KUWAIT CITY

Kuwait’s emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Tuesday called for drafting a comprehensive reform program to address the country's problems and advance sustainable development.

Speaking at the opening session of the newly-formed National Assembly (parliament), Sheikh Nawaf said the success of any reform program requires cooperation between parliament and the government, a firm application of law and dialogue to avoid divisions.

"Our country's path faces serious problems and major challenges which call for drafting a comprehensive reform program," he said.

The recent National Assembly's elections resulted in an all-male parliament with 31 new members where none of the women candidates managed to make it to the 50-member unicameral Assembly.

The new parliament is the first under the rule of Sheikh Nawaf, who took the reins in September following the death of his brother, late Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara