World Leaders Pay Respects in Qatar
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, known for his transformative leadership in Qatar from 1995 until 2013, passed away at the age of 74. As a mark of respect, dignitaries from across the globe are arriving in Qatar to offer their condolences. The three-day mourning period, held at Lusail Palace, has drawn numerous world leaders and officials.
Middle Eastern and North African Delegations
Several leaders from the Middle East and North Africa have visited to pay their respects. On Monday, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain extended his sympathies to current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah also offered condolences early in the week.
Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun made their visits on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa conveyed his condolences on Monday, while Iraq's President Nizar Amidi did so the same night. From the Kurdish region of Iraq, Second President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his condolences on Monday evening.
Officials from the United Arab Emirates, including Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Crown Prince of Ajman Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, visited Lusail Palace on Monday night. Meanwhile, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reached out via phone to express his condolences.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud also called Sheikh Tamim to offer his regards, while Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud visited personally. Oman was represented by Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, who visited on Monday evening. Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and Libya's interim government head Abdul Hamid Dbeibah were among the other visitors.
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, and the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Nabil Fahmy, paid their respects on Tuesday morning.
European and African Representatives
From Europe, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Swiss Vice President Ignazio Cassis were present at the palace on Tuesday morning. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also attended the mourning on Monday evening.
African leaders included Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, who visited on Tuesday. Rwanda's President Paul Kagame and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed offered their condolences on Monday.
South Asia and Asia Pacific Delegations
In South Asia, India's Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju is anticipated to visit on behalf of the Indian government. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences early on Monday, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu visited later that evening.
From the Asia Pacific region, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev offered his condolences on Monday night.
This gathering of dignitaries underscores Sheikh Hamad's significant role and influence in both regional and global contexts, as leaders unite to honour his legacy.
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