Saudi King's death great loss for Arab, Islamic nation -- KUNA Director

KUWAIT, Jan 23 (KUNA) -- The death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud is a great loss for the Arab and Islamic nation, Chairman of the Board and Director General of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah said Friday.
In a statement issued by KUNA, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij said that King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz was a strong individual and outstanding statesman who stood for the rights of the Arab and Muslim world both on the regional and international arenas.
During his reign which began in 2005, King Abdullah managed to further develop Saudi Arabia and history will remember his accomplishments for years to come, said the KUNA Director.
The late Saudi Monarch was the one responsible for launching the Arab peace initiative plan for the Middle East during the Arab summit which was held in Beirut in 2003, said Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij, noting that King Abdullah also had his mark in reconciliation plans throughout the region.
The Kuwaiti official also noted that the Kuwaiti people will never forget King Abdullah's stance during the Iraqi invasion in 1990, noting that the Saudi efforts then played an integral part in liberating Kuwait.
Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij expressed his deepest condolences to the Saudi people over the death of the great leader. (end) fa.gta