Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Wednesday issued a statement of condolence on the passing of Shaikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi.

“With passing of Shaikh Saqr, we have lost the founding fathers of the UAE, may their souls rest in peace,” said Shaikh Khalifa.

“On this sad day, we remember late Shaikh Saqr, who worked tirelessly with the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates for the service of their country and protecting it from any threat or danger,” said the President.

“Shaikh Saqr’s vision for this country was in line with that of the late Shaikh Zayed and Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates. A vision that joint-cooperation was necessary to achieve internal development and face external threats,” Shaikh Khalifa said.

“He was among the first to welcome a unification of the seven emirates. I still remember his continuous work to ensure that success of the formation of the UAE, which culminated in his announcement that Ras Al Khaimah would join the unification shortly after it was announced on December 2, 1971. Shaikh Saqr expressed his faith in the union and the formation of the UAE, and keenly worked with his brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, to make the unification a reality.

“He dedicated his entire life to the service of his people and spared no effort in providing suitable conditions for strengthening the foundations of the country,” Shaikh Khalifa said.

“His wisdom, experience and vision were evident in his management of his emirate’s affairs and the Trucial States Council, which existed before the formation of the UAE. He played an effective role with his contributions to managing the country through the Supreme Council. Shaikh Saqr’s wisdom manifested itself in the harmony created between the people of Ras Al Khaimah, in transforming ideas of development into a tangible reality, and in dealing with external threats. This had a profound impact on strengthening the federal nation and consolidating its essence,” added Shaikh Khalifa’s statement.

“The development, comfort, security and stability enjoyed in the UAE, by both citizens and expatriates, are a result of the efforts exerted by the founding fathers of the emirates. Their noble march and their ageless deeds will be remembered by UAE citizens’ coming generations,” said Shaikh Khalifa.

“On this irreplaceable loss, I would like to convey my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council members and Rulers of the Emirates, and the beloved people of the UAE. I pray that Almighty Allah to bestow us all with perseverance and strength,” the President added.

“I have the utmost trust that Shaikh Saud is the finest choice in inheriting the responsibilities of his father. The UAE has lost a cherished man, but it has also gained a ruler that has inherited the wisdom of his late father, and this qualifies him to participate with his brothers, the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, on leading the federal journey with efficiency and proficiency.”

“May Allah bestow peace on Shaikh Saqr’s soul.”