President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that he received the news of the passing of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with sadness. In his message shared on social media, Erdogan described the late leader as ‘my very dear friend’.
"My very dear friend, I learned with great sorrow that the Father Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has passed away. During my tenure as Prime Minister, I worked with him in the international arena; he played a great role in elevating Turkey-Qatar political, commercial, military, human and cultural relations to their current level. I witnessed his sincere efforts for the tranquility of the Islamic world, the stability of our region and the welfare of the Qatari people. May Almighty Allah have mercy on Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani."
"I extend my condolences, on behalf of myself, my family and my nation, primarily to my dear brother, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to the family of the late Father Emir, to the friendly and brotherly people of Qatar and to the Islamic world."
In his message, President Erdogan highlighted the role of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in the development of Turkey-Qatar relations. Erdogan extended his condolences especially to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to the late leader’s family, the Qatari people and the entire Islamic world.