New Kuwaiti government sworn in

KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait

The new Kuwaiti government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah took the constitutional oath on Wednesday before the country's Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

"You have responsibilities and duties that require diligent work in the spirit of one team to continue the reform process, implement economic programs and advance development in the country," Sheikh Mishal said during his meeting with the new cabinet members.

He conveyed the greetings of the country's Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad to the new government, the state news agency KUNA reported.

On Tuesday, Sheikh Nawaf issued a decree approving the lineup of the new 15-member cabinet.

According to the lineup, the ministers of defense foreign affairs, oil, education, endowments, and communications and information technology remained in their positions, while nine new ministers were picked, including the portfolios of finance, interior affairs, health and trade and industry.

Last month, the Kuwaiti government resigned amid a row with opposition lawmakers.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar