(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) US President Barack Obama late Thursday issued a statement expressing his "personal condolences and the sympathies of the American people" to the ruling family in Saudi Arabia, following the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. The 91-year-old king passed away early Friday morning, local time, while in hospital, Saudi press confirmed. "King Abdullah's life spanned from before the birth of modern Saudi Arabia through its emergence as a critical force within the global economy and a leader among Arab and Islamic nations," Obama said. "He took bold steps in advancing the Arab Peace Initiative, an endeavor that will outlive him as an enduring contribution to the search for peace in the region." He added that he "always valued King Abdullah's perspective and appreciated our genuine and warm friendship," and described him as "candid," and a man with "courage of his convictions." "One of those convictions was his steadfast and passionate belief in the importance of the US-Saudi relationship as a force for stability and security in the Middle East and beyond," Obama said. Former President George H.W. Bush also weighed in, saying he is "deeply saddened" by the death of a "dear friend and partner," and stressed he would "never forget" Saudi Arabia's support during the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement that "the world has lost a revered leader," and "a man of wisdom and vision." Kerry also lauded King Abdullah's efforts to improve his country's infrastructure and economic development, as well as his 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which was intended to establish a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.
The White House announced that Vice President Joe Biden will be leading a US delegation to "pay respects" to the deceased King. (
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