(FILES) In this file photo taken on October 30, 2018, Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah gestures upon his arrival at the opening ceremony of the new legislative year in Kuwait City. AFP / Yasser Al-Zayyat
Doha: Due to his high political stature and constructive humanitarian role, the late Amir of the State of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah was showered with glowing tributes on his death and the news of his demise was received with great sadness not only in Kuwait but also among Islamic countries.
People in Qatar expressed their deep sorrow on the sad demise of Sheikh Sabah. The Qataris particularly mentioned the efforts he made to resolve the Gulf crisis.
Commenting on the death of Sheikh Sabah, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari said that the leader Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah had personal qualities that made him lovable. “His qualities were represented in his love for people, his gentleness. He had experience of several ministries, most notably the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which he took over for many years, during which he gained experience and became acquainted with the policy affairs.”
Al Kuwari also added: “I remember when I was Qatar’s representative in the UN in New York, he was keen to attend the General Assembly sessions and used to spend his time in the United Nations building talking about different things and joking with others, which made him popular and close to diplomats and they were waiting for his arrival every year.”
H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library
In Qatar, H E Dr. Hamad said, people can not forget the efforts he made to address the injustice of the blockade which was imposed on Qatar and he did not stop his efforts until he passed away. “I knew him personally, whether in Paris, which he used to visit when I was an ambassador, or in New York, where he would visit with his simplicity and love for people, especially for the people of the Gulf. He was keen to meet me socially and politically.” Al Kuwari added.
Chairperson of Qatar Museums H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani tweeted: “It is with great sadness that we have received the news of the death of Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. He has a special respect among the people of Qatar. The Qatari people will never forget his role during the siege of Qatar, and we will always remember his efforts. May Allah have mercy on the Amir of humanity and grant him paradise.”
President of Qatar Olympic Committee H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani said: “The Gulf lost a wise reformer, the Arabs lost a seasoned leader, and humanity lost a compassionate father with the demise of Amir of Kuwait, H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. My sincere condolences to the Kuwaiti and Qatari people and to the rest of the people of the region, and we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”
Chinese Ambassador H E Zhou Jian (left) and Ambassador of Pakistan H E Syed Ahsan Raza Shah
Ambassador of China to Qatar, H E Zhou Jian, said: “I am really shocked and sorry to learn about the passing of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy and in my own name, I wish to express my deepest condolences over the death of Sheikh Sabah and extend my sincere sympathies to his family.”
“H H Sheikh Sabah was also a great leader of the Arab world and had made important contributions to the peace and development of Arab States, as well as to the unity and cooperation among GCC countries. He enjoys extensive love and respect from the people of Gulf States and will be truly remembered,” he added.
Pakistan's Ambassador to Qatar, H E Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, also expressed condolence on the death of Sheikh Sabah, saying, “Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad was a sagacious leader, a statesman, a messenger of peace and a great friend of Pakistan.”
The ambassador conveyed heartfelt condolences, on behalf of the Embassy of Pakistan and the Pakistani community in the State of Qatar, to the Embassy and the people of the State of Kuwait on the sad demise of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.
Many took to social media to grieve Sheikh Sabah’s death.
“A beautiful soul has left this world, always kind, always smiling and always has something to say to make you feel better. You will be tremendously missed,” wrote Latifa, a social media user.
Another twitter user wrote: “A great leader of this world. Will never be forgotten, may the soul of the great father rest in peace.”
Nowayer Alrashidi tweeted, “Today the world has lost a wise leader who devoted his life to the service of his country Kuwait and to Arab and Islamic nations, the leader of humanity Sheikh Sabah. May his soul rest in peace.”
