RIYADH: Foreign diplomats and senior government officials described the late Prince Saud Al-Faisal, former foreign minister, as a person who was well liked and respected by the world community for his diplomacy, statesmanship and outspoken approach to all local and international affairs.

In a condolence message, US Ambassador Joseph Westphal said: "It pains me deeply to learn of the loss of Prince Saud Al-Faisal and I would like to express my heart-felt condolences on behalf of the US Embassy and the people of the US to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the family of late Prince Saud Al-Faisal and the people of Saudi Arabia."

He said Prince Saud embodied strength and wisdom and his many years as foreign minister were conducted as a visionary for his people and an ally to the American people. "I deeply mourn his passing but I will forever respect his steadfast service to the government and people of Saudi Arabia," the envoy underlined.

Pakistan Ambassador Manzur Ul Haq said Prince Saud was a great leader who was well respected for his principles and policies. He had a long history of service that has contributed a great deal toward peace and prosperity in the region as well as other parts of the world. “He was a very friendly diplomat who was liked by everyone,” Haq said.

Sri Lankan Ambassador Mohamed Hussein Mohammed said Prince Saud's demise is a big loss to the Islamic world. He was a champion not only of the Islamic cause but was also interested in maintaining security and peace in the region as well other parts of the world. “He was a great friend of Sri Lanka and he visited the island and recommended the setting up of a Saudi mission in Colombo in 1982,” the envoy said.

South African Ambassador Mohamed Sadik Jaafer described Prince Saud as a giant in international politics. “ He was well respected for his unique statesmanship and friendly, democratic and positive approach to all international issues,” he said.

Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago said that it is a great loss to the Arab and Islamic world. “The world has witnessed his outstanding services as foreign minister for four decades, which would speak for the high caliber of diplomacy in his career,” the envoy said.

Golam Moshi, Bangladesh ambassador, said that his demise is an irreparable loss to the entire Islamic world including his country. He had been a close friend and well-wisher of Bangladesh, he noted, pointing out that his services as foreign minister will be written in golden letters in the annals of world history.

Expressing his deepest condolences, Pekka Voutilainen, Finland’s ambassador in Riyadh, described the death of Prince Saud as a big loss. "He left a great legacy for the Kingdom in foreign relations," underlined the envoy. "It is very sad to learn of the passing of Prince Saud. We extend our deep condolences to the royal family and the people of Saudi Arabia."

Mourning the death, Laurens Westhoff, ambassador of the Netherlands said: "An icon of the Arab world has passed away."

"He was indeed a great visionary. On his sad demise, the Netherlands government and people pay their respects to the Saudi people and wish them strength to bear this irreparable loss."

Mourning the sad demise, Hemant Kotalwar, charge d’affaires at the Indian Embassy here, said: "Prince Saud was a visionary leader, and very ably led foreign relations for four decades, which is recorded in history with golden words. He was a far-sighted leader, who left an indelible imprint on international scene."

Charge d' Affaires at the Indonesian Embassy Sunarko said: "We are deeply saddened by the news of the sad demise of Prince Saud, who was a great visionary leader and very ably served the Kingdom.

"At this difficult time I share the grief, and on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Indonesia, I extend my deepest condolence to the royal family and Saudi people."