ABU DHABI: Tributes poured in from around the world on Friday after the United Arab Emirates announced the death of its president, Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan.
GCC Secretary-General -- Dr Nayef Falah Mubarak al Hajraf, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expressed his heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership and people on this sad news, and prayed to Allah Almighty to rest his soul in eternal peace and grant the Al Nahyan family and the UAE people patience and solace.
Arab League -- Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership, government and people on this sad news, and prayed to Allah Almighty to grant him peace in Paradise. He said that Arab League will observe three-day mourning with flags to be flown at half-mast.
United States -- President Joe Biden said Shaikh Khalifa was "a true partner and friend of the United States", adding the US "will honour his memory by continuing to strengthen" relations with the UAE.
European Union -- European Council President Charles Michel said it was "with sadness" that he had learned of Shaikh Khalifa's death. "The EU honours his legacy and leadership under which the UAE became frontrunner of sustainable development & economic diversification."
India -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted he was "deeply saddened" over the news, saying Shaikh Khalifa "was a great statesman and visionary leader under whom India-UAE relations prospered".
Pakistan -- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tweeted he was "grieved to hear about the passing" of Shaikh Khalifa, adding: "UAE has lost a visionary leader & Pakistan a great friend."
Israel - - Prime Minister Naftali Bennett offered "his sincerest condolences to the UAE government and its people".
Palestinians -- President Mahmud Abbas said he "mourns" for the UAE.
Jordan -- Jordan expressed the "deepest sympathies of King Abdullah and the people of Jordan, as they stand with the people of the UAE in these difficult times".
Egypt -- President Abdel Fattah al Sisi said Shaikh Khalifa was a "loyal friend in all circumstances and conditions".
Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia said it "shares the UAE people's sorrows" over the death of the president.
Qatar -- The emir, Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, offered "the brotherly people of the UAE my deepest condolences and sympathy".
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
