Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed deep condolences to Saudi Arabia over the death of Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud in Riyadh on Friday.

"Indonesia prays to God for forgiveness and peace of late King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and for strength to his family," the ministry said in a statement received here on Friday.

The people of Saudi Arabia and the world will feel the loss over the passing of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud.

King Abdullah has been known as a figure who brought reform and prosperity to his nation and the Kingdom of Arab Saudi.

Saudi Arabia is an important partner of Indonesia in the Middle East, it noted.

The sixth king of Saudi Arabia passed away at the age of 90 after undergoing treatment for pneumonia at a hospital for the past several weeks.

His brother Salman bin Abdulaziz Saud is expected to be the next king to replace late King Abdullah.

Vice-President M. Jusuf Kalla is scheduled to leave for Saudi Arabia on Saturday to offer condolences.

His secretariat in a press statement said the Vice-President will be accompanied by his wife Mufidah Jusuf Kalla and a limited entourage to Saudi Arabia. He will return home on Monday.

Meanwhile, Jusuf Kalla has cancelled his working visit to South Sulawesi that was scheduled for January 24 to 26.

He cancelled the trip after he was assigned by President Joko Widodo to convey the condolences of the Indonesian government and its people over the passing of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesias largest Islamic organization, has also offered condolences to the people of Saudi Arabia on the death of King Abdullah early on Friday.

"The NU family offers condolences over the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz who was a moderate Muslim," Secretary General of the NU Executive Board Marsudi Syuhud stated here on Friday.

According to him, King Abdullah was a moderate figure who played an active role in fostering religious harmony.
(Uu.H-YH/INE/KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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