His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday expressed his deep sorrow and grief over the loss of Saudi Arabia's King Fahd, who was hailed as a tireless defender of Arab causes.

His Majesty the King offered his condolences in a phone call to King Abdullah Ben Abdul Aziz and expressed faith in his wisdom, courage and leadership.

He also sent a cable of condolences to the Saudi King.

"The Arab and Muslim world lost an exceptional leader who did not spare any effort in order to unify Arabs and Muslims and defend their identity," King Abdullah said in the cable.

The Royal Court declared a 40-day mourning as of today.

Following an extraordinary session of Cabinet on Monday, the government declared three days of mourning in Jordan, and a one-day official suspension of work tomorrow in memory of the late King.

The Jordan Times