NEW DELHI: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is elected as the President of the United Arab Emirates, Emirati daily Khaleej Times reported.
The Federal Supreme Council of the Emirate on Saturday unanimously elected Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan following the demise of the President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday.
In an official release, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs clarified that according to Article 51 of the Emirati Constitution, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was unanimously elected as the President of the UAE.
It was a widely expected move as Sheikh Mohamed, often known as ‘MBZ’, was calling the shots while the former ruler was sidelined by poor health.
It was under Sheikh Mohamed’s direction, that the UAE wrote new chapters in science and technology as it has put a man in space, sent a probe to Mars and opened the nation’s first nuclear reactor. He was also instrumental in using the Emirates’ oil-funded clout to develop a more assertive foreign policy.
Under Sheikh Mohamed’s guidance, the UAE has emerged as a leader of a reshaped Middle East since the retreat of traditional powers and the reduced involvement of the United States. UAE has forged ties with Israel, something that was unthinkable at that time, and joined a war against Iran-backed militants in Yemen.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu have expressed their deep condolences over the demise of President of UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed.
French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Abu Dhabi to mourn the death of the Emirati leader.
The Indian Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu is most likely to visit Abu Dhabi to pay the last respect to the Emirati leader.
“Anguished by the demise of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE. He was a sagacious leader, who played a pivotal role in accelerating development in the UAE. My thoughts are with his bereaved family and the people of the UAE in this hour of grief,” Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said while expressing his condolences to late Emirati leader Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed.