President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has sent messages of condolence following the passing of President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
President Solih sent messages of condolence to the Acting President, Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as well as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In the messages, President Solih said he was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sheikh Khalifa and that the government and the people of the Maldives extend their deepest condolences to the royal family, the government, and the people of the UAE. The president also said that Sheikh Khalifa was a close ally and friend to the Maldives and a visionary leader who made important strides to take the UAE to great heights of progress and prosperity.
Furthermore, President Solih declared that the Maldives will observe three-day mourning with the national flag flown at half-mast from May 14-16. The president also signed the book of condolences opened in memory of Sheikh Khalifa and plans to travel to the UAE to convey his condolences and sympathies in person to the family.
President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa, who was also the Emir of Abu Dhabi and the Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, passed away on May 13 at the age of 73.