Gulf | Saudi Arabia
World reaction to King Fahd's death
Saudi Arabia's King Fahd died on Monday. The following are reactions to the king's death from world leaders:
- Agencies
- Published: 23:31 May 3, 2009
Saudi Arabia's King Fahd died on Monday. The following are reactions to the king's death from world leaders:
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His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, President of the UAE
'The Arab and Muslim nations today lost one of their most prominent leaders who devoted his life and effort to serve his country, Arab and Muslim nations.'
Jacques Chirac, French President:
"During his reign King Fahd was, above all, concerned with the safety of his people. In troubled times, he guaranteed the integrity of his country and defended regional stability. He developed the kingdom wisely.
"King Fahd was also committed to the strong and trusting relations between France and Saudi Arabia. This old friendship, which began with an exceptional link established by General De Gaulle, took on a new dimension under his reign, helped by a shared vision of what was at stake regionally and internationally."
Nabil Shaath, Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister
"We do not forget his relentless efforts to put Palestine on the international agenda. Saudi foreign policy has always been to give priority to the Palestinian cause. There is a deep sadness in Palestine at his death."
Saad Al-Hariri, Lebanese politician
"The loss of the departed, The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz, is not just a loss for Saudi Arabia, its leadership and people but a loss for every Arab and Muslim country.
"We in Lebanon, which the king loved and offered his efforts, heart and time in a way the Lebanese people will never forget, feel the magnitude of the loss, remembering how the kingdom stood by us at each of our political and economic crossroads."
Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahd Al Sabah, Kuwaiti energy minister
"We received with great sadness the news of the death of King Fahd which is a loss for Saudi Arabia and the Muslim and Arab world.
He embraced and advised the Arab and Muslim world. He will remain in our hearts and minds."
Tony Blair, British Prime Minister "King Fahd was a man of great vision and leadership who inspired his countrymen for a quarter of a century as King, and for many more before that," Blair said in a statement.
"He was also a good friend of the United Kingdom. Our two countries have benefited very greatly over the years from his wise advice," he said.
"Under his guidance we have developed extremely close political, commercial and defence links. They will always be seen as his legacy."
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