RABAT, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan King Mohammed VI on Saturday offered his condolences over the death of late Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said who died on Friday evening at the age of 79.

In a message to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said of Oman, King Mohammed VI said he was deeply saddened by the news of the death of Sultan Qaboos.

The Arab world has lost a great and wise leader who has achieved for his country a comprehensive renaissance and major economic and political achievements, said Moroccan king in the message.

Oman's state TV said Qaboos' cousin Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, Oman's culture minister, was named as his successor based on Qaboos' recommendation written in a sealed letter. Enditem