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Immediate Release

Statement From the Secretary of Defense, Dr. Mark T. Esper on the Passing of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait

Today we mourn the passing of an exceptional friend and partner to the United States, the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. 

Over the course of his nearly six decades of leadership in Kuwait, Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah dedicated himself to advancing the peace, security, and stability of Kuwait and the region in his respective capacities as the Amir, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister. 

Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's extraordinary personal contributions strengthened relations between the United States and Kuwait. As Foreign Minister, he shaped Kuwait’s international presence on the world stage following Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. As Amir and commander in chief, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah personally contributed to the modernization of Kuwait’s armed forces and proactive participation in the fight against global terrorism. The Amir championed security cooperation with the United States on mutually shared objectives by hosting and supporting a significant U.S. military presence.

Earlier this month, President Donald J. Trump awarded the Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander, to Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in recognition of his exceptional meritorious conduct and outstanding leadership of Kuwait and its armed forces.

On behalf of the Department of Defense and the thousands of U.S. personnel that have served in Kuwait and experienced firsthand the dedication of Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to Kuwait and his steadfast commitment to the United States’ partnership, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the State of Kuwait and the family of the Amir during this time.