Ambassadors and diplomats mourn the Amir al-Walid: He led Qatar's renaissance and consolidated its standing
Today, ambassadors of Arab and foreign countries, heads of diplomatic missions, and representatives of international organizations accredited in the country gathered at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to offer their condolences on the passing of the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. They affirmed that his death constitutes a loss for Qatar and the region, and that his political and humanitarian legacy will remain present through the achievements that contributed to the modern renaissance of Qatar, enhanced its regional and international standing, consolidated joint Gulf cooperation, and supported efforts in development, mediation, and humanitarian work.
Consensus was reached among those offering condolences, in statements made after paying their respects to the Ambassador of the State of Qatar in the country, Ali bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, and embassy staff, that the Father Emir played a pivotal role in supporting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) process and strengthening fraternal relations among sister states. They also highlighted his contributions to development, humanitarian work, mediation, and the enhancement of regional stability, noting that the death of Hamad bin Khalifa represents a significant loss for Qatar, as well as for the Arab and Islamic nations.
The Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the country, Dr. Saleh Al Khoury, affirmed that the late leader was one of the most prominent figures who contributed to the renaissance of Qatar, playing a pivotal role in supporting the GCC’s progress and strengthening joint Gulf cooperation.
Following his condolence visit and signing the book of condolences, Al Khoury stated, “We extend our deepest condolences and sincere sympathies on the loss of our common father, the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, may God have mercy on him.” He emphasized that the late leader left a substantial legacy in supporting development and Gulf cooperation.
He added that the Father Emir maintained close and strong relations with the leadership of the Sultanate of Oman, which contributed to consolidating the distinguished fraternal ties between the Sultanate and Qatar, serving the interests of both countries and their brotherly peoples, and enhancing the unity of the Gulf system.
He noted that the late leader’s journey will remain present through his contributions to Gulf, Arab, and Islamic service, praying to God Almighty to envelop him in His vast mercy, grant him a spacious place in Paradise, and inspire the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the ruling family, and the Qatari people with patience and solace. He also prayed that God would continue to grant Qatar security, stability, and prosperity.
For his part, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the country, Salah Al Maliki, affirmed that the death of Sheikh Hamad represents a major loss for sister-state Qatar and for the Arab and Islamic nations, due to the rich legacy of giving and achievements he left behind, as well as his significant contributions to serving his homeland, people, and nation, and consolidating Qatar’s regional and international standing.
Al Maliki conveyed the condolences of Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the Bahraini people. He stated that the Father Emir was a wise leader with a clear vision who dedicated his life to serving his country, nation, and humanity, contributing to a comprehensive renaissance in Qatar and leaving a national and humanitarian legacy that will stand as a testament to a journey filled with achievements and giving.
He added that the ties between Bahrain and Qatar go beyond neighborly relations, rooted in strong familial bonds, blood ties, kinship, and shared destiny. This makes this tragic loss deeply felt in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where everyone shares in the grief with their brothers in Qatar and the pain enveloping every Qatari household in this great calamity, stemming from the deep fraternal and historical ties linking the two countries and their brotherly peoples.
The Ambassador of Egypt to the country, Mohamed Abu Al Wafa, expressed profound sorrow and grief over the passing of the Father Emir, affirming that the late leader made significant contributions to Qatar’s renaissance and its notable development and progress.
Abu Al-Wafa said that the late prince played a prominent role at the Gulf, Arab, and international levels, noting that Qatar witnessed a distinctive developmental journey during his tenure, establishing it as a leading model in the region.
Jordan’s ambassador to Kuwait, Sanaan Al-Mujalli, affirmed that the late prince left indelible marks on the nation-building journey of Qatar, contributing to enhancing its regional and international standing, while also supporting efforts for Arab cooperation and solidarity.
Al-Mujalli stated that Jordan, in its leadership, government, and people, extends sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Emir of Qatar, the ruling family, and the brotherly Qatari people. He added that the Jordanian embassy’s participation in paying respects reflects the depth of the fraternal relations between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the State of Qatar, as well as the bonds of love and mutual respect between the two brotherly peoples.
For her part, Turkey’s ambassador to Kuwait, Topa Nur Sonmez, affirmed that relations between Turkey and Qatar represent a unique model of strategic partnership and solid brotherhood between the two countries. She noted that the late prince played the most prominent role in consolidating these relations and elevating them to unprecedented levels.
Sonmez said that the Father Emir holds a special place in the hearts of the Turkish people and leadership, due to his significant efforts in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. She emphasized that he was a statesman with a far-sighted vision and an exceptional leader who contributed to building modern Qatar’s renaissance and enhancing its presence and standing on the regional and international stage.
She added that the late deceased successfully led an important historical phase marked by Qatar’s openness and development across various fields, leaving a clear imprint that will remain present in the journey of the state and the entire region. She expressed her sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Emir of Qatar, the ruling family, and the Qatari people, affirming that the Father Emir’s legacy and achievements will remain a source of inspiration for future generations, and that his memory will remain eternal in the consciousness of the Turkish and Qatari peoples.
EU Ambassador to Kuwait, Anne Goossens, expressed sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Qatar on the passing of the late Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, may God have mercy on him.
Goossens stated that the EU’s relations with Qatar are characterized by strength and closeness, emphasizing the EU’s deep respect for the deceased, who was known for his moderate voice in the region.
She added that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa made strong contributions to the modernization and development of Qatar, highlighting his prominent role in enhancing his country’s regional and international standing. She offered her condolences to the Qatari leadership and people, praying that God envelops the deceased in His vast mercy.
For his part, the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Kuwait, Stephen Butler, expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of the Father Emir, praising his role in building modern Qatar. He said that Sheikh Hamad was a visionary leader who contributed to shaping the contours of the Qatar known to the world today, affirming that his passing represents a major loss.
He added that his relationship with the deceased had a personal dimension, explaining that his first diplomatic posting was in the Qatari capital, Doha, where he had the honor of meeting the Father Emir several times during that period. He affirmed that Sheikh Hamad’s memory will remain present, expressing his condolences and sympathy to Qatar, both in leadership and among its people.
For her part, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, Ghada Taher, extended sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Qatar. She said that Sheikh Hamad was an inspiring leader who played a prominent role in the journey of development, mediation efforts, and humanitarian work on a global scale.
Al-Tahir noted that these efforts were widely appreciated not only by the United Nations but by the international community as a whole, adding that the late left an important imprint in various fields. She prayed to God Almighty to envelop him in His boundless mercy and to grant the Qatari leadership and people patience, solace, and the best of condolences.
