World Leaders React to Death of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah

[al-Hasani]

World Leaders React to Death of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah​

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSJAN. 23, 2015, 6:44 A.M. E.S.T.


Comments from world leaders in response to the death of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, who died early Friday in Riyadh.

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"As a leader, he was always candid and had the courage of his convictions. ... One of those convictions was his steadfast and passionate belief in the importance of the U.S.-Saudi relationship as a force for stability and security in the Middle East and beyond." — U.S. President Barack Obama

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"Like his father, who founded modern Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah was a man of tremendous character and courage — a historic figure dedicated to advancing the lives of his people at home as well as his country's leadership abroad. He was a committed friend and partner of the United States. And he was a powerful voice for tolerance, moderation, and peace — in the Islamic world and across the globe." — U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.

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"This is a sad day. The United States has lost a friend, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and the world has lost a revered leader. King Abdullah was a man of wisdom and vision. I loved my visits with him as a senator and as secretary. Even as he battled age and illness, he held on to his sense of determination. His stories of his father and of his family were remarkable. He was so proud of the Kingdom's journey, a brave partner in fighting violent extremism who proved just as important as a proponent of peace. The courageous Arab Peace Initiative that he sponsored remains a critical document for the goal we shared of two states, Israel and Palestine, living in peace and security." —U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry

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"Laura and I are saddened by the death of a man I admire and with whom I was honored to work. I have very fond memories of my visits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and of the King's visit to our ranch in Crawford. He was an important and able ally and a force for modernization in his country. King Abdullah served his nation honorably with strength and vision. We send our heartfelt condolences to the King's family and all who will miss him." — Former U.S. President George W. Bush

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"Hillary and I are saddened by the passing of His Majesty Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz. I had many dealings with His Majesty during and after my presidency, as did Hillary both inside and outside the State Department, and we are grateful for his support of efforts for peace in the Middle East; our close economic cooperation; the Kingdom's humanitarian efforts around the world; especially its contributions after the earthquake in Haiti; and his efforts to modernize Saudi Arabia's economy and education systems — as embodied by King Abdullah University, the Kingdom's first coeducational institution of higher education." — Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

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U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon "extends his condolences to the bereaved family of King Abdullah, the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah made major contributions to the development of the Kingdom. Under his leadership over many decades in different high-level positions in government, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia achieved remarkable progress and prosperity for its people. The Secretary-General pays tribute to King Abdullah's efforts to address regional and international challenges at a time of turmoil and rapid change, and to promote dialogue among the world's faiths. As the driving force behind the Arab Peace Initiative, King Abdullah left a tangible legacy that can still point the way toward peace in the Middle East."

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King Abdullah "devoted his life to the service of the kingdom and the service of Islam. ...He will be long remembered by all who work for peace and understanding between nations and between faiths." — Britain's Queen Elizabeth II

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"The Saudi kingdom and the Arab nation have lost a leader of its best sons." — Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi

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"I was saddened to hear of the passing of King Abdullah. He was an example of grounded, considered and responsible leadership, with a deep religious tradition. As 'Guardian of the Holy Places' of Islam, King Abdullah acted as a moderator, respecting the sensitivity and sanctity of Jerusalem and sought to promote a vision of prosperity for the region. His wise policies contributed greatly to our region, and to the stability of the Middle East." — Israeli President Reuven Rivlin

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"No doubt his death is a great loss for the Palestinian people and the Palestinian cause, mainly for his positions on our right to self-determination and establishing a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. All these rights were fully supported by the late King Abdullah. We will always remember his unlimited, massive support for our Palestinian people." — Wasel Abu Yousef, an official with the Palestinian Liberation Organization.

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"The death of his majesty, the King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah, is a real loss for peace in the Middle East. He was an experienced leader and a wise king, and he had the courage in a very demanding period of time to stand up and to introduce a peace process for the Middle East. I'm not sure we could have accepted all the items in this peace process but the spirit, the strength and the wisdom invested in it impressed all of us and we thought it can be part of a base for making peace." — Former Israeli President Shimon Peres

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Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his "grief and sorrow" over the king's death and said Saudi Arabia holds a special place "in the heart of every Pakistani" because it is the custodian of the holy mosques, referring to the mosques in Mecca and Medina.

