Statement delivered by Ambassador Katalin Bogyay on behalf of the Eastern European Group at the General Assembly meeting on 2 February 2015.
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Eastern European Group. The Eastern European Group expresses its deepest condolences to the Government and the people of Saudi Arabia on the sad occasion of the passing away on 23 January 2015 of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques H.M. King Abdullah bin Abdulazis Al-Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
King Abdullah had a long and distinguished life for the benefit of his country, who advanced the modernization and economic development of the Kingdom. His Majesty has been an important figure in international and regional affairs including through his support to interreligious and Intercultural dialogue. King Abdullah has played a crucial role in the region by fighting against extremism, supporting peace and stability, including through the Arab Peace Initiative.
On this sad occasion the Eastern European Group offers our sincere condolences to the Government and the people of Saudi Arabia.
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Today we would also like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of Mårten Grunditz, as well as to the Swedish Mission to the United Nations upon his passing away on 27 January, 2015. Ambassador Grunditz’s career span more than forty years; he served his country in a number of important assignments. Mårten was a very professional and knowledgeable colleague whose gentle and kind presence will be sorely missed by all of us.
