Berlin (dpa) – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier flew to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday to offer his condolences following the death of the country’s long-time president Khalifa bin Zayed.

Steinmeier’s trip comes a day after the UAE’s Mohammed bin Zayed was picked to be the wealthy Gulf state’s new president, replacing his late brother.

Steinmeier called Khalifa a “friend of Germany” in a letter of condolences sent after his death. “His Highness led the successful path of his country as President with wisdom and prudence. He has increased prosperity and stability and earned the United Arab Emirates respect and recognition throughout the world,” Steinmeier wrote.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wished the country’s new president “confidence and success” on Sunday, noting that Germany and the United Arab Emirates have now enjoyed 50 years of diplomatic relations. “I look forward to working with you to further deepen the close and diverse cooperation between our countries and to work together to address global challenges.”

Steinmeier had originally planned to travel to the UAE in November last year, but cancelled the visit at short notice due to the pandemic. It was again postponed in March, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.