Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

On behalf of the Australian Government, I extend sincere condolences to the people of Kuwait on the death of the Emir, HH Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on 15 January.

He guided his country through many difficult times since his accession in 1977 - including the Iraq-Iran war, the economic difficulties of the 1980's and, most notably, the Iraqi invasion of 1990 and subsequent liberation and post-war reconstruction. Sheikh Jaber will be remembered for the continued economic, social and political development of Kuwait under his reign, including the creation of Kuwait's Reserve Fund for Future Generations, and the continued fostering the growth of democracy and the role of Parlaiment in Kuwait. Sheikh Jaber's vision and humanity won him both the affection of his people and the admiration of the international community. He will be greatly missed.

Relations between Australia and Kuwait developed strongly in Sheikh Jaber's reign and we share a warm and growing relationship with significant trade and people-to-people ties. Australia was one of the first countries to condemn Saddam's 1990 invasion of Kuwait and to commit forces to the international coalition. Our shared role in reversing the Iraqi invasion was a particular bond between our two countries that help spur the further growth in relations. Sheikh Jaber was the first Kuwaiti ruler to visit Australia in September 1992.

Contacts: Richard Forbes 02 62 777420