ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Top Kurdish and Iraqi leaders on Friday offered their condolences to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its people on the passing of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced the death of Sheikh Khalifa at the age of 73 on Friday. The government declared a 40-day mourning period for the president, who assumed the role following the death of his father Sheikh Zayed in 2004.
President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani extended his condolences to the late president’s family, stating that they “share their grief” on the death of Sheikh Khalifa.
"With deep sadness and great sorrow, I condole his highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the honorable family, their Highnesses, the leadership, the state and the people of the sister Emirates," President Barzani wrote.
The Region’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani sent out a condoling tweet, lauding Sheikh Khalifa’s role in booming the UAE.
“I offer my sincere condolences on the passing of the deceased, who devoted his life to serving his people and humanity,” said the premier.
Sheikh Khalifa suffered a stroke in 2014 and had been battling illness for several years. He was rarely seen in public.
The late president is likely to be replaced by his half-brother, the crown prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who was seen as UAE’s de-facto ruler, reported AFP.
The cause of Sheikh Khalifa’s death was not immediately released.
Iraq President Barham Salih also extended his condolences for the passing of the president of the “sisterly” UAE, commemorating Sheikh Khalifa for his “wisdom and generosity.”
Iraq PM Mustafa al-Kadhim joined the rest of the leaders, expressing his sorrow for receiving the news of Sheikh Khalifa’s death.
Kadhimi said he is confident that “the pioneering path of the great late will continue with the efforts of the country's leadership and people.”
Iraq’s parliamentary speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi also paid his respects to the people of the UAE, referring to Sheikh Khalifa's journey as one “full of giving and achievements.”
The UAE enjoys unique relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, especially when it comes to the UAE's support in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), its humanitarian aid to the displaced people in the Region and its investment.
In 2021, the UAE said that it will invest $3 billion in Iraq as an initiative to strengthen economic and investment relations with the country.
