OFID extends condolences on loss of King Abdullah

Vienna, Austria, January 23, 2015. OFID has offered its condolences to Member Country Saudi Arabia on the passing of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. The late King is succeeded by Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz.

Responding to the news, OFID Director-General Mr Suleiman J Al-Herbish stated: “King Abdullah was committed to peace and pioneered the Energy for the Poor Initiative, placing it at the top of Saudi Arabia’s international economic agenda. This affected the lives of countless people worldwide—without discrimination to race or religion. OFID has had the honour of implementing the King’s initiative. We are deeply saddened by the loss of a courageous and honourable leader.”

King Abdullah had always been a staunch supporter of OFID’s mandates and missions as is his country. In November 2007 he hosted the Third Summit of the OPEC Heads of State, in which the Eradication of Energy Poverty became an objective for their aid institutions, including OFID. In June 2008, King Abdullah kept the issue of energy poverty eradication at the fore, with the proclamation of the Energy for the Poor Initiative.

The OFID family recognizes the key roles King Abdullah played in promoting peace and humanitarian causes. He also was a prominent figure in fostering global cooperation and sustainable development. His passing is considered a great loss to the organization and the world.