Kuwait has appointed MP Ali Saleh Al-Omair as oil minister, following a government reshuffle. Ali Saleh Al-Omar replaces former oil minister Mustapha Al-Shamali, as the Kuwaiti government looks to rebalance the cabinet, say Reuters.
His appointment is unlikely to radically change Kuwait’s energy policy, which is set by the Supreme Petroleum Council. Al-Omair’s appointment was part of a reshuffle approved by Kuwait’s ruler, state news agency KUNA reported, citing a royal decree.
It is unusual for an MP to hold this position in Kuwait’s hand-picked cabinet. However, Al-Omair is not the first law maker to rise to this position. His duties will include representing Kuwait at OPEC meetings.
Kuwait is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and a key US. ally. Like other wealthy Gulf Arab countries, Kuwait does not tax earnings and provides a generous welfare system for its citizens.
The elections in July were the sixth since 2006. Significant changes in the parliament and cabinet have slowed the implementation of development plans and economic reforms proposed by the government.
