President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has departed on an official visit to the UAE. He is travelling to the Gulf kingdom to convey his condolences and sympathies to the family of President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan following his death and will conclude his visit and return to the Maldives on May 16.
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. Following his death, 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 days of mourning with the national flag flown at half-mast until May 16. He also signed the book of condolences opened in memory of Sheikh Khalifa.