Britain's Queen sends condolences to Saudi Arabia

Aug 2, 2005, 16:17 GMT

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has sent her condolences to Saudi Arabia following the death of the country's King Fahd.

The monarch said she was sad to hear the 84-year-old King has died yesterday (01.08.05).

A statement issued on her behalf read: "The Queen was saddened to hear of the death of King Fahd, who led Saudi Arabia with wisdom and skill for 22 years.

"During his reign Britain and Saudi Arabia enjoyed a very close relationship. The Queen extends her best wishes to King Abdullah and looks forward to strengthening the bonds that link our two countries."

The Queen's son, the Prince of Wales, is travelling to Saudi Arabia Tuesday (02.08.05) to pass on the Royal family's condolences about the monarch, who had been frail since suffering a stroke in 1995.

The heir to the British throne will "convey the British Queen Elizabeth's and his condolences" to the Saudi Royal family, a spokesman for the Princes London residence Clarence House said.

It is also expected that British Prime Minister Tony Blair will fly to Saudi Arabia to pass on the country's condolences to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia upon the death of King Fahd, the Custodian of the Two Holy Shrines.

Blair said in a statement: "King Fahd was a man of great vision and leadership who inspired his countrymen for a quarter of a century as king, and for many more before that."

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