Blair pays tribute to King Fahd
Tony Blair has paid tribute to Saudi Arabia ruler King Fahd, describing him as a man of “great vision and leadership”.
The prime minister said the 84-year-old, who ruled the kingdom for 23 years, had inspired his country for a quarter of a century as king “and for many more before that”.
“He served his country with the utmost dedication and dignity. He led Saudi Arabia through a period of unparalleled prosperity and development,” Mr Blair said in a statement.
“He was also a good friend of the United Kingdom. Our two countries have benefited very greatly over the years from his wise advice.
“Under his guidance we have developed extremely close political, commercial and defence links. They will always be seen as his legacy.”
The king died at King Faisal specialist hospital, where he had been admitted on May 27th for medical tests. He was thought to be suffering from pneumonia.
He has been succeeded as leader of the world’s largest oil exporter by his half brother, Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdelaziz, who is also in his 80s.
Mr Abdullah, who has appointed defence minister Prince Sultan as his crown prince, has been leader in all but name for the last decade after Fahd suffered a stroke in 1995.
French president Jacques Chirac said Fahd was “the guarantor of his country’s cohesion and the defender of regional stability” in uncertain times.
Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak added: “Saudi Arabia has lost one of its dutiful sons, a leader among the most dear of its leaders and men.”
Buckingham Palace said the Queen was saddened to hear of the death, adding: “During his reign, Britain and Saudi Arabia enjoyed a very close relationship.
“The Queen extends her best wishes to King Abdullah and looks forward to strengthening the bonds that link our two countries.”
Prince Charles is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia to offer condolences in person to the Saudi royal family.
