JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has sent a condolence message to the people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) saying he is saddened to learn of the passing on of UAE President Al Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who died during the earlier ours of Friday.

Sheikh Khalifa was the eldest son of the UAE’s founder President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He served as the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi from November 3, 2004. He was elected to succeed his father who served as the UAE’s first president from 1971 until he passed away on November 2, 2004.

In a statement issued by the presidency, Kiir said he is saddened to learn of the UAE president’s demise and conveyed the condolence of the government and people of South Sudan to the UAE citizens.

“I am profoundly saddened to receive the news of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, which occurred this morning,” he said.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of South Sudan, I convey my heartfelt condolences to his highness family and the entire populous of the United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi,” he added.

The president said “The untimely passing of Sheikh Al Nahyan, while incredibly painful reminds us of the importance of legacy. South Sudan received tremendous support from the United Arab Emirates under Sheikh al Nahyan leadership, a great testimony to his desire and to sharing his vision of development with other countries.

“His highness was one of the leaders that shared our commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in South Sudan. Throughout our nation building process, the United Arab Emirates have stood firmly with South Sudan and worked tirelessly alongside us as we strived to build our nation.

“During this sad moment, the people of South Sudan stand in solidarity with the people of the United Arab Emirates during this mourning period. We will always remember Sheikh al Nahyan his transformative vision which has left a legacy of rapid development in the UAE. May God, the merciful comfort his family and rest his soul rest in eternal peace.” - Sudans Post