(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The UN Chief paid tribute on Monday to the memory of the late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdelaziz Al-Saud, describing him as "wise and compassionate leader." At the General Assembly, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, noted that King Abdullah has guided his country's development and has worked to resolve peace and security challenges and address counter-terrorism, and devoted his energies to seeking reconciliation and understanding among people of different cultures.
"I am honoured to join with all of you in paying tribute to the life and legacy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud," Ban expressed.
He also expressed his gratefulness for King Abdullah's stalwart support for the UN and the "least fortunate among us." The UN official said in his remarks before the General Assembly, that the late leader was a champion against global hunger, and reminded the states that in 2008, during the crisis over high food prices, King Abdullah of Saudi had arranged for the World Food Programme to receive USD 500 million - the largest single donation that WFP has ever received.
He also reiterated that more recently, King Abdullah generously supported humanitarian assistance efforts in Syria and Iraq, where millions of people are in dire need.
King Abdullah, he said, lived through much turmoil and change, where his efforts made an impact throughout the Arab and Islamic worlds and the international community.
"I offer my condolences to the bereaved royal family and to the people of Saudi Arabia," he said.
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