August 3rd, 2005
King Fahd a towering personality: Manmohan
Describing him as a “towering personality” who won the admiration the world over for his leadership qualities, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed deep sorrow at the passing away of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
In a letter written to the monarch’s successor, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Manmohan Singh said: “I learnt with deep sadness of the passing away of King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Custodian of the two Holy Mosques. King Fahd ’s towering personality won the admiration of all who knew him around the world.
“The achievements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under his leadership stand testimony to his vision. His contributions to his country, to the region, and to the world, made him one of the leading figures of our time.”
Alluding to the king’s role in promoting friendship between India and Saudi Arabia - home to 1.5 million- strong Indian diaspora, Manmohan Singh said: “Under King Fahd’s care, a large expatriate Indian community found a home in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The people of India join their Saudi brothers and sisters in mourning his demise.”
Power Minister P M Sayeed is in Riyadh for the king’s funeral. As a mark of solidarity with the Saudi people, India observed one-day state mourning yesterday with the national flag flying at half-mast from the government buildings.
Source: ThePeninsulaQatar