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Condolences continue to pour in
RIYADH: Condolences continued to pour in Tuesday for the late Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, who died in a New York hospital last Saturday.
People from all walks of life, including foreign dignitaries, Islamic workers, diplomats and politicians mourned the crown prince's death, describing his passing as a big blow to the nation.
“The death is a big loss for one and all, especially for the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), which used to receive an annual personal donation from the late Crown Prince Sultan,” said Saleh Al-Wohaibi, secretary-general of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), in Riyadh Tuesday.
Al-Wohaibi said he would not disclose the amount because of instructions given by the late prince. He, however, pointed out the crown prince used to contribute regularly to charity work in the Kingdom and abroad.
Al-Wohaibi cited a recent example of the prince’s kindness and generosity. “I approached Crown Prince Sultan last year, seeking his help to bear the cost of travel for hundreds of delegates from Saudi Arabia to attend a conference organized by WAMY. The crown prince did not hesitate for a moment. He ordered two planes to ferry the delegates,” said the WAMY chief.
He further pointed out that the prince’s support helped WAMY to organize conferences, symposiums, educational workshops and research meetings to address youth and student issues.
Al-Wohaibi's views were also substantiated by Gatot Abdullah Mansyur, Indonesian ambassador, who said: “Indonesia will remember the late Prince Sultan as amongst the most revered persons in the Middle East.”
On behalf of the government and people of Indonesia, Mansyur offered deepest condolences for this sad loss. “We join the Kingdom in your prayers that the late Prince Sultan's soul may rest in peace and that Allah may bestow His blessings on him and his bereaved family as well as the government and the people of the Kingdom,” he added.
Dutch Ambassador Ron Strikker said: “It was with great sadness that I received the news of Crown Prince Sultan's death. The prince had been a generous supporter to many charity foundations and in the Netherlands he was especially known as a dedicated supporter of innovative approaches in the water sector.”
The Dutch Crown Prince worked closely with Prince Sultan to draw up the framework of the Prince Sultan International Water Prize, he added.
Offering his condolences Brazilian Ambassador Sergio Luiz Canaes said: “I would like to express my solidarity with thousands of people here and abroad, whose lives were touched by Prince Sultan’s philanthropy and humanitarian largesse in times of hardships.”
They are the living proof that Prince Sultan’s contributions to this Kingdom and to humanity will continue to impact lives for many years to come, said the envoy.
Paal Bjornestad, Norwegian charge d' affaires, said: “Crown Prince Sultan was highly respected internationally for his immense contributions to his country's development, as well as to promote peace and stability in the region. The deep sympathy of the Norwegian government is hereby conveyed to the family of Crown Prince Sultan and to the people of Saudi Arabia for this significant and painful loss,” he said in a condolence letter seen by Arab News.
Ordinary Saudis and non-Saudis alike were also seen mourning the loss, while old men had their eyes full of tears during the funeral. “It is a sad day for us but (the loss of crown prince) is a harsh reality that we have to face,” said Khaled Al-Saleh, a 49-year-old executive working for a local hotel.
Another Riyadh resident, Abdullah Al-Otaibi, said: “The country has lost a humanist, a philanthropist and a leader, who took the Kingdom to new heights.”
Prince Sultan could be regarded as one of the founders of modern Saudi Arabia, for he took part in shaping the Kingdom’s cultural, political and administrative features, said Hashim A. Almazrui, a teacher by profession.
“His early entry into public life enabled him to understand people and develop a unique kind of diplomacy with vision and sincerity,” he added.
“The late prince, who is known for his donations, aid and support for the people, was a combination of dignity and modesty,” said Naeem Jameel, a Pakistani PR executive.
RIYADH: Condolences continued to pour in Tuesday for the late Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, who died in a New York hospital last Saturday.
People from all walks of life, including foreign dignitaries, Islamic workers, diplomats and politicians mourned the crown prince's death, describing his passing as a big blow to the nation.
“The death is a big loss for one and all, especially for the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), which used to receive an annual personal donation from the late Crown Prince Sultan,” said Saleh Al-Wohaibi, secretary-general of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), in Riyadh Tuesday.
Al-Wohaibi said he would not disclose the amount because of instructions given by the late prince. He, however, pointed out the crown prince used to contribute regularly to charity work in the Kingdom and abroad.
Al-Wohaibi cited a recent example of the prince’s kindness and generosity. “I approached Crown Prince Sultan last year, seeking his help to bear the cost of travel for hundreds of delegates from Saudi Arabia to attend a conference organized by WAMY. The crown prince did not hesitate for a moment. He ordered two planes to ferry the delegates,” said the WAMY chief.
He further pointed out that the prince’s support helped WAMY to organize conferences, symposiums, educational workshops and research meetings to address youth and student issues.
Al-Wohaibi's views were also substantiated by Gatot Abdullah Mansyur, Indonesian ambassador, who said: “Indonesia will remember the late Prince Sultan as amongst the most revered persons in the Middle East.”
On behalf of the government and people of Indonesia, Mansyur offered deepest condolences for this sad loss. “We join the Kingdom in your prayers that the late Prince Sultan's soul may rest in peace and that Allah may bestow His blessings on him and his bereaved family as well as the government and the people of the Kingdom,” he added.
Dutch Ambassador Ron Strikker said: “It was with great sadness that I received the news of Crown Prince Sultan's death. The prince had been a generous supporter to many charity foundations and in the Netherlands he was especially known as a dedicated supporter of innovative approaches in the water sector.”
The Dutch Crown Prince worked closely with Prince Sultan to draw up the framework of the Prince Sultan International Water Prize, he added.
Offering his condolences Brazilian Ambassador Sergio Luiz Canaes said: “I would like to express my solidarity with thousands of people here and abroad, whose lives were touched by Prince Sultan’s philanthropy and humanitarian largesse in times of hardships.”
They are the living proof that Prince Sultan’s contributions to this Kingdom and to humanity will continue to impact lives for many years to come, said the envoy.
Paal Bjornestad, Norwegian charge d' affaires, said: “Crown Prince Sultan was highly respected internationally for his immense contributions to his country's development, as well as to promote peace and stability in the region. The deep sympathy of the Norwegian government is hereby conveyed to the family of Crown Prince Sultan and to the people of Saudi Arabia for this significant and painful loss,” he said in a condolence letter seen by Arab News.
Ordinary Saudis and non-Saudis alike were also seen mourning the loss, while old men had their eyes full of tears during the funeral. “It is a sad day for us but (the loss of crown prince) is a harsh reality that we have to face,” said Khaled Al-Saleh, a 49-year-old executive working for a local hotel.
Another Riyadh resident, Abdullah Al-Otaibi, said: “The country has lost a humanist, a philanthropist and a leader, who took the Kingdom to new heights.”
Prince Sultan could be regarded as one of the founders of modern Saudi Arabia, for he took part in shaping the Kingdom’s cultural, political and administrative features, said Hashim A. Almazrui, a teacher by profession.
“His early entry into public life enabled him to understand people and develop a unique kind of diplomacy with vision and sincerity,” he added.
“The late prince, who is known for his donations, aid and support for the people, was a combination of dignity and modesty,” said Naeem Jameel, a Pakistani PR executive.
