Messages of congratulations poured in from the Middle East and around the world following news of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan’s election as president of the UAE on Saturday, a day after the death of former leader Sheikh Khalifa.
Anwar Gargash, UAE diplomatic adviser, said “the smooth transition of power confirms the entrenchment of institutional values in the UAE.”
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The rulers of the country’s seven sheikhdoms made the a unanimous decision at a meeting held at Al-Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi, state news agency WAM said.
Saudi King Salman and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on his election as President.
The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad, and the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, also sent messages of congratulations to the new president.
Other leaders who congratulated Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed include Palestine’s President Mahmoud Abbas, Iraq’s President Barham Salih, Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
“We hope to continue joint work between Russia and the UAE,” Putin said.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also sent messages of congratulations.