governor of Madinah.

Last week, regional leaders from Jordan, Egypt, Oman, Bahrain and Iraq came to pay tribute to the former ruler, known as the "prince of diplomacy and humanity" during his rule, which began in 2006.

Others also came to offer their condolences on Sunday, included US Secretary of Defence, Mark Esper and the UK’s Prince Charles. The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister and acting Minister of Defence Dr Ahmed Nasser Al Mohammed Al Sabah also received the Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit and UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who arrived with a delegation on Sunday.

During a reception at the foreign ministry’s diwan, the two countries reflected on their strong ties and discussed areas of common interest.