U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday paid tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, whose "enduring contributions in the field of international and regional diplomacy" were key as he worked tirelessly to achieve peaceful solutions based on justice, according to Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. "While recognizing the demands of the modern world, King Fahd was also firmly guided, in the tradition of his predecessors, by the principles and traditions of Islam," said Dujarric. "King Fahd will be remembered not only with deep affections and loyalty among the people of the Kingdom, but with profound respect in the Islamic, Arab and world communities." The King was a 'true friend of the U.N' since its inception, as he attended the inauguration of the organization as a member of the Saudi delegation in 1945, according to Dujarric. Annan also hailed the King's "remarkable progress in areas ranging from industrial development to education." Annan extended his deepest condolences to the family of the late King, as well as to the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The U.N. flag is hoisted at half mast today in his honor.
