TEHRAN- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian have expressed their condolences to Kuwait following the death of Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah.

In a message on Saturday, Raisi offered his sympathies to the new Kuwaiti Emir, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, as well as the country's government and its Muslim nation.

Sheikh Nawaf, who had been hospitalized for an undisclosed illness in late November, passed away at the age of 86.

In late November, Sheikh Nawaf was hospitalized for an unspecified illness. The tiny and oil-rich Persian Gulf nation had been waiting for news about his health. 

State-run news agency KUNA previously reported that he traveled to the United States for unspecified medical checks in March 2021.

Sheikh Nawaf ruled Kuwait from September 29, 2020, to his death on December 16, 2023. He had succeeded to the throne following the death of his half-brother Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah.

Amir-Abdollahian also conveyed his condolences to the Kuwaiti government and nation, wishing them success, dignity, and security in the future.

On behalf of the President, the Iranian Foreign Minister left Iran for Kuwait on Sunday to offer condolences to the people and government of Kuwait on the death of Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah.

Iran's Foreign Minister was welcomed by his Kuwaiti counterpart Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at Kuwait International Airport. Later, Amir Abdollahian met with Kuwait's new Emir Sheikh Meshaal on Sunday evening and held talks.

During his meeting with Sheikh Meshaal, Amir Abdollahian conveyed the condolences and sympathies of the Iranian president and nation. He also congratulated the new Emir of Kuwait on his new position and emphasized the support of Iran for Kuwait.
 
The top Iranian diplomat expressed the readiness of  Iran to develop relations with Kuwait.

Sheikh Meshaal conveyed greetings to Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, and President Raisi. 

He expressed gratitude for the message of condolence and sympathy from Iran. 

Sheikh Meshaal also stated that he had instructed Kuwaiti officials to prioritize the comprehensive development of relations with Iran.