Kuwait lawmakers watch as the new emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah (not pictured) swears in as the country's 17th ruler, at the Kuwaiti parliament, on Dec 20, 2023 in Kuwait City. (PHOTO / AFP)

KUWAIT CITY / UNITED NATIONS - Kuwait's new Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah accepted cabinet's resignation on Wednesday, the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.

The cabinet, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, would continue as a caretaker government to handle urgent matters until a new one is formed, KUNA added.

Earlier Wednesday, Sheikh Mishal officially assumed the role of emir at an oath-taking ceremony at the National Assembly.

In his speech to the parliament, the new emir highlighted "the importance of accountability within the framework of the law."

"Both the legislative and executive authorities must fulfil their duties for the benefit of the country and its citizens," he said.

READ MORE: Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sworn in as Kuwait's emir

The 83-year-old emir urged the government and parliament to examine the current situation from perspectives such as security, economy, and people's livelihoods. He also reiterated his commitment to cooperation in the Gulf region and internationally.

He succeeds the late Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who passed away at the age of 86 on Dec 16. Sheikh Mishal is the 17th ruler of the oil-rich Gulf state.

UN chief lauds late Kuwaiti emir 

Also on Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid tribute to the late emir, adding that Sheikh Nawaf dedicated his life to the people of Kuwait. 

For nearly six decades, on the domestic and global stages, he served at the highest levels of government, across a diverse range of ministerial positions. Far beyond Kuwait's borders, he was a respected statesman, Guterres told a UN General Assembly plenary meeting dedicated to the memory of the late emir.

Sheikh Nawaf dedicated his life to the people of Kuwait. For nearly six decades, on the domestic and global stages, he served at the highest levels of government, across a diverse range of ministerial positions. Far beyond Kuwait's borders, he was a respected statesman, Guterres told a UN General Assembly plenary meeting

"He was a determined champion of preventive diplomacy -- an approach that helped define Kuwait's role across the Gulf region and around the world. He was a steadfast voice of regional and global stability, peace, and multilateralism -- the very values and goals that give life to this chamber (of the General Assembly)," said Guterres.

"He was a generous humanitarian, helping to ease human suffering and mobilize support for millions of people in need around the region and the world. And his personal commitment to collective solutions to forge peace remains an inspiration," added the UN chief.

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Sheikh Nawaf was seen as an emir of wisdom, forgiveness, and peace -- qualities that are in tragically short supply, said Guterres.

"As we look around the world today, we see a planet in turmoil. Conflicts, climate catastrophe, mistrust, inequalities and injustice are driving people, countries, and entire regions apart. As we honor the memory of Sheikh Nawaf today, let us also remember our own obligations ... to the principles for which he stood: to be wise in our decisions and actions, recognizing the impact they have on the world around us, and on future generations; to be forgiving of one another, accepting of our differences, understanding of one another's points of view, and respectful of every person's worth; and to be willing to collaborate and compromise to forge a world of peace that our children deserve. This is our solemn responsibility and one that Sheikh Nawaf clearly demonstrated through his words and his actions."

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Guterres extended his condolences to the late emir's family and the government and people of Kuwait and also his best wishes to the country's new ruler.

Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations' willingness to continue its strong partnership and friendship with Kuwait.