KUWAIT: The State of Kuwait celebrates on Thursday, the second anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's proclamation as the country's top leader - its guide toward further development and modernization. The occasion coincides with the elections for membership to the National Assembly's 17th legislative term, in line with His Highness the Amir's visionary guidance, urging for revising the political situation in Kuwait for the betterment of the country's national interests.

His Highness the Amir, in a declaration made on his behalf by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on June 22, announced constitutional dissolution of the National Assembly (parliament) and called for general elections according to constitutional and legal schedules.

His Highness the Amir stated, "Our goal behind the constitutional dissolution is a sincere desire to see the people's wish happen - on remedying the political process path anew by a sound election of their representatives." The declaration was a follow-up to His Highness the Amir's gracious initiative, made public by the government on Nov 7, 2021, when His Highness Sheikh Nawaf practiced his constitutional right, granting amnesty for a number of prosecuted citizens.

The announcement was designed to bolster cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities and bring together the potential for serving the homeland and the citizens. His Highness the Amir, on many occasions, affirmed his keenness on safeguarding the national unity as a fence that would protect Kuwait and its people in the face of perils and challenges.

Moreover, His Highness the Amir, in a statement read by His Highness the Crown Prince on April 24, marking the last ten days of the fasting month of Ramadan, noted that reforms would require time and patience as well as the people's unity. "We will spare no efforts in protecting our dear homeland's accomplishments and we will not hesitate to take decisions to protect its security and stability in the shadow of our democracy, our constitution, traditions and norms.

The country, over the past two years, under His Highness the Amir's leadership, witnessed a follow-up of the development that had been initiated by his predecessors, while he was preoccupied with following up on issues that concerned the citizens, the legislative, executive and judicial authorities. His Highness the Amir supported all stakeholders who contributed to pushing development forward, enhancing national cadres' skills, stimulating the economy, creating investment opportunities, caring for the youth and backing the education, health and housing sectors.

His Highness the Amir also maintained the policy of coordination with Arab leaders regarding regional issues, with a special emphasis on the Palestinian cause, as a priority in the Arab world. With regards to foreign nations, His Highness the Amir adopted a policy of respecting every country's sovereignty, abiding by non-intervention in their domestic affairs, the international legitimacy, safeguarding global peace and security and settling strife among states through mutual dialogues.

Kuwait declared its allegiance to His Highness the Amir on Sept 29, 2020, succeeding the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a coronation that capped Sheikh Nawaf's long record of accomplishments in the service in a chain of ranking posts. On the historic day, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf was proclaimed Kuwait's Amir in line with the constitution's 4th article of Law 4 (1964), according to which the Crown Prince would be the Amir's successor.

His Highness Sheikh Nawaf took the top office following 58 years of service in many ranking positions - as Governor of Hawally, Minister of Interior and Defense, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Deputy Chief of the National Guard. The last post he had held before being proclaimed Amir was the Crown Prince's position, according to an Amiri Order by the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad on Feb 7, 2006. On Sept 30, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf took the constitutional oath as the Amir of the State of Kuwait during a National Assembly session, in line with the constitution provision 60.

Born on June 25, 1937, he was the sixth son of the late Amir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait's 10th Amir, who ruled between 1921 and 1950. On Feb 12, 1962, he was appointed by the late Amir, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah as Hawally Governor, serving in the post until March 19, 1978, when he was named Minister of Interior during the era of the late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and remained at the helm of the Internal Affairs department until June 26, 1988, when he was appointed Minister of Defense.

Following Kuwait's liberation from the flagrant Iraqi occupation in 1991, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf took the social affairs and labor portfolio on April 20, 1991, and remained in this post until Oct 17, 1992. On Oct 16, 1994, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf took the post of the Deputy Chief of the National Guard until July 13, 2003, when he became the Minister of Interior, serving in this department until he was declared as the Heir Apparent. His Highness Sheikh Nawaf is well known as a firm advocate of righteousness, values and unity of the Kuwaiti people and is dedicated to the service of the homeland. - KUNA