UAE: World leaders congratulate new President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed

Congratulations poured in from world leaders for the new and third President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Federal Supreme Council, comprising Rulers of the Emirates, unanimously elected Sheikh Mohamed as President of the UAE during a meeting at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Here is how heads of state and world leaders expressed their support for the third UAE President:

US President Joe Biden

In a statement, United States' President Joe Biden congratulated Sheikh Mohamed.

"I congratulate my long-time friend Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his election as President of the United Arab Emirates. As I told Sheikh Mohamed yesterday during our phone call, the United States is determined to honour the memory of the late president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan by continuing to strengthen the strategic partnership between our countries over the coming months and years.

"The UAE is an essential partner of the United States. Sheikh Mohamed, whom I met with several times as Vice President when he was the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has long been at the forefront of building this partnership. I look forward to working with Sheikh Mohamed to build from this extraordinary foundation to further strengthen the bonds between our countries and peoples.

Queen Elizabeth II, London

The UK's Queen Elizabeth II sent a message of congratulations that reads:

"While it is under sorrowful circumstances, I offer my sincere and warmest congratulations on your appointment as President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

"I look forward to the continuation of the strong and historic bonds between our two countries and peoples."

Prince Mohamed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia

Sheikh Mohamed received a phone call from Prince Mohamed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He congratulated the Abu Dhabi Ruler and the people of the UAE on the former's election as President of the United Arab Emirates. He prayed to Allah Almighty to grant more security, stability and prosperity to the UAE.

Xi Jinping, China

In a congratulatory message, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that he stands ready to work with the new President to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefit of the two countries and their people.

He explained that, since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, the UAE and China have advanced their relations comprehensively and deeply.

The two countries have witnessed fruitful practical cooperation in various fields, in addition to remarkable results in their joint efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, contributing to the deepening of their friendship, the Chinese President noted.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain

In a cable, the King congratulated Sheikh Mohamed for the trust bestowed upon him by the members of the UAE Federal Supreme Council.

King Hamad prayed to Allah the Almighty to protect the UAE President and bless him with abundant health and wellness so as to be able to carry on the progress march witnessed by the UAE, achieve the aspirations of the brotherly UAE people for more development and prosperity, and serve the joint Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab action.

The King also affirmed the deep-rooted distinguished Bahraini-UAE relations, stressing the Kingdom’s keenness to continue strengthening ties and cooperation for the best interests of the two brotherly peoples.

Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Kuwait

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah sent a cable congratulating Sheikh Mohamed on the occasion of being elected as President of the UAE, while expressing wishes that Sheikh Mohamed may be successful in following steps of the late presidents, Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Egypt

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on being elected as the UAE President, following his brother’s demise.

Al-Sisi made a quick visit to the UAE to offer condolences on the death of Sheikh Khalifa, who died on Friday (May 13) at the age of 73.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a congratulatory message to Sheikh Mohamed, wishing him and the Emirati people further progress and development.

King Abdulla II, Jordan

In a tweet, King Abdulla II of Jordan expressed his congratulations: "My sincere wishes for success to my dear brother, Sheikh Mohamed, in leading the march of progress and prosperity in the UAE. May God protect Abu Khaled and direct his path of goodness in the service of his people, the Arab and Islamic nations and the world at large."

PM Narendra Modi, India

Indian Prime Minister Narendar Modi tweeted: "My best wishes to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed on being elected as the new President of the UAE. I am confident that under his dynamic and visionary leadership, our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to deepen."

Dr Arfi Alvi, Pakistan

Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi tweeted: "Pakistan values its fraternal relations with UAE. I hope under his leadership fraternal relations between the two countries will be further strengthened. It is hoped that the UAE will make further progress under your leadership.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Sheikh Mohamed, in which he said, "I am convinced that your activities in the position of head of state will contribute to the further development of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation in all directions between Russia and the UAE."

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Barham Salih, Iraq

Iraq’s President Barham Salih sent his congratulations to Sheikh Mohamed. He also reiterated that the country is keen to “develop the brotherly relations between our countries and peoples and boost them for more co-operation in all fields.”

Mahmoud Abbas, Palestine

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas released a statement offering congratulations to Sheikh Mohamed.

Argentina government

The Argentina government tweeted from its official account: "We wish Sheikh Mohamed the greatest success in his new functions, for his appointment as President of the United Arab Emirates. Both countries maintain an excellent relationship that we hope to continue strengthening."

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted: "Warmest congratulations to Sheikh Mohamed, a close friend of Greece, on his election as President of the UAE. I wish him from my heart, every success in his new high duties, for the benefit of his country, his people and the region

Dr Nayef Falah Mubarak Al Hajraf, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Dr Nayef Falah Mubarak Al Hajraf, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council congratulated Sheikh Mohamed and expressed his confidence that the UAE's march would go on steadily and strongly amid the smooth transition.

He added that while ushering in a new landmark stage led by Sheikh Mohamed, the UAE would certainly complete its pioneering role and bolster its accomplishments.

Hussein Ibrahim Taha, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

Hussein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), also congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on his election as the President of the UAE, affirming that he is the best successor to a great predecessor.

Secretary-General Taha said that Sheikh Mohamed will continue the path laid by late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, with his wise vision that will enhance the UAE's position as one of the leading models among the OIC member states and the world.

He also extended his congratulations to the Emirati people on the election of His Highness and their support for his leadership, highlighting the unity and the consensus that pervades the Emirates.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar

Dr Ahmed Al-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders posted on his official Facebook account.

"While sympathising with my dear brother, Sheikh Mohamed, over losing his brother, the late Sheikh Khalifa, I would like to congratulate him, and pray to Allah Almighty to grant him the strength to succeed as the UAE's President and leader, and pick up the torch from his wise brother in serving his country and nation and spreading justice and good.

Senator Ian Gorst, British Channel Island of Jersey

The External Relations Minister of the British Channel Island of Jersey, Senator Ian Gorst, congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on being elected as the UAE President, while expressing his hope for a further consolidation of bilateral relations.

"Congratulations and best wishes to Sheikh Mohamed as he takes on the role of UAE President, succeeding his late brother," Senator Gorst said in a tweet. "I look forward to further consolidation of the excellent relations between Jersey and the UAE."

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Maldives

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the President of the Maldives offered congratulations on behalf of his people and said he looked forward to "strengthening the already close ties between our two countries".

Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria in a congratulatory message said, "Your predecessor made a mark in the impressive transformation of the UAE, making it a vast business and tourist attraction, building infrastructure, and creating one of the best living standards in the world.

"I’m confident that you are going to build on this great legacy. Nigeria looks forward to greater cooperation with the UAE, which has tremendously helped Nigeria."

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