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"I offer my deepest condolences to Saudi Arabia and the family of King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz on this day of grief. Afghans will always remember King Abdullah as a great supporter of their jihad. He always supported the Afghan peace process." — Afghan President Ashraf Ghani

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"China is deeply saddened by the death of King Abdullah. We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah was a remarkable leader of Saudi Arabia. He devoted his life to facilitating the development of Saudi Arabia and preserving peace and stability in the Gulf region. He enjoyed an outstanding reputation at home and abroad. King Abdullah was a good friend of the Chinese." — Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying

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"In King Abdullah, we have lost an important voice who left a lasting impact on his country. I condole his demise. Our thoughts are with the people of Saudi Arabia, who have lost a guiding force in King Abdullah, during this hour of grief." —Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

King Abdullah's policies "brought him and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia respect and recognition. With wisdom, foresight and great personal dedication, he strove for a cautious modernization of his country and for dialogue between the Islamic world and the West." — German Chancellor Angela Merkel

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"We mourn the death of one of the most notable leaders of the Arab Nation and Muslim Nation who generously gave a lot to his people and his nation and sincerely defended the causes of the Arab Nation and the Muslim Nation. As we express our sincere condolences to the Saudi royal family and the people of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the death of the great late king, Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, we express our full confidence that King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud will continue his blessed march, serving the causes of the nation and advancing the Arab joint action." — United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan

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"I wish a peaceful rest for the late King, patience for his family and I wish success for the people and the government of Saudi Arabia." — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani

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King Abdullah was "one of the greatest and best leaders of our Arab and Islamic nations who devoted his life to the service of his homeland and nation," — Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani

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"I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abd Al Aziz Al Saud. He will be remembered for his long years of service to the Kingdom, for his commitment to peace and for strengthening understanding between faiths." — British Prime Minister David Cameron

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"I would like to express my sadness and pain at the loss of the great Arab knight, King Abdullah. We hope the new King Salman success in his task for the good of the Saudi people and in the service of the Arab-Muslim nation as was the case for the late king." — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/01/23/us/ap-ml-saudi-abdullah-quote-box.html?_r=0

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Death of Saudi King Abdullah: President Bouteflika declares three-day national mourning

President Bouteflika: King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud devoted his life to Islam, Muslims

Turkey declares one-day mourning over death of Saudi King

Bahrain and Jordan decreed 40 days of mourning. In Bahrain, flags will be at half-staff for 40 days and government offices closed for three days. Egypt declared a week of mourning and news anchors on state television stations wore black.

Morocco, where several members of the Saudi royal family have vacation homes, has decreed three days of mourning. Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf countries pledged $5 billion to the North African country to help the ruling family there tame 2011 pro-democracy demonstrations.

http://powersource.post-gazette.com...ourning-visits-by-rivals/stories/201501230179

Times of Oman | News :: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos mourns death of Saudi King, Fahd attends funeral

Iraqi Vice President Mourns King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud 20 Riyadh

U.S. Vice President Mourns King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud 20 Riyadh

Somalia #39;s President Arrives in Riyadh to Offer Condolences on Death of King Abdullah

Malaysia #39;s Premier Arrives in Riyadh to Offer Condolences on Death of King Abdullah

WFP Sends Condolences At The Death Of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud | WFP | United Nations World Food Programme - Fighting Hunger Worldwide

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said King Abdullah was 'a key architect of Saudi Arabia's economic and political development' while Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper praised him as 'an ardent defender of peace'.

At the Asian Cup in Australia, the national football team of the United Arab Emirates donned black armbands for their match against Japan.

Lebanon spoke of losing 'a defender and a partner' who had stood by Beirut 'in difficult times' while Tunisia, Algeria and Mauritania announced three days of mourning.

President Recip Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey said Abdullah had contributed 'to strengthening cooperation and solidarity in the Muslim world, especially concerning the Palestinian question and the situation in Syria'.

Malaysian Prime Minister Rajib Razak called Abdullah a 'great leader for his initiative for inter-religious dialogue', and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani pointed to Saudi involvement in his country's peace negotiations.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, paid tribute to a man who 'brought prosperity and reforms to his nation'.

