DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joined world leaders Wednesday in extending their condolences to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s president.
“The President conveys the Filipino nation’s solidarity with the UAE in this period of great loss and bereavement,” a Palace statement said.
“President Duterte recalls His Highness Sheikh Khalifa as a bold visionary whose leadership was crucial in the UAE’s sustained economic transformation and deeper engagement with the international community, including the Philippines.”
Sheikh Khalifa, the President said, will long be remembered even beyond the UAE for his legacy of leadership, wisdom and benevolence.
President Duterte’s sympathy message was personally conveyed to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan through his Special Envoy, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje.
UAE’s state news agency reported that Sheikh Khalifa died on May 13 at age 73.
The UAE leader was rarely seen in public after suffering a stroke in 2014, with his brother, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, taking over the role as the de facto ruler and the decision-maker on major foreign policy and security issues.
Sheikh Khalifa, who came to power in 2004, is expected to be succeeded as ruler of Abu Dhabi by Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed.
