Jonathan condoles Saudi Arabia over monarch’s demise

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Friday joined other world leaders in commiserating with King Salman Ibn Abdulaziz and the people of Saudi Arabia over the death of King Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz.

In a condolence letter to the new Saudi monarch, Jonathan said the late Abdullah would be long remembered for entrenching the process of progressive reform in his country.

He said he was confident that the existing cordial and mutually-beneficial relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia would be maintained and further strengthened under King Salman.

“I have received, with great sadness, news of the death of King Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz at the grand age of 90.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences at the sad loss of this illustrious monarch and revered leader.

“Our thoughts go out to the people of Saudi Arabia and, particularly, the Saudi royal family at this time.

“King Abdullah will be remembered for entrenching the process of progressive reform, enduring stability and economic consolidation in Saudi Arabia, while preserving the Kingdom’s place as the universally acclaimed centre of the Islamic faith.

“While the Government and people of Nigeria share in your loss, we are hopeful that you and the entire people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be comforted by the enduring legacy of selfless service King Abdullah has left behind.

“As Your Highness ascends the throne as King of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, I am confident that the excellent fraternal relations and productive partnership which have always existed between our two countries and peoples will be further strengthened and deepened in the years ahead,’’ Jonathan wrote in the letter to King Salman.(NAN)