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 Reiterates Need to Reach Just Solution to Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reiterates Need to Reach Just Solution to Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday its welcoming of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion on Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories and the court’s confirmation of the illegality of the Israeli presence in the territories over the past 57 years.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Jeddah.

The government renewed the Kingdom’s position on the need for practical and credible steps to be taken to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict according to the 2002 Arab peace initiative and international resolutions.

The cabinet was briefed on the telephone talks held between Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

The calls focused on joint relations and ways to boost and develop them.

The cabinet reviewed the latest regional and international developments and Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to end the war on Gaza and support peace in Yemen to achieve regional security and stability.

It urged the international community, particularly active and influential parties, to assume its responsibilities and stop tensions in the region.

At the domestic level, the cabinet reviewed the latest economic developments and key indicators, including the stabilization of inflation in recent months due to the robustness of the Kingdom's economy and the effective measures and policies implemented to address the ramifications of rising global prices.