Duterte condoles with UAE gov’t over death of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday extended condolences to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government and its people over the death of UAE President and His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 

"The President conveys the Filipino nation’s  solidarity with the UAE in this period of great loss and bereavement," the Office of Presidential Protocol and Office of Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"President Duterte recalls His Highness Sheikh Khalifa as a bold visionary whose leadership was crucial in the UAE’s sustained economic transformation and deeper engagement with the international community, including the Philippines," it added.

In addition, Duterte said His Highness Sheikh Khalifa will long be remembered even beyond the UAE for his legacy of leadership, wisdom and benevolence.

President Duterte’s sympathy message was personally conveyed to United Arab Emirates President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan through his Special Envoy, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News