- See more at: World leaders remember Islam-West mediator

Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed Abdullah, who died in a Riyadh hospital earlier the same day, as a "wise politician".

French President Francois Hollande, Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Prime Minister David Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said that Abdullah's vision of "a fair and durable peace in the Middle East remains truer than ever."

Prince Charles of Wales is to travel to Riyadh as The Queen's representative to pay his respects, the royal's office said.

Lebanon Prime Minister, Tunisia's President Beji Caid Essebsi, Turkey President Recip Tayyip Erdogan, Malaysian Prime Minister Rajib Razak, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said the king "ensured... support for causes of justice, peace and development in the Arab, Muslim and entire world".

- See more at: World leaders pay tribute to King Abdullah

Overwhelming reactions. I would like to thank all those countries and head of states, former head of states and other important personalities for their kind words and well-wishes to KSA and its people. More reactions are pouring in each hour from the entire world and dozens of personalities.

 

[al-Hasani]

Dignitaries head to Saudi Arabia after King Abdullah's death​

By ABDULLAH AL-SHIHRI and AYA BATRAWY

The Associated Press

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia —

World leaders and top dignitaries began arriving in Saudi Arabia on Saturday to give their condolences following the death of King Abdullah, who died early Friday at age 90 after nearly two decades at the helm.

Despite deep tensions and rivalries between the nations, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was among the first to arrive to the Sunni-ruled kingdom on Saturday where he was greeted at the airport by the late king's son, Prince Turki, who is governor of Riyadh. Saudi state TV showed Zarif walking with the prince down a red carpet on the tarmac.

The newly enthroned King Salman is also expected to receive in the coming days U.S. President Barack Obama, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito, Spain's King Felipe VI, Jordan's King Abdullah, Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik, Dutch King Willem-Alexander, and the United Kingdom's Prince Charles. Morocco's Prince Moulay Rachid will pay his respects on the behalf of his brother King Mohammed VI.

Talk of Zarif visiting Saudi Arabia last year quickly dissipated after Iran protested comments made by Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal in which he called on Tehran to withdraw its "occupying forces" from Syria, Yemen and Iraq. Iran insists it has no combat forces on the ground in any of the three countries, though it says it has sent senior commanders as advisers to Syria and Iraq.

The diplomatic squabble, in many ways, exemplified how Abdullah's most pressing priority was to confront the Shiite powerhouse across the Gulf. The multiple conflicts across the region deepened Sunni-Shiite hatreds and fueled militancy during his reign.

The king, who ascended to the throne in 2005 but had been de-facto ruler for a decade before that, was buried Friday afternoon in an unmarked grave after a prayer service in the capital Riyadh. The Muslim-only funeral was attended by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and the rulers of Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.

In line with the Wahhabi interpretation of Islamic tradition observed in the kingdom, he was buried in an unadorned, beige cloth without a coffin in an unmarked grave. There was no memorial service.

Heads of state and royals from around world will instead be visiting Saudi Arabia over the coming days to pay their respects in meetings with Saudi royals. Powerful heads of tribes, as well as average Saudi citizens, will also meet the new king to give their condolences and express pledges of loyalty to him.

The visits are taking place in the king's dewaniya in Riyadh, a traditional Arab reception area to receive guests.

Delegations from China and South Korea, as well as prime ministers and senior politicians from Europe, Asia and elsewhere were expected in Saudi Arabia. The presidents of Mauritania, Senegal and Gabon were shown on Saudi state TV arriving on Saturday.

Friday evening, the kingdom's senior cleric, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Al-Sheikh, government ministers, senior military leaders and other Saudi officials met with Salman, as well as his Crown Prince Muqrin and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who is also interior minister, to swear their allegiance.

Al-Sheikh said in comments carried on national television that he advises the king to "fear God in private and in public" and to work with sincerity. He praised the handing over of power as a "legitimate transition", essentially giving the Al Saud family the influential religious establishment's continued blessing and support.

Dignitaries head to Saudi Arabia after King Abdullah's death | www.wokv.com

The reactions just show the tremendous influence and importance of KSA. Every significant head of state is expected to arrive from all corners of the world.

