Khalifa’s contribution will be remembered forever: Vijayan
Kerala leaders express deep condolences; Sheikh Khalifa ‘always kept cordial relations with Kerala. He played a major role in boosting UAE- India ties,’ says CM
Leaders of the southern Indian state of Kerala, home to a large number of expatriates, expressed deep condolences over the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, former President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
India has declared a state of mourning on Saturday as a mark of respect to the late leader throughout the nation with the national flag flying at half-mast where it is regularly flown and cancelled all official entertainment programmes.
“The National Flag will be flown at half-mast on the day of mourning throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on that day,” an official announcement here said.
The district collectors were asked to inform the concerned offices within their jurisdiction where the national flag is regularly flown about the state mourning and to fly the national flag at half-mast.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said he was “extremely sad” over the passing of His Highness
“who has always kept cordial relations with Kerala.”
“He was a visionary leader who played a key role in modernising the Emirates. His contribution will be remembered forever,” he said in his condolence message.
“He also played a major role in strengthening the relationship between the UAE and our country. He maintained a warm and cordial relationship with the Indian people.”
He said his care for the welfare of the Indian community, including the Malayalees in the UAE, will always be remembered. He found happiness in helping Kerala and Keralites.
“The helping hand he extended to Kerala during the floods is memorable. Zayed Al Nahyan was noted for his secular approach and was accepted by all sections of the people,” he said.
“The long-term vision shown in ensuring development for the foreseeable future is also noteworthy.”
Leaderoftheoppositioninthekeralalegislative Assembly, VD Satheesan, also issued a condolence message lauding his role in strengthening bilateral relations and his care for Indians.
“He modernised the Emirates and contributed significantly to building a beter world. His contribution will be cherished always,” he said, offering his condolences and prayers.
“Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was a Ruler who, over time, led the country to development and progressive thinking.”
The Congress party leader remembered him as a ruler who ensured equal treatment and participation for women in governance.
He remembered the appointment of a woman minister and a woman judge for the first time in the history of the UAE as a sign of Khalifa’s progressive vision.
He also observed that he had ensured 30 per cent representation of women in high positions in government.
“Sheikh Khalifa treated the expatriates, including the Malayalees, with care. I share the grief of the people of the UAE.”
On Friday, India’s President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the passing of Sheikh Khalifa.
“Saddened at the demise of His Highness
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. We will always remember his contribution to our bilateral relations and the welfare of the Indian community in the UAE. My condolences to His Highness’ family, the government and the people of the UAE in this hour of grief,” he tweeted.
Expressing deep grief over the passing away of the late President, Modi described Sheikh Khalifa “as a great statesman and a visionary leader under whom India-uae relations prospered. May he rest in peace.”
Modi’s statement said, “The hearfelt condolences of the people of India are with the people of UAE.”
India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, said, “We deeply mourn the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE. He will be remembered as a leader who modernised and empowered the UAE. This laid the foundation of the transformation of the India-uae relationship,” Jaishankar tweeted.