KUWAIT CITY, Jan 4: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah signed an Amiri Decree Thursday appointing Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al- Sabah as Prime Minister. The Amiri Decree, issued following traditional consultations, also assigned him to form a government and submit the line-up to His Highness the Amir to issue a decree of their appointment. Born in 1955, Sheikh Dr. Mohammad had a bachelor’s degree in economics from Claremont Graduate University and a PhD from Harvard University and was appointed as a professor at Kuwait University in 1985. He worked at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research in 1987-88. Sheikh Dr. Mohammad was appointed Ambassador to the US in 1993 and stayed there until he was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on February 14, 2001.

He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Acting Minister of Social Affairs and Labor on July 14, 2003. On February 9, 2006, Sheikh Dr. Mohammad was named Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. He was reappointed in the same post in July 2006 and March 2007, as well as in cabinet reshuffles in October 2007 and May 2008. He held the same position in the governments formed on May 29, 2009, and May 8, 2011. Lawmakers congratulated His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah on his appointment as Prime Minister. MP Muhannad Al-Sayer congratulated HH Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem for obtaining the leadership’s trust. He affirmed that the people of Kuwait have been fully supporting the new premier since he resigned from the government headed by HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad and he now returns to power through the big door.

He said the trust of the political leadership and satisfaction of the people entail that Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem must exert tremendous efforts; starting with the formation of a new government with the capability to address the citizens’ demands, face current challenges and adhere to the legislative agenda which was approved by 48 MPs. MP Abdulkareem Al-Kandari implored Allah Almighty to bless Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem with honest and competent advisors who can help him serve in the interest of the nation and its people. MP Dawoud Maarefialso prayed that Allah Almighty will support Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem and grant him the strength to shoulder the responsibility. MP Majed Al-Mutairi stressed the need for a comprehensive renaissance and convergence of views of the government and National Assembly to ratify laws in favor of the citizens.

MP Marzouq Al-Amera is hoping for continuous cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities to accomplish the legislative agenda and protect the interests of citizens. MP Marzouq Al-Ghanim praised the capabilities of the new premier whom he described as hardworking based on what he observed when they worked together during the latter’s tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister while he chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee in the 13th parliamentary round. He urged HH the PM Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem to adhere to the directives included in the speech that HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah delivered on Dec 30, 2023 to correct the mistakes of the former government and to dismiss whoever is proven to have contributed to corruption, which damaged the nation’s interests.

MP Badr Nashmi Al-Anzi asked Allah Almighty to help Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salim and provide him with the best advisors to fulfil the citizens’ demands. MP Osama Al-Shaheen affirmed the people are very optimistic and they are looking forward to an era of reforms and progress based on cooperation. MP Muhammad Al-Regaib prayed that Allah Almighty will help Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem in leading the government towards justice, development and cooperation with the Assembly in the interest of citizens. MP Adel Al-Damkhi also expressed gratitude to HH former Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and his government for cooperating with the Assembly. MP Hamad Al-Medlej implored Allah Almighty to support the new premier in shouldering such a huge responsibility. He disclosed that he will support whoever is committed to the Constitution, focuses on the citizens’ demands and cooperates with the Assembly.

MP Saud Al-Asfour urged the newly appointed prime minister to choose the members of his government based on professional criteria, not favouritism. He also thanked HH the former Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for cooperating with the Assembly, especially since this led to the ratification of important bills. MP Osama Al-Zaid praised Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salim, stressing the latter protected his reputation when he resigned in protest against corruption. He said the people of Kuwait loved the father of Sheikh Mohammad Al-Salem -- HH the late Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah, affirming this love will be passed on to the son.