Bahrain premier, world’s longest-serving, no more
manama — Bahrain’s Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the world’s longest-serving prime minister who had held the post since independence in 1971, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84, state media announced.
Prince Khalifa played a key role in Bahrain’s political and economic affairs.
Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa was appointed prime minister after the death of Prince Khalifa.
Prince Khalifa died at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in the US, the official Bahrain News Agency said. The funeral will take place after his body has been transported home, and in line with coronavirus restrictions only a limited number of relatives will attend.
The country will hold a week of official mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast. Ministries and departments will be closed for three days.
The UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, offered condolences.
manama — Bahrain’s Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the world’s longest-serving prime minister who had held the post since independence in 1971, died on Wednesday at the age of 84, state media announced.
He played a key role in Bahrain’s political and economic affairs for more than three decades.
Prince Khalifa passed away at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in the United States, the official Bahrain News Agency said.
The burial ceremony will take place after his remains are transported home, and in line with coronavirus restrictions the ceremony will be limited to a “specific number” of relatives, it said.
The country will hold a week of official mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast. Government ministries and departments will be closed for three days.
Born on November 24, 1935, Khalifa began to attend his father’s royal court at the age of seven along with his elder brother, Prince Issa.
He was named in 1970 as the head of the state council, the executive branch of government which became the council of ministers after independence from Britain.
He conducted difficult negotiations with the Shah of Iran, Mo
Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa started a development journey that served his country and shaped the history of modern Bahrain. We ask Allah to bless his soul and grant his people the strength to endure and persevere.
His Highness Sheikh mohammed bin Rashid Al maktoum
May God have mercy on Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. He was one of the architects of modern Bahrain and he leaves behind a rich legacy. Our heartfelt condolences to King Hamad, the Crown Prince and the people of Bahrain.
His Highness Sheikh mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
hammad Reza Pahlavi, before independence over Iran’s claims to the islands.
Prince Khalifa strove for many years to establish Bahrain as a regional financial hub. Unlike other
Gulf states, the kingdom has only modest oil resources. Working closely with his brother, the late emir Sheikh Issa bin Salman Al Khalifa, he favoured strong ties with Washington. —