Nation pays tribute to Prince Sattam

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah took part in the funeral prayers for Prince Sattam at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh yesterday.

Members of the royal family, senior government officials, ministers, diplomats, foreign representatives and others paid their last respects to Prince Sattam by offering funeral prayers.

Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense; Second Deputy Premier Prince Muqrin; two sons of the deceased, Prince Abdulaziz bin Sattam and Prince Faisal bin Sattam; and other senior members of the royal family participated in the prayers.

Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah, representative of the emir of Kuwait; Prince Talal bin Mohammed, special adviser to King Abdallah of Jordan; and the former Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri were also present at the funeral prayers.

The Kingdom's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Asheikh, chairman of the Senior Ulema Commission, Religious Research Department and Ifta, conducted the prayers.

According to the prince's last wish, his body was laid to rest at Al-Adel Graveyard in Makkah.

The late Prince Sattam, who was the ninth governor of Riyadh, was appointed Deputy Governor of Riyadh in 1978 at the rank of minister. Prince Sattam subsequently succeeded his brother, Prince Salman, who became minister of defense, on Nov. 5, 2011. He was one of the senior members of the royal family and son of the late King Abdulaziz.

Crown Prince Salman will receive people wishing to convey condolences between Maghreb and Isha prayers on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Crown Prince's Palace in Arqah.

Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin Tago said the Filipino community in the Kingdom has lost a great friend. “Our community in the Kingdom has benefitted greatly from his kindness and generosity during his long tenure as deputy governor.” Tago expressed his deepest sympathies on behalf of his government to the bereaved royal family and the people of Saudi Arabia.

Bangladesh Ambassador Mohamed Shahidul Islam said Prince Sattam's death was a great loss to both the Kingdom and other friendly countries. “I can still remember how Prince Sattam came to our national day celebrations on March 26 at Tuwaik and interacted with the guests.” Islam said the mission will miss him at the upcoming national day event.

On behalf of British Ambassador Sir John Jenkins, Roddy Drummond, Charge de Affaires of the British Embassy, said: "I was very sad at the passing of Riyadh Gov. Prince Sattam, whom I met many times. He was a kind man and true gentleman, always willing to offer careful advice and wise counsel.”

Minister Siripala Gamanpila, charge de affaires of the Sri Lankan Embassy here told Arab News that everyone loved Prince Sattam. "His demise is a great loss to both the Kingdom and the whole world. He never failed to attend diplomatic functions in Riyadh organized by foreign missions based in the capital. We will definitely miss his absence at the coming events arranged by the foreign missions.”

Expressing his heartfelt condolences, Pakistan Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan said the sad demise of the prince was a great loss for the government and people of Saudi Arabia and the entire Muslim world.

“The late prince was a statesman and administrator of great caliber and stature. His service to the people and government of Saudi Arabia, stretching over many decades, will always be remembered fondly,” he said.

“The government and people of Pakistan join their Saudi brethren in this hour of grief. Please accept our most sincere condolences on this sad occasion and may Allah Almighty bless the deceased and give the bereaved family and nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.

Expressing condolences on behalf of his ministry, Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said yesterday that the Kingdom has lost a great son of the soil. Al-Rabeeah recalled that Prince Sattam was well known for his loyalty towards his country, love of the poor and philanthropy.

Saudi businessmen in the city also conveyed their sincere condolences to the bereaved royal family. President of the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) Abdullah Al-Mobty said it was a day of sorrow for businessmen in the Kingdom because the community has lost a great leader and friend who was instrumental in developing several projects in the Riyadh region.

Board members of the CSC, Ibrahim bin Mohammed Sabri and Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Rabiah, said Prince Sattam was a benefactor to several charitable organizations.

Arab News