KUWAIT CITY, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait has multiple challenges to meet in the light of the global COVID-19 crisis as the country's new emir took office after the passing of the old ruler, Kuwaiti experts said.

Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah took the oath before the National Assembly, the legislature of Kuwait, on Wednesday to become the 16th Emir of the Gulf Arab country, a day after the death of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Sheikh Nawaf said Kuwait is facing serious challenges which can be overcome only by unity and concerted efforts of the people.

Speaking to Xinhua, Ayed Al-Manna, a professor of political sciences at Kuwait University, explained that these challenges are the legacy of the past.

"The most important challenge Kuwait has been facing for two years is corruption which involves money laundering, embezzlement of public money and human trafficking," he said.

The national security is another huge challenge, Al-Manna added, noting instability in the region, especially the tension between the United States and Iran, has put Kuwait in a sensitive position.

However, the professor expressed his belief in the ability of Sheikh Nawaf who held security positions for years, to address Kuwait's security concerns.

Sheikh Nawaf had long been governor of Hawalli Governorate, before holding the portfolios of Minister of Interior, Minister of Defense and Deputy Chief of the National Guard, Al-Manna said.

Education, health system, and housing are also among the major challenges that have been confronting Kuwait for years, according to experts.

A new headache is the growing economic challenge arising from the drop in oil revenues and the spread of the novel coronavirus that led to a nationwide lockdown and paralyzed the economy for months.

Maytham Al-Shakhs, an economic analyst and the head of Athra Real Estate Company, told Xinhua that Kuwait now suffers from a wide budget deficit and the division between the government and the National Assembly regarding the approval of the public debt law.

This challenge requires cooperation between the government and the National Assembly with the aim of improving Kuwait's credit rating after it was downgraded by Moody's, Al-Shakhs explained.

On the front of the foreign relations, Al-Manaa said he expects "more cooperation with the eastern side of the world without affecting the relationship with the western side." Enditem

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