 

[al-Hasani]

French President Francois Hollande shakes hands with Turki bin Abdullah al-Saud, the Governor of Riyadh Province

Spain's King Felipe VI is welcomed at Riyadh airport, as leaders from across the world arrived to pay respects

Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdelaziz (left), a Saudi Prince and the Emir of Riyadh, welcomes Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi

Carl XVI Gustaf, the king of Sweden is greeted by the Mayor of Riyadh as he touches down in Saudi Arabia

The president of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz (left), pictured upon his arrival at Riyadh airport

Dutch King Willem-Alexande is greeted by Saudi dignataries as he arrives to give his country's condolences

Royalty from all across Europe descended on the country's capital today. Pictured is the Crown Prince of Norway, Haakon Magnus (right) with a member of the Saudi monarchy

Frederik, the Crown Prince of Denmark, disembarks from his plane. He is one of dozens of foreign dignitaries who are visiting to pay their respects to King Abdullah

Mohammad Hamid-Ansari (left), the Vice-President of India, is welcomed by a member of the Saudi royal family. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could not visit personally as he is occupied at home with a visit from U.S. President Obama

Nigerian Vice President Namadi Sambo (right) lands in Riyadh to a warm greeting​

 

[al-Hasani]

French President Francois Hollande and French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (left) are welcomed by the Governor of Riyadh Province, Turki bin Abdullah al-Saud during a ceremony after arriving in Riyadh

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan touches down in Riyadh airport, in Saudi Arabia, today

Saudi Prince and Emir of Riyadh Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdelaziz welcome Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco

The Kuwait Towers in Kuwait City, are lit up with the portrait of King Abdullah and the colour of the Saudi Arabian flag

The flag at the Westminster Abbey was lowered yesterday following the Government order issued

The flag at the Houses of Parliament, London, flies at half mast as a mark of respect for King Abdullah

Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince Charles pay their respects to the former king
​

 

[al-Hasani]

Saudi Prince and Emir of Riyadh Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdelaziz (R) welcoming Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (C) upon his arrival in Riyadh to offer condolences after the death of King Abdullah. (AFP)


Saudi Prince and Emir of Riyadh Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdelaziz (C-R) welcoming former Turkish president Abdullah Gul (C-L). (AFP)


Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, arrives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to give his country's condolences for King Abdullah, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. (AP)


Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri (2nd L) attends the funeral of Saudi King Abdullah in Riyadh January 23, 2015.

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‘Farewell father Abdullah, we will miss you’

​

JEDDAH: RAWAN RADWAN

Published — Saturday 24 January 2015

Last update 24 January 2015 1:15 am

here has been an outpouring of sadness and grief on social media sites from students who have benefited from King Abdullah’s overseas scholarship program.
Entering its 10th year, there are currently over 200,000 Saudi students spread across the United States, several European countries, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Japan, countries of the Gulf, India, Turkey and many more.
Zohoor Asiri, a final-year medical student at the University of Debrecen in Hungary, said she was shocked when she heard of the king’s passing. “My adult and university life started with the help of the program and my horizons were broadened by this amazing act of kindness for his people,” she said.
“He was a father figure to us all and his generosity touched us in many ways. Our hearts ache over this loss and we will continue to pray for him. Because of this opportunity, I am stronger, more self-reliant and ready to bring back all I’ve learned to my beloved Saudi. This was the dream our father Abdullah had for all the children of the Kingdom. He will never be forgotten,” said Asiri.
Anas Al-Ayesh, 25, a recent master’s graduate from California State University-Northridge, was one of many who benefited from his time abroad. “I just graduated majoring in manufacturing systems engineering. This is what I’ve always wanted and strived for and now that the king has passed, I am more determined to go back home and help build my country in the way that King Abdullah has envisioned.”
“I received my bachelor’s from the University of Minnesota and now my master’s from Cal State with ease. I would never have dreamed of achieving this if not for King Abdullah’s program; it gave me a chance to prosper, he gave me that chance. He will truly be missed,” said Al-Ayesh.
Duaa Banaja, a student at Boston University School of Medicine, has been expressing her grief and sorrow on her various social network accounts. She has just recently transferred from Los Angeles to continue her master’s studies.
Her mission is to complete her education and implement what she learned. She is one of 125,000 Saudi students attending various universities in the United States. “It is a loss not only to me personally, but to the whole nation. I am one of the many fortunate who will live the dream our king has dreamt for us, a prosperous country filled with educated pupils. His vision will live forever.”
The King Abdullah Scholarship Program was launched in 2005 to educate young Saudis at the best education institutions across the world, to ensure that they provide the skills needed by Saudi industries.

