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 Interior Ministry Highlights Successful Efforts at Countering Narcotics

Deputy Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia Dr. Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood. (SPA)
Deputy Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia Dr. Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood. (SPA)
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Saudi Interior Ministry Highlights Successful Efforts at Countering Narcotics

Deputy Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia Dr. Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood. (SPA)
Deputy Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia Dr. Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood. (SPA)

Deputy Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood, said on Tuesday that the Kingdom implemented a comprehensive security campaign that successfully dealt with drug-related crimes.
He said the campaign entailed coordinated security plans involving all concerned parties.
Dawood, who led the Kingdom's delegation to the 2nd Baghdad International Conference on Countering Narcotics 2024 held in Iraq on Monday, stressed the need to strengthen efforts among the participating nations to control the spread of narcotics and to discuss mechanisms to stop drug trafficking.
He emphasized that countering smuggling and drug trafficking fall in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 top priorities.
Dawood highlighted the Kingdom's commitment to dealing with the dangers posed by drugs to the security and stability of society by harnessing national capabilities to raise the society's awareness to this threat.