World leaders and organizations mourned the death of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who passed away on Friday, describing him as a leader whose legacy will live on.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed sorrow over Sheikh Khalifa’s death, saying in a tweet that the latter was “a wise and respected leader who will be greatly missed.”
I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. pic.twitter.com/mwHerhwEiG
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 13, 2022
France and Moscow also offered their condolences.
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Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expressed his condolences in a tweet. “Sheikh Khalifa’s great legacy and exploits were appreciated by many in Israel. The State of Israel stands with the United Arab Emirates and its people at this difficult time,” Bennett said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing Sheikh Khalifa as a “great statesman and visionary leader under whom relations between India and the UAE prospered.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by Pakistan, Turkey, Iran and Ethiopia, with Pakistani President Nawaz Sharif saying his country had lost a “true friend” in Sheikh Khalifa’s death.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian sent a cable offering his condolences to his Emirati counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Fars news agency reported.
The European Council, the European Commission and the United Nations also mourned Sheikh Khalifa.
European Council President Charles Michel praised Sheikh Khalifa’s leadership, which he said made the UAE a leader in sustainable development.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, offered her condolences to the people of the United Arab Emirates on the death of Sheikh Khalifa, who “dedicated his life to this country.”
“With him, the UAE became prosperous, tolerant and open to the world. His legacy will live on,” von der Leyen said in a tweet.
I offer my condolences to the people of the United Arab Emirates on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa.⁰
The Sheikh dedicated his life to his country, working for the welfare and future of the Emirates.With him, the UAE became prosperous, tolerant and open to the world. His legacy will live on.
– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 13, 2022
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed his deepest condolences to the United Arab Emirates, its government and its people.
Guterres praised the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa that contributed to the prosperity of the United Arab Emirates “marked by great economic advances and an increase in its regional and global influence.”
Read more:
From childhood in Al Ain to a revered leader: Sheikh Khalifa’s path to the presidency of the United Arab Emirates
‘Great loss’: Top US officials mourn UAE’s Sheikh Khalifa
UAE Officials, Arab Leaders Mourn Sheikh Khalifa’s Death