‘Farewell father Abdullah, we will miss you’ | Arab News​

World leaders react to news of Saudi King's death | Video | Reuters.com

 

[Rakan.SA]

most importantly he was loved by millions of ppl in the arab world. @al-Hasani it would be nice if you made a thread about the siamese twins operations he did for babies from all around the world. with some pic and videos

 

[al-Hasani]

most importantly he was loved by millions of ppl in the arab world. @al-Hasani it would be nice if you made a thread about the siamese twins operations he did for babies from all around the world. with some pic and videos

Indeed this is the most important thing although the opinion of the Saudi Arabian people is the by far most important thing here.

King Abdullah's donations to humantarian causes around the world was unparalleled for the past 10 years. His generosity was very big. Posting all of his help, donations etc. here would take an endless time. Just in the case of Pakistan alone.

King Abdullah was known for rehab efforts​

In this Nov. 12, 2005 file photo, Saudi King Abdullah, second left, eats popular staple food at a park in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (AP)​

RIYADH: RODOLFO C. ESTIMO JR.

Published — Sunday 25 January 2015

Last update 25 January 2015 12:19 am

The late King Abdullah’s rehabilitation efforts which were extended across the world are legendary and the people of various countries who benefitted from these efforts have expressed their profound gratitude to the late king.
Last year, King Abdullah donated $500 million to the UN relief efforts in Iraq for displaced Iraqis fleeing the conflict in their country, according to Ertharin Cousin, WFP executive director.
Of this amount, the World Food Program (WFP) received over $148 million as part of the king’s food rehabilitation efforts to fulfill the needs of the refugees. This funding continues to support vital work in Iraq in 2015.
In December 2014, as WPP struggled because of shortage of funding to meet the food needs of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries, the king donated $104 million, including $52 million that allowed WPP to immediately distribute food vouchers so that Syrian refugees wouldn’t go hungry.
In Pakistan, his relief campaign for the Pakistani people has been working in all provinces to help mitigate the sufferings of people due to the floods. He provided a sum of $120,000 for various purposes that included the drilling of 100 boreholes and installation of water pumps, installation of 24 water purification plants in hospital, mosques in Punjab, and flood zones in Sind. This gigantic project benefited some 25,000 residents in the areas mentioned.
A memorandum was signed with the UNICEF amounting to $1.620 for the rehabilitation of 76 water supply schemes for clean drinking water which was completed in 10 districts of Baluchistan. The project benefits as many as 84,000 inhabitants in the affected areas.
King Abdullah donated $10 million in aid for rehabilitation efforts to the victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Philippines, the strongest ever recorded typhoon in history. Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago expressed his country’s gratitude for the ongoing rehabilitation efforts. “On behalf of President Benigno” Noynoy” Aquino lll and the Filipino people, especially those in the Kingdom and those in the affected areas, we thank King Abdullah for his generous contribution to the relief efforts,” he said.
Maria Amor, founding president of We Care for Humanity, an NGO, said, “Words cannot express my deepest gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the humanitarian aid which came at the right time.”
In Cameroon, he gave food donations to flood victims and for emergency relief cases, according to Ambassador Iya Tidjani. The envoy expressed thanks for assistance in the construction of the Yaounde Islamic Complex in the capital and the building of Garoua’s Morque in the North Region of the country.
King Abdullah also extended his rehabilitation efforts to Bangladesh with a donation of $100 million in the wake of cyclone Sidr which claimed 3,500 lives and was one of the most devastating cyclones to hit the country since 1876. Bangladesh undertook massive relief efforts and drew up short and long-term plans for the rehabilitation of the cyclone victims.

King Abdullah was known for rehab efforts | Arab News

King Abdullah was also the oldest head of state in the world when he died.

most importantly he was loved by millions of ppl in the arab world. @al-Hasani it would be nice if you made a thread about the siamese twins operations he did for babies from all around the world. with some pic and videos

People have created a few of such threads. I recall two Iraqi siamese twins getting operated and a thread being made about that and a few other similar examples of patients from across the world.

