Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah was named as Kuwait’s new emir on Saturday after the death of his brother Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, aged 86.
Sheikh Meshal, just three years younger at 83, spent much of his career helping build the Gulf state’s security and defense apparatus before stepping into the public eye when he became crown prince three years ago, according to Reuters.
He was thrust further into the spotlight when he was handed most of Emir Sheikh Nawaf’s duties in November, 2021.
According to a report in Reuters, Sheikh Meshal’s relationship with Riyadh is a top priority for the new ruler and his ties to Saudi are seen as “key.”
As he takes the helm of the OPEC oil producer, Sheikh Mehshal is expected to preserve key Kuwaiti foreign policies including support for Gulf Arab unity, Western alliances, “and good ties to Riyadh – a relationship seen as a top priority to him,” Reuters reports.
He may also look to expand ties to China as it seeks a bigger role in the region
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