World Leaders Mourn Passing of UAE's Sheikh Khalifa

UAE national flags fly at half-mass at the Union House Etihad Museum after the announcement of the Emirates president's death, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, May 13, 2022. (AP)
UAE national flags fly at half-mass at the Union House Etihad Museum after the announcement of the Emirates president's death, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, May 13, 2022. (AP)
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World Leaders Mourn Passing of UAE's Sheikh Khalifa

UAE national flags fly at half-mass at the Union House Etihad Museum after the announcement of the Emirates president's death, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, May 13, 2022. (AP)
UAE national flags fly at half-mass at the Union House Etihad Museum after the announcement of the Emirates president's death, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, May 13, 2022. (AP)

World leaders mourned on Friday the passing of United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan.

US President Joe Biden expressed his deep sadness over his death.

In a statement issued by the White House, President Biden said: "Sheikh Khalifa was a true partner and friend of the United States throughout his decades-long tenure as President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and in his earlier role as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi."

"On behalf of the American people, I offer my condolences to Sheikh Khalifa’s family and all Emiratis as they mourn this great loss."

"We will honor his memory by continuing to strengthen the longstanding ties between the governments and people of the United States and the United Arab Emirates."

The UAE announced that Sheikh Khalifa had died on Friday.

French President Emmanuel Macron mourned Sheikh Khalifa.

In a tweet, he expressed his sympathy with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, his family and the people of the UAE.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog mourned Sheikh Khalifa, offering his deepest condolences on behalf of the Israeli people to Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed.

"This is a great loss for our friends in the UAE and for the whole region," he added.

"Sheikh Khalifa's bold leadership contributed so much to the advancement of the UAE and its people and to the growing partnership between our countries and is a great legacy for his successors. His life's work pushed the Middle East to new horizons of prosperity and cooperation."

Russian President Vladimir Putin mourned Sheikh Khalifa.

According to the Kremlin press service, Putin extended his condolences to the UAE leadership, government and people.

He said Sheikh Khalifa has been a pillar in strengthening friendly relations and establishing cooperation between the UAE and Russia.



Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji reaffirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s openness to international initiatives aimed at bringing peace to Sudan.
At the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, held in Djibouti, Al-Khuraiji discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis.
He mentioned that Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the United States, facilitated talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to the Jeddah Declaration on May 11, 2023, which aimed to protect civilians.
Al-Khuraiji also noted the continuation of talks with the involvement of the African Union and IGAD, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s support for African-led solutions.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to restoring stability in Sudan and urged all parties to act with wisdom, show restraint, and support positive initiatives.
Al-Khuraiji also met with EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, on the sidelines of the consultative meeting.
In separate meetings, he also met with the UN Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, and US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello.
During these meetings, they reviewed the latest developments in Sudan, explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and discussed topics of mutual interest.
The Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) expressed support for international and regional meetings, hoping they would bring positive results to ease the suffering of the Sudanese people.
They urged the need that discussions focus on ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, protecting civilians, and achieving an immediate ceasefire.
Taqaddum highlighted the importance of international legal frameworks for civilian protection and safe passageways during the conflict.
They called on international and regional partners to quickly bring both sides back to negotiations, build on the Jeddah agreements, and secure a binding ceasefire with effective monitoring.
Taqaddum also stressed the need for a unified negotiation platform to achieve peace.