Media Statement

30 September 2020

President extends condolences on passing of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, to the Government and people of the State of Kuwait, following the passing of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on Tuesday, 29 September 2020.

President Ramaphosa said: “Today, the people of South Africa join hands with the people of Kuwait, in mourning the passing of a visionary and remarkable world leader.

“As Foreign Minister for nearly 40 years between 1963 and 2003, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at first worked on the international scene to highlight the painful injustices committed against our society, but he was also there to rejoice in our victory in 1994, when a new era dawned upon South Africa.

“Throughout his life, he stayed committed to the continuous development and advancement of the excellent relations that exist between our two friendly countries and among our people, resulting in Kuwait being one of the largest investors in our economy.”

His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah leaves behind a legacy of humanitarian diplomacy, where his response to disaster relief and humanitarian support to the most vulnerable will remain an inspiration for many leaders in the years to come.

His Highness also positioned the State of Kuwait as a widely respected mediator in regional conflicts.

Media enquiries: Tyrone Seale, Acting Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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