January 15, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Paul Martin made the following statement regarding the death of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah:

"On behalf of all Canadians, the Government of Canada offers its sincere condolences and sympathies to the Al-Sabah family and the people of Kuwait in mourning the passing of the Emir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah.

"The Emir had been an active and decisive force in Kuwait's development.
His rule saw Kuwait become the first Arab country in the Gulf region to have an elected legislature. Canadians admired his leadership on the role of women in Kuwaiti society and government.

"Canada was proud to participate in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991 and we look forward to advancing already strong relations in cooperation with the newly appointed Emir, Sheik Saad Al Abdullah Al Sabah. Kuwait has inherited a solid legacy on which to build a prosperous and stable future for all Kuwaitis."