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.



GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
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GCC Welcomes Agreement between Yemen Govt, Houthis

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)
Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 28, 2023. (AP)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi welcomed on Wednesday the agreement between the legitimate Yemeni government and Iran-backed Houthi militias to de-escalate the situation with regard to the Yemeni banking sector and airlines.

The agreement was announced by the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi expressed the GCC's support for all regional and international efforts and the efforts led by the UN special envoy aimed at achieving peace and security in Yemen.

The announcement underscores the importance the international community attaches to the Yemeni crisis, he added, hoping the agreement will pave the way for Yemeni parties to start the political process, under UN auspices, to reach a comprehensive political solution that achieves security and stability in the country.

He reiterated the GCC's continued support and full solidarity with Yemen, its government and people, and its keenness to encourage all efforts to de-escalate and maintain stability in order to reach peace.