Kuwait Emir Undergoes 'Minor' Surgery

The emir of oil-rich Kuwait has undergone a "successful minor surgery" in the United States following medical tests, the royal court said Sunday.

Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, who turns 85 in June, "will leave hospital after the usual convalescence period," the royal court said in a brief statement carried by KUNA state news agency.

The statement did not elaborate on the nature of the surgery, but said he was operated on following "successful and reassuring" medical tests.

The emir had traveled to the United States on Monday for a "routine" medical test, KUNA said at the time.

Sheikh Sabah, who had a pacemaker implanted in February 2000, had also traveled to New York last September for medical tests.

He ascended to power in January 2006 after serving as foreign minister for almost four decades and premier for three years.

The emir had a successful urinary tract surgery in the United States in August 2007.

Kuwait is the world's fourth-largest oil exporter.