Prime Minister Najib Mikati left Beirut for the United Arab Emirates to offer his condolences on the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE. The Lebanese delegation to the UAE includes Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdullah Bou Habib and the Lebanese Ambassador to the UAE Fouad Dandan. Following the announcement of Sheikh Khalifa's death yesterday, condolences from politicians for the UAE, its leaders, and its people poured in.
President Amin Gemayel sent a telegram to Vice President of the UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, extending his condolences on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In his message, Gemayel noted that the late leader was a fundamental pillar in the development of the UAE, strengthened Arab relations, and supported just causes, and that Lebanon and its people held a special place in his heart, inspired by the legacy of his late father Sheikh Zayed.
For his part, President Fouad Siniora sent messages of condolence to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, expressing his sorrow over the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The first message to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed stated: "I extend my heartfelt condolences to Your Highness on the passing of the greatly esteemed and revered leader of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He was, may God have mercy on him, the best successor to the best predecessor, the founder of the state, his father the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He carried the banner, preserved the trust, seized the reins of leadership, and managed it expertly amid extremely difficult circumstances, elevating this Arab state to be among the leading and advanced nations in the world. He succeeded in strengthening the foundation and development of the state, ensuring its continued alignment with the requirements of the era.
He represented a significant moral value for the UAE and granted its people greater honor, progress, and welfare. We ask God to keep him in His vast gardens and to inspire you and the brotherly Emirati people with patience and solace. We also pray that success and prosperity accompany you in assuming the responsibilities of governance as the elected President after the passing of the great leader so that you may continue the path of progress, advancement, and prosperity for the good of the UAE and the benefit of the Arab and Islamic nations."
The second message to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum mirrored similar sentiments, expressing condolences and emphasizing the leader's significant contributions to the nation.
For his part, Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt sent a telegram of condolences to the Crown Prince of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In his message, he expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Sheikh Khalifa, highlighting his role in establishing a modern state and leaving a lasting legacy in the Arab world.
Jumblatt also extended condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the same reason. Additionally, Democratic Party leader Talal Arslan sent condolence letters to both Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, noting Sheikh Khalifa's contributions to both the Arab and Islamic nations, as well as his support for Lebanon in challenging times.
Resigned MP Marwan Hamadeh stated that the absence of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has saddened them, reflecting on his noble character and significant impact on modernizing the UAE, while expressing condolences for the brotherly Emiratis.
MP Ali Asiran from the Development and Liberation bloc also expressed his condolences to the UAE’s leadership and people, acknowledging Sheikh Khalifa's contributions and support for Lebanon during difficult times.
Pierre Achkar, head of the Union of Tourism Syndicates, stated in a statement that the Arab world has lost a distinguished and devoted figure with the passing of Sheikh Khalifa, and offered condolences on behalf of himself and the Lebanese tourism sector. He concluded by asking God to grant the late leader peace and to comfort his loved ones and the Emirati people.
