PHL gov’t sends top diplomat to Saudi to convey condolences on death of King Abdullah

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia (US State Department via Wikipedia)

MANILA  — The Philippines has sent Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario to Saudi Arabia to personally convey the condolences of President Benigno S. Aquino III on the passing of King Abdullah bin Adbulaziz Al Saud.

King Abdullah, 90, died Friday morning due to pneumonia and was succeeded by his brother, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The government described the late King as a “courageous, generous, and visionary leader who introduced policy changes in education and infrastructure.”

Philippine officials also said Abdullah will be remembered for his support for the cause and welfare of Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia, a major destination for Filipino workers in the Middle East, is home to an estimated one million Philippine nationals.