Prime Minister of Bulgaria – Kiril Petkov has expressed his condolences to the family of the United Arab Emirates President – Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who died at the age of 73 on May 13, 2022.
Expressing his shock over UAE President’s sudden demise, the prime minister recalled the development which the Gulf country witnessed under Zayed Al-Nahyan’s leadership.
The statement of PM Petkov is below:
“With deep sorrow, I received the news of the passing of H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Under his wise leadership, the UAE has established itself as a symbol of a prosperous Arab state, responsive to the needs of citizens and a partner of the international community”.
“Sincerest condolences of the Bulgarian Government and people, as well as my personal condolences”.
As per reports, the half-brother of Zayed Al-Nahyan – Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed, will be replacing him for the position of President.
The official page of the WAM news agency stated, “The Ministry of Presidential Affairs has mourned to the UAE people, Arab and the Islamic nations and the world the death of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan”.
The flags will be hoisted at half-mast, and 40 days of mourning will be there, as per the announcement of the ministry.
Late Zayed Al-Nahyan took over as the President of the United Arab Emirates in 2004 but was rarely seen in public after he underwent brain surgery following a stroke. The reason for death has yet not been shared in the public domain.
Mohammad Bin Zayed tweeted, “The Emirates has lost its virtuous son and leader of the stage of empowerment and the trustee of its blessed journey. His stances, achievements, wisdom, generosity and initiatives are in every corner of the nation. Khalifa Bin Zayed, my brother, may God have mercy on you and grant you access to paradise”.