Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has signed the book of condolence opened at the American Centre in Male’, to pay the last respects to President George H. W. Bush.
In his message, the foreign minister said he would like to express his deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the US, and especially the bereaved family of President George H.W. Bush. He was an international statesman of exceptional standing who served his country and the world with valour and honour, according to the minister.
‘’He was a man of high principles and uncompromising integrity who steered the US and the world through the turbulent times in the aftermath of the Cold War with remarkable diplomacy and visionary wisdom. History will undoubtedly remember the late President as one of the greatest leaders of the US,’’ the foreign minister wrote.
Foreign Minister Shahid said he was privileged to meet President Bush when he visited the Maldives in 2004.
‘’We in the Maldives will always remember him with great fondness of the selfless service he rendered in helping us to recover from the tragedy of the 2004 tsunami,’’ the minister said on conclusion.