By Philip Buda Ladu
President Salva Kiir Mayardit left Juba for Abu Dhabi on Monday morning to give his condolences to the people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the death of their late President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The President’s office affirmed that Kiir left Juba for Abu Dhabi to join world leaders in paying tribute to the late UAE’s President and offer his condolences to the new elected President of the UAE His Highness Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the family and the entire people of the United Arab Emirates.
Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the Minister for Presidential Affairs told the State-run SSBC that President Salva Kiir on Monday morning the 16th of May left to the United Arab Emirates to give condolences on the death of the President of the UAE who passed on some few days ago.
“So, H.E. President Salva Kiir has known the late for many years and the relations between the UAE and the Republic of South Sudan are close because of the good relationship between the leaders of the two countries. So, he’s visiting the UAE to present the condolences on behalf of himself, the government and the people of South Sudan to the leadership and the people of UAE” Marial told SSBC.
The President was seen off to Abu Dhabi at Juba International Airport by the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, the Minister in the Office of the President, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin among other government officials.
Earlier, in a statement seen by No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper issued on Friday, President Kiir consoled the people of the United Arab Emirates. He said that he was saddened and grieved upon receiving the message of Sheikh Khalifa’s demise at a moment where the two countries had committed to working together towards development.
“I am profoundly saddened to receive the news of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates which occurred this morning (Friday)” Kiir’s condolence message partly read.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of South Sudan, I convey my heartfelt condolences to his highness’ family and the entire populace of the United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi. The untimely passing of Sheikh Al Nahyan while incredibly painful reminds us of the importance of legacy. South Sudan received tremendous support from the UAE under Sheikh Al Nahyan’s leadership, a great testimony to his desire and to share his vision of development with other countries” the President’s statement added.
Kiir described the late UAE President as one of the leaders that shared South Sudan’s commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in the new nation.
The President further said that through the new nation building process, the United Arab Emirates has stood firmly with South Sudan and worked tirelessly alongside the country as he strived to build the new nation.