Kamala Harris to travel to UAE to offer condolences on death of Sheikh Khalifa

US Vice President will be joined by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken when she meets President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, says the White House

US Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit the UAE with condolences on the death of Sheikh Khalifa, the White House says. AFP

US Vice President Kamala Harris and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to the UAE on Monday to offer condolences on behalf of the administration on the death of President Sheikh Khalifa, who passed away on Friday.

Ms Harris will meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, a statement from the White House said.

“In addition to honouring the memory and the legacy of Sheikh Khalifa, the vice president will underscore the strength of the partnership between our countries and our desire to further deepen our ties in the coming months and years,” the White House said.

On Friday, US President Joe Biden said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the death of Sheikh Khalifa.

“Sheikh Khalifa was a true partner and friend of the United States throughout his decades-long tenure as President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and in his earlier role as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi,” Mr Biden said in a statement.

Mr Biden also congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on being elected President of the UAE.

“Sheikh Mohamed, whom I met with several times as vice president when he was the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has long been at the forefront of building this partnership,” he said.

“I look forward to working with Sheikh Mohamed to build from this extraordinary foundation to further strengthen the bonds between our countries and peoples.”

Joe Biden's Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who will be with Ms Harris, on Saturday called Sheikh Mohamed a "valued friend of the US".

"We warmly congratulate His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on assuming the role of President of the United Arab Emirates after succeeding our steadfast friend His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.," he said in a statement.

"During his time as Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has been an important partner and valued friend of the US. We look forward to working closely together to build on the extraordinary partnership between the US and the UAE that grew under His Highness Sheikh Khalifa’s presidency, and continuing our dialogue to advance a more peaceful and secure region and world.

"We wish the people of the UAE continued prosperity and advancement under His Highness Sheikh Mohamed’s leadership."

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders are also travelling to the UAE to offer their condolences.

Sheikh Khalifa remembered in pictures