Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan

I am saddened to learn today of the passing of the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan. On behalf of the Department of Defense and the U.S. personnel that have served in the UAE, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the President and the people of the United Arab Emirates.

The world will mourn the loss of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, who was a visionary leader for not just his country, but the entire region, and a close friend of the United States. We are grateful for the President's steadfast commitment to regional stability and security and will honor his legacy through our strong defense partnership with the United Arab Emirates.