Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan stood both at home and abroad as "a symbol of benevolent and wise leadership characterised by generosity, tolerance, and avid pursuit of development and modernisation."
United States Secretary of State Colin Powell has said this on Tuesday in a condolence message issued on the demise of President and Founder of the United Arab Emirates.
Secretary Powell said that he was saddened to learn about the passing of Sheikh Zayed, "whose vision and leadership united seven independent emirates into one nation."
"We will miss Sheikh Zayed's friendship and send our deepest sympathy to his family, friends and the people of the UAE, he added.