President Thabo Mbeki Extends Condolences on the Death of the Prime Minister and Vice-President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al-Maktoum, 4 January 2006

TSHWANE: President Thabo Mbeki has extended South Africa's condolences to the Government and people of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) on the untimely death of their Prime Minister and Vice-President Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who passed on this morning 4 January 2006 after suffering a heart attack, in Australia.

"It is with a great sense of sadness that we have learnt of the untimely passing on of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Vice-President of the U.A.E. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rachid al-Maktoum early this morning," President Mbeki said.

"On behalf of the South African Government, the South African people and myself I extend our sincere condolences to the Government, the sister nation of the U.A.E. and the entire family of His Excellency Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al-Maktoum at this difficult time," concluded
President Thabo Mbeki.

Issued by Nomfanelo Kota - 082 459 3787

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

4 January 2006