President Duterte offers condolences on the passing of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joined world leaders Wednesday in extending their condolences to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s president.
“The President conveys the Filipino nation’s solidarity with the UAE in this period of great loss and bereavement,” a Palace statement said.
“President
Duterte recalls His Highness Sheikh Khalifa as a bold visionary whose
leadership was crucial in the UAE’s sustained economic transformation and
deeper engagement with the international community, including the Philippines.”
Sheikh
Khalifa, the President said, will long be remembered even beyond the UAE for
his legacy of leadership, wisdom and benevolence.
President
Duterte’s sympathy message was personally conveyed to UAE President Sheikh
Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan through his Special Envoy, Secretary Robert E.A.
Borje.
UAE’s
state news agency reported that Sheikh Khalifa died on May 13 at age 73.
The UAE
leader was rarely seen in public after suffering a stroke in 2014, with his
brother, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, taking over the role as
the de facto ruler and the decision-maker on major foreign policy and security
issues.
Sheikh
Khalifa, who came to power in 2004, is expected to be succeeded as ruler of Abu
Dhabi by Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed. PND
