Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has extended condolences to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the demise of its president Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahayan, the official IRNA news agency reported Wednesday.

In a message to Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh MaktoumBin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Khatami offered his sympathy with the nation and the government on the sad occasion.

"We appreciated the great benevolent efforts made by late Sheikh Zayed for prosperity of his country and promotion of regional peace and stability," Khatami was quoted as saying.

Sheikh Zayed died at 86 on Tuesday.

Under the UAE constitution, the vice president will act as president until the federal council which groups rulers of the seven emirates in the country meets within 30 days to elect a new president.

Source: Xinhua