World leaders pay tribute to Qatar's Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

TDT | agencies

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World leaders paid tribute to former leader Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday, remembering him as a visionary statesman whose leadership transformed Qatar and left a lasting mark on the Arab and Islamic worlds.

Condolences poured in from heads of state and international organisations following the announcement of his passing, with leaders praising his role in modernising Qatar, promoting regional peace and strengthening international partnerships.

UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conveyed his deepest condolences to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the people of Qatar, praying that Allah grant the late Father Amir mercy and Paradise while giving strength and comfort to his family and the nation.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi described Sheikh Hamad’s passing as a great loss, extending heartfelt condolences to Qatar's leadership and people while praying for the country's continued security and stability.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II expressed his deepest sympathies to the Qatari leadership and people, praying that Allah shower the late Father Amir with mercy and continue to protect Qatar.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he received the news of Sheikh Hamad's passing “with profound sorrow”, describing him as “my dear friend”.

Erdogan said he had the honour of working closely with the late Father Amir on numerous international issues and credited him with strengthening Turkish-Qatari political, commercial, military, humanitarian and cultural ties.

“He sincerely worked for peace in the Islamic world, stability in the region and the prosperity of the Qatari people. These efforts will always be remembered,” Erdogan said.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari praised Sheikh Hamad's “leadership, vision and invaluable contributions” to Qatar's progress and development, as well as his efforts to promote regional peace and cooperation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the late Father Amir as "a visionary leader who guided Qatar to high levels of development and prosperity".

"We remember him also as a true friend whom I had the honour of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in February 2024," Modi said, extending condolences to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the royal family and the people of Qatar.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Sheikh Hamad transformed Qatar into “a nation of global significance” during his 18 years as Amir.

“Under his leadership, Qatar achieved remarkable economic progress and emerged as an influential voice in regional and international affairs,” he said, describing the Father Amir as “a steadfast friend of Malaysia and a respected figure across the Muslim world”.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Sheikh Hamad’s death represented “a great loss for Qatar, Lebanon and the Arab world”.

He recalled Qatar’s support for Lebanon following the 2006 conflict, the reconstruction of villages and towns damaged by the war, and Sheikh Hamad's sponsorship of the 2008 Doha Conference, which helped restore political stability in Lebanon.

GCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi said the late Father Amir was among the leaders who contributed with “sincerity and wisdom” to Qatar's renaissance and comprehensive development.

He also praised Sheikh Hamad’s efforts to strengthen Gulf cooperation and reinforce unity among GCC member states, saying his commitment to regional security, stability and prosperity would be long remembered.