US President, others react to Saudi Arabian King’s death

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia has died at age 90, a statement from the Royal Court said on Friday, January 23.

US President, Barack Obama has led tributes to the ‘much loved’ king expressing his ‘personal condolences and the sympathies of the American people’ with ‘deep respect’.

“As our countries worked together to confront many challenges, I always valued King Abdullah’s perspective and appreciated our genuine and warm friendship,” Obama said.

“As a leader, he was always candid and had the courage of his convictions. One of those convictions was his steadfast and passionate belief in the importance of the US-Saudi relationship as a force for stability and security in the Middle East and beyond,” he added.

UK Prime Minister, David Cameron said Abdullah would be remembered for his “commitment to peace and for strengthening understanding between faiths”.

US Vice President, Joe Biden announced via Twitter that he would lead a presidential delegation to Saudi Arabia to offer condolences and pay respect to Abdullah's family and the country.

Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States had “lost a friend.”

"This is a sad day. The United States has lost a friend, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and the world has lost a revered leader. Even as he battled age and illness, he held on to his sense of determination, He was so proud of the Kingdom's journey, a brave partner in fighting violent extremism who proved just as important as a proponent of peace,” Kerry said in a statement.

Former President George H. W. Bush said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend and partner King Abdullah” who was “a wise and reliable ally, helping our nations build on a strategic relationship and enduring friendship.”

King Abdullah will be buried on Friday, January 23, according to Muslim rites and many world leaders are expected to pay their respects at the service which will hold at the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque in Riyadh.