World leaders pay tribute to UAE leader Sheikh Khalifa

Tributes poured in from around the world after the UAE announced the death of its president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. He was 73.

President Joe Biden said Sheikh Khalifa was “a true partner and friend of the United States”, adding the US “will honour his memory by continuing to strengthen” relations with the UAE.

“Sheikh Khalifa did much to strengthen friendly relations and constructive cooperation,” President Vladimir Putin said, adding that the late president would be remembered for the “remarkable progress” the UAE had made during his rule.

European Council President Charles Michel said it was “with sadness” that he had learned of Sheikh Khalifa’s death.

“The EU honours his legacy & leadership under which the UAE became frontrunner of sustainable development & economic diversification.”