CAIRO – 14 May 2022: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has returned to Egypt after a brief visit to the United Arab Emirates to extend condolences over the death of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
Sheikh Khalifa died on Friday after long illness and the UAE Federal Supreme Council Saturday unanimously elected Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed as the UAE president.
Extending condolences
On Friday, Sisi mourned the death of the Sheikh Khalifa.
“I deeply mourn with sorrow the loss of one of the most precious men and greatest leaders, President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who passed away after a long journey of giving during which he offered a lot to his country and nation, until the UAE became a model for development & modernity in our region & the world,” said President Sisi in a statement.
President Sisi added that Sheikh Khalifa sincerely loved Egypt and was a loyal friend in all conditions and circumstances.
“On my behalf and on behalf of the people of Egypt, I offer the leadership and people of the UAE our sincere condolences for this great loss. I ask Allah Almighty to extend his mercy and forgiveness to the late UAE president and to maintain the UAE's progress and pride,” he added.
Egypt has declared a three-day mourning period nationwide after the death of the UAE president starting from Friday.
Extending congratulations
President Sisi congratulated Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for assuming the reins of power as president of the UAE, expressing his best wishes for success to his brother.
Sisi wished that bin Zayed continues the path of development and prosperity for the sisterly UAE and the rational policies achieved by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed.
Grand Imam of Al Azhar Ahmed El-Tayeb also congratulated Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for becoming the new UAE president.
In posts on social media, Tayyeb wished the new ruler to proceed with the path of his late father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in serving the nation and spreading justice and good everywhere.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Sheikh Khalifa who died on Friday, noting that he was a unique icon who realized great achievements.
Who is Mohamed bin Zayed
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed has prominent roles in the renaissance, construction and development processes that was witnessed in the UAE.
He has particularly exerted prominent efforts in developing the UAE armed forces. He held a number of positions in the UAE armed forces since his graduation in 1979 from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, and until his appointment in January 2005 as the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was born in Al-Ain on March 11, 1961, and he is the third son of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding president of the United Arab Emirates.
He was raised under the patronage of his father and mother, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
He was selected as the Best international figure in the field of humanitarian relief in 2021.
For more about bin Zayed, click here.
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