KUWAIT, May 22 (KUNA) -- Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah on Friday expressed "deep sorrow and grief" over the death of the late renowned politician Jassem Al-Kharafi.
The former speaker of Kuwait's National Assembly passed away on Thursday at the age of 75, and was buried today.
The deceased was one of prominent Kuwaiti figures who loved their country and served it sincerely, Sheikh Salam said in a press statement, emphasizing Al-Kharafi's "unforgettable" services for Kuwait.
History will always remember Al-Kharafi's persistent efforts and hard work for his country, he said, referring to him as a "loss for Kuwait and the Arab and Muslim Worlds" and one who had a "rich and varied national and political experience." Sheikh Salman referred to Al-Kharafi's remarkable economic achievements as MP, a Minister of Finance, and later as a National Assembly speaker, as well as a leading pundit and business figure whose projects extended wide and large, at home and abroad.
In addition, he had managed through his lifetime to establish a broad network of social relations, on all levels, based on mutual respect and confidence, the minister said.
Al-Kharafi was a witness to several events Kuwait experienced since he joined politics in mid-1970s till the end, and he always upheld public interest above personal interest, Sheikh Salman said.
Al-Kharafi was born in 1940 in the neighborhood of Qiblah of Kuwait City and he belonged to a locally highly-revered family of businessmen and politicians. His father Abdulmohsin was an MP and formed Al-Kharafi Group, one of the largest trading firms in the country.
He was voted an MP nine times and a National Assembly speaker from 1999 to 2011.
Al-Kharafi was appointed Minister of Finance and Economy in 1985-1990. (end) maa.msa