National

Kalam condoles death of UAE premier

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has condoled the passing away of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai.

In a message to the President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dr. Kalam said that Sheikh Maktoum would always be remembered for his abiding kindness and generosity.

"His contribution to the UAE as a whole, and Dubai in particular, has indeed been immense. He will always be remembered as a great benefactor by the people of Dubai and the UAE. The loss is even more poignant for all Indians, particularly those residing in Dubai, who greatly benefited from his affection and generosity.''

"India is united in grief with the ruling family of Dubai and the leadership and the people of the UAE, in mourning the passing away of Sheikh Maktoum,'' the President said.

Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed, will be visiting United Arab Emirates to pay condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of India on the passing away of the ruler of Dubai.

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