NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the demise of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, on Friday.
In a tweet, PM Modi wrote, “I am deeply saddened to know about the passing away of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed. 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. May his soul rest in peace.”
Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister took to twitter to express his condolences.
“We deeply mourn the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. He will be remembered as a leader who modernized and empowered the United Arab Emirates. This laid the foundation of the transformation of the India-UAE relationship,” Dr Jaishankar tweeted.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan died on Friday at the age of 73. The long-time ruler and the second President of the UAE succumbed to age-related illness. He was named the president of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi on November 3, 2004. He was the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs of UAE declared a 40-day nationwide mourning starting Friday over the premier’s death.
Born in 1948, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the 16th Ruler of Abu Dhabi. During his tenure, the UAE saw a massive transformation and futuristic development.
In an official tweet, Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE said, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. We extend our sincere condolences to the people of the UAE in this hour of mourning. We stand by our Emirati brothers and sisters, with the tricolour at half-mast.”