Secretary-General saddened by death of United Arab Emirates leader

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today expressed his profound sadness over the death of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"Sheikh Zayed al-Nahayan was a most distinguished statesman, who led the UAE since its formation in 1971," a spokesman for Mr. Annan said in statement. "He was the friend of the United Nations, who sought always to strengthen relations between the Organization and his country."

The spokesman said Sheikh Zayed's "strong belief in diplomacy and generous assistance to developing countries" won the leader renown outside his own country - in the Islamic world and even further afield.

The Secretary-General expressed his deep condolences to the family of the late President, and to the Government and people of the UAE.