King pays tribute to late Saudi King Abdullah

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday flew to Saudi Arabia to pay respect over the death of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, who passed away on Friday. 

The King, leading a high-ranking delegation, extended his condolences and sympathies to Saudi Arabia’s new king, Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, the royal family and people, according to a Royal Court statement.

During a meeting with King Salman, Crown Prince Muqrin Bin Abdul Aziz and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz, along with other Saudi royals, King Abdullah highlighted the achievements of the late monarch, noting that he had “strong brotherly ties” with King Abdullah.

He stressed that Amman-Riyadh “deep and historical” ties will maintain their strength during the reign of King Salman. 

He voiced appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s support for Arab and Muslim causes and keenness of effective joint Arab action. 

The King was accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Feisal and Prince Rashid, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Gen. Mashal Al Zaben, who is also His Majesty King Abdullah’s military adviser. King’s Adviser for Tribal Affairs Sharif Fawwaz Zaben Abdullah, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Interior Minister Hussein Majali and Jordan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jamal Shamayleh also took part in the delegation. 

The King returned home on Friday after he cut short his visit to Davos, Switzerland, where he was taking part in the World Economic Forum when the news about Saudi king’s death was announced. 

On Friday, His Majesty voiced his “deep” sorrow over the death of King Abdullah. 

In a statement, the Monarch cited the late king’s “wisdom” and “farsightedness” in leading his country and promoting Arab and Islamic causes. 

King Abdullah expressed his confidence in the ability of King Salman, Crown Prince Muqrin and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad to serve their country and maintain Saudi Arabia’s leading role in the region and the Arab world. 

He also underlined the “strong” relations Jordan and Saudi Arabia enjoy, which present a “viable model” for Arab ties, according to the Royal Court.  

The Royal Court has announced a mourning period of 40 days, while the Council of Ministers on Friday announced a state of mourning across the Kingdom for three days. 

During the mourning period, flags will be flown at half mast to honour the late king. 

A statement issued by the Prime Ministry paid tribute to the late king of Saudi Arabia “after he led a full life that he dedicated to serving his Arab and Islamic nation and its just causes”.