Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 4 November 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo tonight called on the new President of the United Arab Emirates to convey the deepest sympathies of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo over the death of His Highness President Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Meeting the new UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Sayed Al Nahyan, Secretary Romulo said, “I have the honor to convey the deepest sympathies of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the Filipino people. Sheik Zayed will be missed by all of us who were profoundly touched by his great benevolence, leadership and wisdom.” The Secretary also conveyed to the new UAE President the congratulations and best wishes of the Philippine Government.

In reply, President Sheik Khalifa thanked President Arroyo for her kind and thoughtful gesture and said that the late Sheik Zayed held the Filipino people in the highest esteem and he pledged to carry on Sheik Zayed’s desire for even stronger relations between the Philippines and the UAE.

The Secretary called on President Sheik Khalifa at the Presidential Palace where the new President was receiving other world leaders and high government officials.  To emphasize the high respect that the Philippines has for the late Sheik Zayed and the importance that the Philippines gives to its relations with the UAE, Secretary Romulo was accompanied by several Philippine Middle East ambassadors during his call on Sheik Khalifa.

The Secretary had instructed several Philippine Middle East ambassadors, particularly those from countries bordering Iraq, to proceed to Abu Dhabi for regional consultations on pressing issues.  Among these issues are the situation in Iraq and the need to protect the Filipinos there, hostage situations in Iraq and further measures to strengthen the ban on Filipino workers to Iraq.

Earlier today, Secretary Romulo signed the Book of Condolence for Sheik Zayed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he was met by high officials of the foreign ministry and by members of the immediate family of Sheik Zayed.

“While there is a great sense of loss here in UAE, it is somehow mitigated by the great respect and admiration that fills the memories of the people here over the achievements and benevolence of the late Sheik Zayed, who has brought great honor and distinction to the people of UAE,” the Secretary said.  END.