BEIRUT: Top Lebanese leaders have praised Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz al-Saud, who died Saturday, as a brother and friend who supported Lebanon in times of crisis, while former Prime Minister Saad Hariri hailed him as “a model of successful leadership.

”Sultan’s death has led to the cancellation of a Cabinet session slated for Tuesday because Prime Minister Najib Mikati will fly to Riyadh on that day to attend Sultan’s funeral, a source close to Mikati told The Daily Star Sunday. President Michel Sleiman may also travel to Riyadh Wednesday to offer condolences to Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz and other officials, media reports said.

Sultan, who had been heir to the Saudi king since 2006 and defense and aviation minister since 1962, died of colon cancer in New York at dawn Saturday. Thought to be 86, Sultan had suffered deteriorating health and spent long periods outside the country for medical treatment.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri Sunday telephoned Abdullah to offer warm condolences over Sultan’s death to the Saudi king and people, the state-run National News Agency reported.

Earlier Saturday, Sleiman sent a cable of condolences to Abdullah, hailing Sultan as a friend of Lebanon.

“I have received with sorrow the news of the death of your beloved brother who was a friend of Lebanon and had embraced Lebanon’s issues and strived for the unity of the Arab nation and the good of its states,” Sleiman said in his cable.

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

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

Mikati also expressed his condolences over Sultan’s death, saying Lebanon had lost a brother and a friend, and the Arab and Muslim world had lost one of its leading men.

“Lebanon has lost a brother and a friend who had always paid attention to [Lebanon’s] affairs. He had generously stood beside the Lebanese during the difficult years through which their country had passed,” Mikati said.

“In addition, he [Sultan] was always keen on helping the Lebanese who have gone to sisterly Saudi Arabia looking for a better future. [Saudi Arabia’s] doors, which were open for them, were a source of good help and support,” Mikati said.

“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.

Hariri also praised Sultan for supporting Lebanon in difficult times.

“The great deceased, who assumed important responsibilities alongside the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz, was a model of successful leadership and was a symbol of good and kindness for his country and the nation,” Hariri said in a statement.

With Sultan’s death, Hariri said, “the Lebanese people will miss a dear brother and a loyal friend, who backed Lebanon in the most difficult circumstances and worked with his brothers to help this country and its people, just like the historic leaders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which always was a strong supporter of Lebanon, its independence and unity as well as of all the just Arab causes.”

Extending his heartfelt condolences to the king, the royal family and the Saudi people, Hariri said: “We ask God Almighty to have mercy for the great deceased and to protect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its leader, so that it remains a beacon of faith, justice and progress.”

Former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said Sultan’s death was “a big loss for the kingdom and his generous family and the Arab and Muslim nations.”

Kataeb [Phalange] Party leader Amin Gemayel also said Sultan’s death was a big loss for Saudi Arabia and all Arab and Muslim nations due to his great achievements in various fields.

Other Lebanese politicians who sent cables of condolences to Abdullah were former Prime Minister Omar Karami, his son Youth and Sports Minister Faisal Karami, Future bloc MPs Tammam Salam and Mohammad Qabbani, and March 14 MP Marwan Hamadeh.