LOC18:02
15:02 GMT
KUWAIT, Jan 15 (KUNA) -- The late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah led Kuwait to progress in various fields, mainly including urbanization, said President of the Kuwait Association for the Ideal Family Sheikha Fariha Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Although Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad, or "Amir of Hearts", passed away 11 years ago, people will remember him forever, Sheikha Fariha said in a press release on Sunday.
During his rule, which began in 1977, the late Amir steered the country's advancement and development in various domains and sectors, she added.
She pointed to the great role and achievements made by the State of Kuwait during the era of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad, she said, adding that he was chosen Head of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) when its rotating session was held in Kuwait.
The late Amir played a key role in the promotion of the OIC's position at the world level and worked hard to establish many regulative laws, she said.
Having been keen on Kuwait's international presence, the late Amir adopted the country's policy for opening up to the world, and established strong relations with many world countries, thus enabling Kuwait to fulfill its people's expectations and ambitions, she added.
On the Gulf level, it was the late Amir who came up with the idea of creating the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and suggested a GCC Advisory Council which acts as a legislator for the six GCC member states.
Furthermore, Kuwait, during his era, made considerable progress in terms of revamping women's status and ensuring gender equality as Kuwaiti women obtained political rights; mainly the appointment of the first female cabinet minister in the country's history, Sheikh Fariha boasted.
She quoted the late Amir as having emphasized national unity as the most effective way to create miracles and achieve national development and prosperity.
Kuwait marks on Sunday the 11th anniversary of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The late Amir, who took over the reign on 31 December, 1977, was the 13th ruler of Kuwait, and the third Amir during the state's constitutional era that began with the signing of the constitution on November 11, 1962 by the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.
The wisdom and experience of the late Amir, along with the great support of many brotherly and friendly countries, led to the liberation of Kuwait from the 1990 Iraqi invasion. (end)
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