As news of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s passing rocketed around the world on Saturday morning, those who knew and admired the 79-year-old leader, responded in anguish.

Sultan Qaboos, who served the Sultanate for nearly 50-years, passed away on Friday evening on January 10, 2020.

Here are some of the reactions from leaders from around the world at the announcement of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’s passing:

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of UK, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, Sultan of Oman. 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.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. 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. His Majesty 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.”

Kuwait Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jabir al-Sabah said he lost a dear brother and companion whom he bound with an outstanding personal relation that characterized by respect and whom he shared with burdens and responsibilities.

“The Sultanate, GCC family, Arab and Islamic nations have lost a wise leader who devoted his life for the service of his homeland, subjects and issues of the Arab and Islamic nations,” the Emir said.

Qatar will observe three days of mourning, following the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, also sent condolences. The President commended the late Sultan for being dedicated to the service of his people and nation and his work on bolstering cohesion of the Arab nation.

Tributes for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said have come from King Salman of Saudi Arabia, and his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
A statement from the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia, shared through the Saudi Press Agency, 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.”