President Duterte has extended condolences to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government and its people over the death of UAE President and His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“The President conveys the Filipino nation’s solidarity with the UAE in this period of great loss and bereavement,” Malacañang said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Duterte, who described the late leader as a “bold visionary” said Sheikh Khalifa’s leadership “was crucial” for the oil-rich Gulf State as it continued its economic transformation and pursued deeper relations with the global community.
The President also said that His Highness Sheikh Khalifa will long be remembered even beyond the UAE for his legacy of leadership, wisdom and benevolence.
Duterte’s sympathy message was personally conveyed to United Arab Emirates President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan through his Special Envoy, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje. Vito Barcelo
Sheikh Khalifa, who was rarely seen in public, passed away Friday last week at the age of 73 due to lingering illness. He took over as UAE’s second President in November 2004, succeeding his father as the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi, the richest of the federation’s 7 emirates.