Malacañang on Wednesday expressed its condolences to the government and the people of the United Arab Emirates on the passing of its president, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In a statement, Malacañang said President Duterte described His Highness Sheikh Khalifa as "a bold visionary whose leadership was crucial in the UAE's sustained economic transformation and deeper engagement with the international community, including the Philippines."
Duterte also said His Highness "will long be remembered even beyond the UAE for his legacy of leadership, wisdom and benevolence."
The President said the Filipino community joins the UAE in this period of great loss and bereavement.
Malacañang said President Duterte's message was personally conveyed to President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who assumed the presidency, through his special envoy, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje.