Sultan Qaboos of Oman, who died on 10 January 2020, at the age of 79 after almost five decades on the throne. Since the news broke around the world, condolences have been pouring in.
The King of Bahrain issued a statement: “HM the King paid homage to late Sultan Qaboos who spent a life full of achievements in serving his people as well as the Arab and Islamic nations. The Royal Court reiterated the kingdom’s support to Oman and the Omani people in these painful circumstances, recalling with gratitude and respect the enormous contribution of late Sultan Qaboos bin Said to Oman’s growth, boosting historic fraternal relations between both countries and setting up the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Royal Court extended condolences to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman, the royal family and the Omani government and people, praying to Allah the Almighty to bless the deceased with mercy, rest his soul in eternal peace and paradise and provide the royal family and the Omani people with patience and fortitude.” The Kingdom of Bahrain has announced a three-day mourning period.
A statement from the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia said: “With the utmost sadness and grief, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, received the news of the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur of Sultanate of Oman, may Allah Almighty bestow mercy upon his soul. The King and HRH the Crown Prince expressed their sincere condolences and sympathy to the royal family and people of the Sultanate of Oman as well as to the Arab and Islamic nations on the death of Sultan Qaboos, whose reign was full of accomplishments. The King and HRH the Crown Prince also affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people share sadness and grief with the people of Oman.”
King Abdullah II of Jordan expressed his condolences in a telegram to Oman’s new Sultan. The Royal Hashemite Court announced a three-day mourning period and mourn the late Sultan’s passing. The Court said, “The Royal Hashemite Court mourns the passing of Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman, may his soul rest in peace. At His Majesty King Abdullah’s orders, the Royal Hashemite Court has announced three days of mourning over Sultan Qaboos’ passing, as of Saturday. The Royal Hashemite Court expresses the deepest sympathies of King Abdullah and the people of Jordan, as they stand with the people of Oman in these difficult times.”
Queen Noor of Jordan also tweeted her condolences:
Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a statement: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, Sultan of Oman,” said Johnson. “He was an exceptionally wise and respected leader who will be missed enormously. He will be remembered for his devotion to the development of Oman into a stable and prosperous nation and as the father of the nation who sought to improve the lives of the Omani people. I had the pleasure of meeting His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and was struck by his commitment to peace and understanding between nations and between faiths. He leaves a profound legacy, not only in Oman but across the region too. The UK is a proud friend and enduring partner of Oman, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Omani people.”
Margareta, Custodian of the Crown issued a statement via Twitter: “Her Majesty Margareta Custodian of the Crown and HRH Prince Radu learned with sadness about the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos of Oman. HM Margareta sent today a letter to the new sovereign of the Sultanate of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al Said.”
Former President of the United States George W. Bush said, “Laura and I are saddened by the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, the Sultan of Oman. He was a stable force in the Middle East and a strong U.S. ally. His Majesty had a vision for a modern, prosperous, and peaceful Oman, and he willed that vision into reality. Laura and I are fortunate to have visited him in Muscat last fall. We enjoyed his grand hospitality, and we saw how his able leadership improved education, healthcare, and the arts throughout the beautiful country of Oman. We send our sincere condolences to the Omani people on this mournful day.”
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said, “Sultan Qaboos was a great leader who was devoted to improving the well-being of his fellow countrymen. He was also committed to international peace and worked hard towards promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. May the Almighty God comfort the people of Oman as they mourn this great leader. We will forever cherish his contribution to human development through his generosity whose fruits are enjoyed by many in the international community.”
Ram Nath Kovind, the President of India, said, “We regret the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos – the Sultan of Oman – and a close friend of India. The world has lost a great leader and statesman who worked tirelessly in building peace in the region and the world. I offer my sincere condolences to the government of the Sultanate of Oman and its people at this sad hour.”
Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, said, “I extend our deepest condolences to the people of Oman on the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said,” said PM Khan. “He was a visionary and transformed Oman into a vibrant, modern state. Oman has lost a beloved leader and Pakistan a close, trusted friend. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. He was a visionary leader and statesman who transformed Oman into a modern and prosperous nation. He was a beacon of peace for our region and the world. Sultan Qaboos was a true friend of India and provided strong leadership for developing a vibrant strategic partnership between India and Oman. I will always cherish the warmth and affection I received from him. May his soul rest in peace.”
This page will be updated as news comes in. Refresh for further statements.
