Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have expressed condolences on the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and conveyed sympathy for the government and brotherly people of Qatar.
Qatar’s government announced on Sunday the passing of Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 until his abdication in 2013.
In his message to the Qatari emir, President Pezeshkian on Sunday highlighted the late Sheikh Hamad’s positive contributions to bilateral ties.
“With profound sorrow, I received the news of the passing of your esteemed father, the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” the president wrote.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to you, the Al Thani family, and the government and brotherly people of Qatar on this sad occasion. During his years in office and blessed life, the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, played a significant role in expanding brotherly ties and friendly cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Qatar. His services and memory will always be held in high esteem by both nations,” Pezeshkian stated.
“I pray to Almighty God to grant the departed His vast mercy and to bestow patience and solace upon you and the other bereaved family members,” Pezeshkian concluded.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Araghchi also extended the Islamic Republic’s condolences over the death of Sheikh Hamad.
“With profound sadness and sorrow, we mourn the passing of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” Araghchi wrote on X.
“Our deepest condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the honorable Al Thani family, and the brotherly Qatari people.”
“We ask God Almighty for mercy and forgiveness for the deceased, and for patience and forbearance for all the survivors,” he added.
Qatari officials announced four days of public mourning across the Persian Gulf island state over the passing of the 74-year-old ruler.
Funeral prayers would be held on Sunday evening, and government offices and public institutions will be closed during the mourning period.
Sheikh Hamad had seized power from his father in a bloodless coup when the latter was abroad in 1995. In 2013, Sheikh Hamad abdicated in favor of his own son.
Qatar was a British protectorate until it gained independence on September 3, 1971.
Sheikh Hamad cited political and economic necessity and the need to modernize the burgeoning Arab state as the reason for seizing power. He is now regarded as one of the key architects behind modern Qatar, who led the country during a period of rapid economic growth.
His son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, now leads the nation.
