KUWAIT, Sept 18 (KUNA) -- US President Donald Trump is awarding Friday the Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander, to the Amir of Kuwait His Highness Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the White House announced.
"A leader in the Middle East for decades, (HH) the Amir has been a truly unwavering friend and partner to the United States," the White House said in a statement.
It added that HH the Amir "provided indispensable support to the United States throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Defeat-(IS) campaign." "The Amir is also an unparalleled diplomat, having served as his nationآ’s Foreign Minister for 40 years," it noted.
"His tireless mediation of disputes in the Middle East has bridged divides under the most challenging circumstances." It affirmed that Trump "is very pleased to award this honor to his dear friend, the Amir." The statement noted that "the Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander, is a rarely-awarded, prestigious decoration that can only be bestowed by the President, typically to chiefs of state or heads of government of other countries. The honor was last awarded in 1991." It indicated that HH the Amir's eldest son, Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah "will accept the award on behalf of the Amir in a private ceremony." (end) si