US President Joe Biden congratulates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his election as President of the United Arab Emirates

The US President further added: As I told Sheikh Mohammed yesterday during our phone call, the United States is committed to honoring the memory of the late President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan by continuing to strengthen the partnership. between our countries over the next few months. and years.”

Earlier on Saturday, the 61-year-old was named the country’s president. The Federal Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates has met to elect Sheikh Mohammed as the new president. He also succeeded Sheikh Khalifa as head of Abu Dhabi. Notably, Abu Dhabi holds 90% of the UAE’s oil wealth.

Sheikh Mohamed was the longtime de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates. He ruled the country from behind the scenes as Sheikh Khalifa was sidelined due to health issues in 2014. Sheikh Mohamed previously served as Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces since January 2005. Sheikh Khalifa died on Friday . He was buried in Al Bateen Cemetery in Abu Dhabi after a simple ceremony.