MM News

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the United Arab Emirates to express condolence on the demise of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The prime minister arrived in Dubai from London. He will meet and express condolences with Crown Prince Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan.

According to a statement by the Foreign Office, the prime minister will convey the profound sympathies and condolences of the leadership, Government and people of Pakistan.

It added that Pakistan and the UAE are bound by close fraternal relationship. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the relationship between Pakistan and the UAE scaled new heights.

“He was a sincere friend of Pakistan. His invaluable contributions will be long remembered by the Government and the people of Pakistan,” the statement added.

In solidarity with the brotherly people of UAE, the Government of Pakistan announced three-days national mourning from 13-15 May 2022, with the national flag to fly at half-mast.

Earlier, the prime minister had expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the death of Sheikh Khalifa and said that UAE had lost a visionary leader and Pakistan a great friend.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan died on Friday aged 73. His half-brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected as president on Saturday, official media said.

Sheikh Mohamed, often known as ‘MBZ’, was elected by the Federal Supreme Council. Sheikh Mohamed met members of the Federal Supreme Council, made up of rulers of the UAE’s seven emirates, as the country enters a period of mourning.