Memorial service for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa... Diplomatic consensus on the leader who transformed Qatar

- Condolers praised Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa’s role in building the modern state and enhancing Qatar’s standing.

- Gulf ambassadors affirmed his contributions to supporting the Gulf Cooperation Council’s progress and consolidating fraternal relations.

- Representatives of countries and international organizations recalled his role in development, mediation, and humanitarian work.

A wide turnout of sheikhs, senior state officials, diplomatic corps members, as well as citizens and residents, gathered at the Qatari embassy in the host country to offer condolences on the passing of the late Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, by the will of God. This marked the first day of a three-day condolence period, which continues until tomorrow, Wednesday, amidst feelings of grief and appreciation for the deceased’s significant contributions to Qatar’s rise and its enhanced regional and international presence.

Condolers emphasized that the departure of the Amir represents a major loss, recalling his eventful career marked by achievements and his role in building the modern state, supporting Gulf cooperation and joint Arab efforts, as well as his contributions to development, mediation, and humanitarian work.

Several ambassadors and representatives of international organizations in Kuwait agreed on the high status enjoyed by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, noting that he was a visionary leader who left a clear imprint on Qatar’s and the region’s history, and commending his efforts to strengthen his country’s relations with various nations worldwide.

Oman’s Ambassador to the country, Dr. Saleh Al-Kharousi, stated that His Highness the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, was among the most prominent leaders who contributed to Qatar’s renaissance, playing a pivotal role in supporting the Gulf Cooperation Council’s progress and enhancing joint Gulf efforts.

Al-Kharousi, after offering condolences at the Qatari embassy to Qatari Ambassador Ali Al Mahmoud and embassy staff, said: “We extend our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy for our shared loss—the loss of Qatar, the Gulf Cooperation Council states, and the Arab and Islamic nations.” He affirmed that the late leader left a substantial legacy in supporting development and Gulf cooperation.

For his part, Bahrain’s Ambassador Salah Al-Maliki stated that the passing of His Highness the “Amir Al-Walid” represents a major loss for Qatar, as well as for the Arab and Islamic nations, due to the legacy of generosity and achievements he left behind, and his significant contributions to serving his country, people, and nation, while consolidating Qatar’s regional and international standing.

Al-Maliki noted that His Highness the “Amir Al-Walid” was a wise, visionary leader 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 career full of achievements and generosity.

He added that the ties between Bahrain and Qatar go beyond neighborly relations, encompassing deep familial bonds, blood ties, closeness, and a shared destiny, making this painful loss a source of genuine sorrow in Bahrain, where everyone shares grief with their brothers in Qatar.

For his part, Jordan’s Ambassador Sinan Al-Mujali affirmed that His Highness the “Amir Al-Walid” left indelible marks on Qatar’s renaissance, contributed to enhancing its regional and international standing, and supported efforts toward Arab cooperation and solidarity.

In the same context, Egypt’s Ambassador Mohamed Abu Al-Wafa stated that the “Amir Al-Walid” made significant contributions to Qatar’s renaissance and its notable development and progress, playing a prominent role at the Gulf, Arab, and international levels. He noted that during his era, Qatar experienced a distinctive developmental journey that established it as a leading model in the region.

He added that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will visit Qatar to offer condolences to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and to share the Qatari leadership and people’s grief in this painful loss.

Kuustinen stated that the European Union’s relations with Qatar are characterized by strength and closeness, emphasizing the EU’s deep respect for the late Emir, who was known for his moderate voice in the region.

For his part, Acting U.S. Ambassador Steve Butler expressed his profound sorrow, praising Sheikh Hamad’s role in building modern Qatar. Butler said the late Emir was a visionary leader who contributed to shaping the Qatar known to the world today, stressing that his passing represents a significant loss. He added that his relationship with the late Emir had a personal dimension, noting that his first diplomatic posting was in the Qatari capital, Doha, where he had the honor of meeting the Emir multiple times during that period.

For her part, UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait Ghada Taher offered her sincere condolences and sympathies to the Qatari government and people. She described Sheikh Hamad as an inspiring leader who played a prominent role in development, mediation efforts, and humanitarian work worldwide, noting that these efforts were widely appreciated not only by the United Nations but by the entire international community.

Turkish Ambassador Tuba Nurlu Sonmez affirmed that Sheikh Hamad played the most significant role in consolidating Turkish-Qatari relations and elevating them to unprecedented levels. She added that the late Emir holds a special place in the hearts of the Turkish people and leadership due to his substantial efforts in strengthening bilateral ties, emphasizing that he was a statesman with a keen vision and an exceptional leader who contributed to building modern Qatar’s renaissance and enhancing its presence and standing on the regional and international stages.