AKIPRESS.COM - President Almazbek Atambayev expressed Saudi King Salman and the people of the country deep condolences and words of sincere sympathy on the death of King Abdullah.

The President's message noted that King Abdullah was an outstanding statesman and political leader who had respect and authority in the world.

"Thanks to his wise leadership, Saudi Arabia has become a political and economic leader among the Arab and Islamic states, and is now playing a crucial role in strengthening solidarity, peace and harmony, among Muslim countries," said Atambayev.

The President noted that the Kyrgyz people mourn and share the bitterness of the loss together with the people of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died in hospital early on Friday. King Abdullah, who was said to be aged about 90, had been in hospital for several weeks suffering from a lung infection.

A statement early on Friday said his half brother, Salman, had become king. King Salman, 79, had recently taken on the ailing monarch's responsibilities.