Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper led the Presidential Delegation today in Kuwait City to meet with His Highness Amir Nawaf Al-Ahmad al-Sabah.
On behalf of President Trump and the United States of America, the Secretary offered condolences to HH Amir Nawaf on the passing of HH the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-JaberAl-Sabah, whose wise leadership we mourn today as we and the region work to build on his legacy for the future.
The Secretary reflected with HH Amir Nawaf on the powerful example set by HH the late Amir. Truly the Sheikh of diplomats, HH Amir Sheikh Sabah set Kuwait upon a prosperous path to sustained peace and safety in cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council, with whom he was a tireless mediator capable of bridging insurmountable divides in pursuit regional stability and security.
An extraordinary architect of Kuwait’s humanitarian contributions in the world, HH Amir Sheikh Sabah also personified the shared value that Kuwait and the United States place on our longstanding defense relationship.
The Secretary had an opportunity to discuss with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Nasser al-Mohammed Al-Sabah our security cooperation and commitment to the advancement and modernization of Kuwait’s forces, a priority of HH the late Amir Sabah.
The Secretary thanked HH the Amir and Minister Ahmed for their continued support of one of the largest U.S. military presences in the world.
The Secretary expressed his thanks to HH Amir Nawaf, Minister Ahmed, and the Royal Family for their generous hospitality during this difficult time. The United States will continue to keep our friend and partner Kuwait in our thoughts during this period of mourning.