(Karachi) Bahrain’s Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa has passed away after a brief illness, local media reported. He was 84.

As per the details, the longest serving premier was being treated at a Mayo Clinic hospital in the United States.

"The Royal Court mourns His Royal Highness... who passed away this morning at Mayo Clinic Hospital in the United States of America," the Bahrain News Agency said, adding that the country would enter a week of official mourning.

The burial ceremony will be held in Bahrain once the body is taken to the country. A limited number of relatives will attend the ceremony to prevent the spread of coronavirus. All government activities have been suspended for three days starting from Thursday while flags will be flown at half-mast and government ministries and departments.