World leaders mourn passing of Sheikh Khalifa

Condolences have been pouring in from leaders around the world, following the death of the UAE's President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain expressed his heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership and people, while the Royal Court announced that Bahrain will observe a three-day mourning with flags to be flown at half-mast.

The Diwan of Royal Court of Oman also announced that the Sultanate will observe a three-day mourning with flags to be flown at half-mast across public and private sector entities, from Friday, May 13.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar said Sheikh Khalifa was a great leader characterised by wisdom and moderation, and dedicated his life to serving his country and nation.

In a message on his official Twitter account, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said, "I mourn one of the most precious men and one of the greatest leaders who passed away after a long journey of giving."

أنعى بخالص الحزن والأسى رجلًا من أغلى الرجال، وقائدًا من أعظم القادة، الشيخ خليفة بن زايد آل نهيان، رئيس دولة الإمارات، الذي وافته المنية بعد رحلة طويلة من العطاء، قدم فيها الكثير لبلاده وأمته، حتى صارت الإمارات نموذجًا للتطور والحداثة في منطقتنا والعالم.
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— Abdelfattah Elsisi (@AlsisiOfficial) May 13, 2022

ولقد كان الشيخ خليفة محبًا لمصر بحق، وصديقًا مخلصًا في كل الظروف والأحوال، فباسمي واسم شعب مصر أتقدم بالتعازي لدولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة قيادة ودولة وشعباً في هذا المصاب الجلل، وأدعو الله عز و جل أن يتغمد الفقيد الغالي بواسع رحمته، وللإمارات الشقيقة بدوام التقدم والعزة.

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— Abdelfattah Elsisi (@AlsisiOfficial) May 13, 2022

US President Joe Biden said Sheikh Khalifa was a true partner and friend of the United States.

"We will honor his memory by continuing to strengthen the longstanding ties between the governments and people of the United States and the United Arab Emirates," he said in a statement.

Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan: https://t.co/W37HjLV95n

— US Mission to UAE (@USAinUAE) May 13, 2022

"He was a great statesman and visionary leader under whom India-UAE relations prospered. The heartfelt condolences of the people of India are with the people of UAE," said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

I am deeply saddened to know about the passing away of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed. He was a great statesman and visonary leader under whom India-UAE relations prospered. The heartfelt condolences of the people of India are with the people of UAE. May his soul rest in peace.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 13, 2022

"Sheikh Khalifa's bold leadership contributed so much to the advancement of the UAE and its people and to the growing partnership between our countries and is a great legacy for his successors," said Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Sheikh Khalifa's bold leadership contributed so much to the advancement of the UAE and its people and to the growing partnership between our countries and is a great legacy for his successors. His life's work pushed the Middle East to new horizons of prosperity and cooperation.

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) May 13, 2022

In a statement carried by the Jordan News Agency (Petra), the King of Jordan expressed his heartfelt condolences and prayed to Almighty to grant him eternal peace.

الملك ينعى الشيخ خليفة.. فقدنا أخا عزيزا وقائدا فذا https://t.co/WZF7B04Qur #بترا #الاردن pic.twitter.com/R2XMuO6jbF

— Jordan News Agency (@Petranews) May 13, 2022

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, also paid their tributes.

They expressed their heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership, government and people.

Royal Court's statement: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH Crown Prince condole the government of the United Arab Emirates Al Nahyan family, brotherly Emirati people and Arab and Islamic nations on passing away of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyanhttps://t.co/XMOVfxXe9E pic.twitter.com/Ul0GPoi8F5

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) May 13, 2022

Pakistan's President Dr. Arif Alvi expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Sheikh Khalifa.

"My heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan has lost a true friend," Dr. Alvi said.

I express deep sorrow and grief over the death of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE. My heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan has lost a true friend. May Allah rest his soul in peace. Ameen.

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 13, 2022

"My sympathy goes out to his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, his family and the people of the UAE," said French President Emmanuel Macron who paid his tributes.

La disparition du Cheikh Khalifa ben Zayed Al Nahyane endeuille Abou Dabi et les Émirats arabes unis.
Mes pensées vont à son frère le Prince héritier @MohamedBinZayed, à toute sa famille et au peuple émirien.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 13, 2022

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his sadness over the passing of Sheikh Khalifa.

He said that Sheikh Khalifa has been a pillar in strengthening friendly relations and establishing cooperation between the two countries.

His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, and Deputy Amir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Sabah extended their deepest condolences on behalf of the government and people of Kuwait to the UAE leadership, government and its people.

The Kuwaiti Amir declare an official state mourning with the flag flown at half-mast for a period of 40 days, and to suspend work in government departments and bodies for three days, starting Friday.

Kuwait Amir orders 40-day mourning, flags flown at half-mast after UAE Pres. demise
https://t.co/NXeed2Astf#KUNA #KUWAIT

— Kuwait News Agency - English Feed (@kuna_en) May 13, 2022

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Sheikh Khalifa was a "wise and respected leader who will be missed enormously".

I am deeply saddened to hear 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

The UAE announced a 40-day mourning period with flags flown at half-mast as of Friday and suspended work at all public and private sector entities for three days, starting Saturday, May 14.