The Prime Minister of Bahrain, Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa died at the age of 84 Wednesday, announced the Royal Court of Bahrain.

The world's longest serving prime minister passed away in the United States after serving 49 years in office.

The body will be transported back to Baharain, where a burial ceremony will be held with a limited number of relatives, due to the coronavirus crisis.

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ordered an official mourning period of week during which flags will be flown at half-mast. Additionally, attendence will be suspended in all government departments for three days, starting Thursday.