The Emir of Nawaf of Kuwait, an oil-producing country in the Middle East, has died. He was 86.
Kuwaiti state television reported on the 16th that Sheikh Nawaf had died.
Sheikh Nawaf was crowned crown prince in 2006 after serving as interior minister and defense minister, and succeeded his brother Sabaha after the death of his brother three years earlier.
According to state television, Sheikh Nawaf fell ill last month and was hospitalized for treatment.
The Kuwaiti government has announced that it will mourn for 3 days following the death of Sheikh Nawaf, and his younger brother, 40-year-old Crown Prince Mishar, is expected to ascend to the throne.
In Kuwait, political turmoil continues, with the government centered on the royal family and parliament at odds, and the dissolution of parliament repeatedly.
Prime Minister Kishida: "Playing an Important Role for Peace and Stability in the Middle East"
"On behalf of the Government and the people, I would like to express my deepest condolences," Prime Minister Kishida said in a statement, "Emir Nawaf has played an important role in building close relations with other countries and realizing peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East regions. It is a great loss for the international community, and Japan will always stand with Kuwait as the Kuwaiti people overcome this deep grief."