BEIRUT: President Michel Sleiman said Lebanon has lost a brother following the death of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz al-Saud Saturday.

“I have received the news of death of your beloved brother with sadness ... [he] was a friend of Lebanon who had embraced Lebanon's issues and strived for the unity of the Arab nation and good of its nations,” Sleiman said in a statement.

“On this occasion, which has undoubtedly left a sense of loss and sorrow in your hearts and the hearts of the brotherly Saudi people, I offer, in my name and on behalf of the Lebanese people, heartfelt condolences, asking God to grant him mercy and eternal paradise,” the statement said.

“I wish you good health and determination for your wise leadership to lead Saudi Arabia along the paths of peace, progress and pride.”

Prime Minister Najib Mikati also expressed his condolences Saturday, saying Lebanon had lost a brother and a friend, and the Arab and Muslim world had lost one of its leading men.

“As for Lebanon, it has lost a brother and a friend who has placed great interests in [Lebanon's] affairs and has always generously stood beside the Lebanese who have gone to sisterly Saudi Arabia looking for a better future. [Saudi Arabia's] doors were also open offering the best help and support,” Mikati said in a statement.

“The Muslim and Arab nations have lost one of its most prominent men, who has fought for the rights of Arabs and Muslims for years,” Mikati said, adding that Saudi Arabia has lost one of the cornerstones of its progress and development.

He offered his heartfelt condolences to Saudi officials and Prince Sultan’s family, friends and the Saudi people.

“The brotherly Saudi people have lost one of their loyal patrons who have cared for this nation for years along with his brothers in the royal family in order to provide what ensures progress and happiness,” Mikati said.

Prince Sultan passed away at dawn Saturday. He was thought to be 86, and had suffered deteriorating health and spent long periods outside the country for medical treatments.

Meanwhile, Kataeb leader Amine Gemayel described the death of Prince Sultan as a big loss for Saudi Arabia and all Arab and Muslim nations due to his great achievements in various fields.

"And on this occasion, we extend our heartfelt condolences to King Abdullah bin Abdel Aziz, the late king's family and the Saudi people," Gemayel said in a statement.