Secretary's Remarks: On the Death of King Abdullah
01/22/2015 09:05 PM EST
On the Death of King Abdullah
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
January 22, 2015
This is a sad day. The United States has lost a friend, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and the world
has lost a revered leader. King Abdullah was a man of wisdom and vision. I loved my visits with him as a Senator and as
Secretary. Even as he battled age and illness, he held on to his sense of determination. His stories of his father and
of his family were remarkable. He was so proud of the Kingdom’s journey, a brave partner in fighting violent extremism
who proved just as important as a proponent of peace. The courageous Arab Peace Initiative that he sponsored remains a
critical document for the goal we shared of two states, Israel and Palestine, living in peace and security. He also made
great strides to invest in the Saudi people, and the Kingdom’s infrastructure and economic development. The scholarship
program that bears his name represents an enormous, far-sighted contribution to Saudi Arabia’s future prosperity. I know
he was very proud of his role as Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and as leader of his people.
Teresa and I send our condolences to the family of King Abdullah and to the people of Saudi Arabia and the region.
ENDS