 

[Hashshāshīn]

"A strong advocate of women." -- IMF chief Christine Lagarde

King Abdullah – a discreet but strong advocate of women, says IMF chief - video | World news | The Guardian

 

[al-Hasani]

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows after signing a condolence book for the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia at Saudi Arabia Embassy in Tokyo.​

Saudi Arabia’s new King Salman bin Abdul Aziz with Iraqi President Fuad Masum in Riyadh on Saturday (AFP)​

Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (2nd L) arrives to offer condolences after the death of Saudi King Abdullah in Riyadh January 24, 2015.​

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, arrives to offer condolences following the death of Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz in Riyadh on January 24, 2015.​

General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, arrives to offer condolences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following the death of Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz.


Obama makes phone call to king Salman to offer condolences

U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama board Air Force One prior to departing from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, on Jan. 24, 2015. (AFP)
​

By Staff Writer | Al Arabiya News
Saturday, 24 January 2015

U.S. President Barack Obama, in a phone call to new Saudi King Salman on Saturday, offered his condolences on the death of King Abdullah.

Hours earlier, the White House said Obama will cut short a visit to India to travel to Saudi Arabia, instead of Vice President Joe Biden, who had been scheduled to fly in from Washington, the White House said on Saturday.

Obama was scheduled to go to India's famed Taj Mahal with First Lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday, at the end of a three-day visit to the country.

King Abdullah died on Friday after a short illness and has been succeeded by King Salman.

Obama is due to hold summit talks in India on Sunday, attend Monday's military parade and give a speech on Tuesday morning before his early departure, Indian sources had told Reuters news agency before the White House announced the president’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

Obama on Friday expressed his personal condolences and the sympathies of the American people on the death of King Abdullah. The president hailed the late king as a “candid” and courageous leader.

[With AFP and Reuters]

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/New...t-short-India-visit-fly-to-Saudi-Arabia-.html

most importantly he was loved by millions of ppl in the arab world. @al-Hasani it would be nice if you made a thread about the siamese twins operations he did for babies from all around the world. with some pic and videos

I found a nice photo.

@Al Bhatti found it for me actually.

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sits with Polish conjoined twins LtoR Olga and Daria Kolacz in Warsaw. The twins were joined at the abdomen, pelvis, buttocks and spine and successfully separated in Saudi Arabia.

Royal help: The late King Abdullah (fifth from left) with Rosli, Asiah and Ahmad and Muhammad, during a visit to the king’s palace in Saudi Arabia in 2007.
​

Siamese twins remain indebted to late Saudi king - Nation | The Star Online

Two Iraqi Assyrian siamese twins successfully operated last year;


​

Those operations were all free of charge.

 

[libertad]

"A strong advocate of women." -- IMF chief Christine Lagarde

King Abdullah – a discreet but strong advocate of women, says IMF chief - video | World news | The Guardian

Respect the man's legacy but don't blow smoke up our keisters. He could have given women in Saudi Arabia full rights with a mere utterance but he never did.

 

[MarkusS]

al Hasani...my deep apology for our shameful behavior. Germany only send Christian Wulff...Wullf is ex President and was kicked out of office shamefully because he took a private loan from industrial friends...i feel ashamed for that.

I´m not saying that Merkel herself should have go there but we sure have other leaders here to represent us.

 

[ResurgentIran]

al Hasani...my deep apology for our shameful behavior. Germany only send Christian Wulff...Wullf is ex President and was kicked out of office shamefully because he took a private loan from industrial friends...i feel ashamed for that.

I´m not saying that Merkel herself should have go there but we sure have other leaders here to represent us.

Maybe you can compensate by granting the sail of the Leopard tanks. lol

 

[Kompromat]

What did Iran say?

 

[Syrian Lion]

What did Iran say?

he delegation is chaired by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Jawad Zarif
Iranian delegation in Saudi Arabia to condole king's death - Xinhua | English.news.cn

 

[Kompromat]

he delegation is chaired by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Jawad Zarif
Iranian delegation in Saudi Arabia to condole king's death - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Only if these two could work out their crap...the region would be at peace.