UAE’s diplomatic community pays rich tributes to Khalifa

Late President recalled as a father to Emiratis and expatriates

The UAE’s diplomatic community has expressed their sincerest condolences on the passing of UAE President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday. Ambassadors and consuls general in UAE also paid rich tributes to the UAE leader in messages they sent to Gulf News on Friday.

They recalled Shaikh Khalifa as a most gracious and affectionate leader, a father to both Emiratis and expatriates. A great friend to the diplomatic community will “forever be remembered by all Emiratis and expatriates living inside and outside the UAE, they said.

Indian Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir said: “We deeply mourn the passing away of His Highness President Shaikh Khalifa. He was a great statesman and visonary leader who carried on the legacy of Shaikh Zayed. He continued strengthening relations with India. He will also be remembered for his kindness towards the Indian community. The heartfelt condolences of the Government and people of India are with the Government and people of UAE at this somber time. Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar have conveyed their condolences at the passing of Shaikh Khalifa.”

Hasan Arzal Khan, Pakistan Consul General, said: “We are deeply saddened on the demise of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. This is indeed a great loss for the country and the people of the UAE.

On behalf of the Pakistani community living in Dubai and Northern Emirates, I wish to express our deepest condolences and sympathy. Pakistan has undoubtedly lost a great friend today. The people of UAE will always remember His Highness’ contributions to the progress and prosperity of the UAE.

Father figure

Javed Malik, former Ambassador and Pakistan’s Special Envoy in the GCC, added: Shaikh Khalifa was one of the most gracious and affectionate leaders I have ever met. He was greatly loved and admired by the Pakistani community in UAE as well as by millions of Pakistanis inside the country who saw him as a father figure. Under his leadership the relations between both countries continued to grow in an upward trajectory. The numerous welfare projects initiated under his directives stand tall as a symbol for his gracious love for the country and its people. Today, the entire Pakistani nation mourns the loss of the great Shaikh Khalifa as we express our deepest condolences to the PM, the Crown Princes, Rulers, and the people of UAE” Renato Dueñas Jr., Philippine Consul General, shared: “The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai expresses on behalf of the Filipino people its deepest condolences to the people and Government of the UAE on the passing of Shaikh Khalifa. He was a great leader who showed great kindness and hospitality to thousands upon thousands of Filipinos who have considered the UAE their home away from home. His life and leadership have significantly contributed to the remarkable progress of the UAE and was responsible for raising the country’s stature to what it is today.”

Patrick Moody, UK Ambassador to the UAE, added: “I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. On behalf of the British Government and British people, I would like to express our most heartfelt condolences. His Highness’ resolve and devotion to his country will continue to be an example of strong leadership and compassion. Our prayers and sympathies are with all the people of the UAE at this time of national mourning.”

Well-respected leader

Indonesian Consul-General K. Candra Negara noted: ‘’On behalf of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Dubai and the Indonesian community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, I would like to express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the people and government of UAE on the passing of Shaikh Khalifa. He was a great leader of the country and well-respected leader in the Arab nations. He had shown great kindness and hospitality, as well as guidance to all peoples from various nationalities who live in this country. His life and leadership have significantly contributed to the remarkable progress of the UAE and will be the greatest legacy for the UAE. We pray to Almighty Allah, the Most Merciful to shower His blessing and grant the soul of HH Shaikh Khalifa eternal peace.”

Nalinda Wijerathna, ConsulGeneral of Sri Lanka, said: “I, together with the Sri Lankan Community in the UAE, express our deepest condolences to the people and government of the

UAE on the demise of Shaikh Khalifa. In this moment of great grief, our thoughts are with the people of the UAE. Shaikh Khalifa’s invaluable contribution to the progress of this great nation will never be forgotten.

Kamal Vaswani, Ambassador of Singapore, added: “On behalf of the Singapore Embassy to the UAE, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the leadership and people of the UAE on the passing of Shaikh Khalifa. His Highness dedicated his life to serving the people of the UAE. The country achieved tremendous prosperity and enhanced its international reputation during his reign.”