ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed grief over the death of the United Arab Emirates royal, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, while admiring his contributions to building stronger relations between the two countries.
Sheikh Tahnoun was Abu Dhabi’s representative in the Al Ain region of the Gulf state.
His demise at the age of 82 prompted UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to announced a seven-day mourning period in which the country’s flag would be flown at half-mast.
“Deeply saddened at the demise of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohamed Al Nahyan,” the Pakistan prime minister said in a social media post. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the leadership and people of the UAE at this hour of grief.”
“He will be long remembered for his contribution to building stronger ties between Pakistan and the U.A.E.,” the post added. “May Allah Almighty grant him eternal peace.”
Sheikh Tahnoun worked closely with the UAE founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and was part of the team that implemented the federal project that led to the declaration of the Union in 1971.
He also served his country in several key capacities in subsequent years and worked to provide better governance to its people.