British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will travel to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday to pay respects following the death of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, his office said on Saturday.

Johnson, who said he was deeply saddened to learn of the death, will also use the visit “to reinforce the close bond between the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates which will continue under the Presidency of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” the statement said.

The UAE federal supreme council elected on Saturday Sheikh Mohammed as the new president.