In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and Article 4 of the Succession Law, HH Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah becomes the Emir of the State of Kuwait, the state television said, citing a statement from the Council of Ministers.

Kuwait's Council of Ministers declares a 40-day official mourning period and a three-day closure of government departments, following the death of the Emir of the State, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the age of 86.

Born in Kuwait on June 25, 1937, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was the sixth son of the tenth ruler of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, who ruled the country between 1921 and 1950.

The deceased, who held many important positions, began his political career in February 1962, serving as governor for a period of 16 years. In March 1978, he was appointed head of the Ministry of the Interior, before becoming Minister of Defense in 1988.