President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday visited the embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and offered heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the people and the government of UAE on the death of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Alvi expressed his grief over the demise of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and said the people of Pakistan were deeply saddened over his death, and termed him a true and sincere friend of Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the death of the Sheikh Khalifa was a great loss for both the countries, adding that Pakistan shared the grief of the royal family and the people of the UAE.
While paying rich tribute to the services rendered by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for Pakistan, the president said that Pakistan-UAE ties under his leadership were further strengthened. He also reiterated the resolve to further improve and cement the friendship between the two countries. UAE’s ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi thanked the president for the condolence visit and said that both Pakistan and UAE enjoyed strong relations. He also appreciated the contributions of the Pakistani community in the economic development of the UAE.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari travelled to UAE on Monday to offer condolences to the Al-Nahyan family, the leadership and people of the UAE, on the passing away of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “In the demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, the UAE has lost a visionary and statesman, who profoundly transformed the country.
Pakistan has also lost a sincere friend and partner who made invaluable contributions towards strengthening fraternal ties between the two countries,” the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release. In this hour of grief, the thoughts and prayers of the people of Pakistan are with the Al-Nahyan family and the Emirati brethren, the spokesperson further added.
