"True Partner"...Biden Honors Late UAE Presidnt Sheikh Khalifa

U.S. President Joe Biden mourned the death of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan on Friday.

"On behalf of the American people, I offer my condolences to Sheikh Khalifa's family and all Emiratis as they mourn this great loss," according to a statement issued by the White House.

"We will honor his memory by continuing to strengthen the longstanding ties between the governments and people of the United States and the United Arab Emirates," the statement read. 

Biden affirmed that Sheikh Khalifa was a true partner and friend of the United States throughout his decades-long tenure as President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and in his earlier role as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

WAM News Agency reported on Friday the death news, adding that the UAE will observe a forty-day state mourning with the flag flown at half-mast starting today, and suspend work at all ministries, departments, and federal, local and private entities for three days.

Khalifa, who was born in 1948, came to power in 2004 in Abu Dhabi and became the head of state. He is expected to be succeeded as ruler of Abu Dhabi by his half-brother Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.