UAE leaders condole Algerian president on death of Abdelaziz Bouteflika

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a cable of condolences to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria, on the death of the country's former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, dispatched similar condolences to President Tebboune.

Bouteflika died on Friday aged 84, public television announced, citing a statement from the presidency.

A statement from his successor Tebboune noted Bouteflika's past as a fighter in the war for independence from France and said flags would be lowered to half mast for three days to honour him.

Bouteflika had ruled the North African country for two decades before his resignation in April 2019 after street demonstrations rejecting his plan to seek a fifth term.

He had rarely been seen in public before his departure since a stroke in 2013.

WAM/ Agencies