Nepal's President Poudel Expresses Grief Over Passing of Qatar's Former Emir

President Ram Chandra Poudel conveys condolences following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, father of Qatar's current Emir, at the age of 74

President Ram Chandra Poudel of Nepal has expressed profound sadness following the passing of the former Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died on Sunday morning at the age of 74. According to Nepali news outlet Onlinekhabar, President Poudel conveyed his condolences over the death of the man who served as Qatar's Emir before his son, current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, assumed power in 2013.

A Longstanding Bilateral Relationship

President Poudel's tribute reflects Nepal's established diplomatic ties with Qatar. Sheikh Tamim visited Kathmandu in April, where he was personally welcomed by President Poudel at Tribhuvan International Airport, with the Nepali capital decorated with banners and flags of both nations to mark the occasion. Poudel has also previously received the credentials of Qatar's ambassador to Nepal, and the two governments have exchanged official messages on national occasions, including Qatar's Amir sending congratulations to Poudel on Nepal's Constitution Day.

Part of a Sweeping Global Response

Nepal's message joins an extensive wave of condolences from governments across the world. Qatar's Amiri Diwan announced Sheikh Hamad's death on Sunday morning, declaring four days of national mourning, with government work suspended and flags flown at half-mast until July 19.
Heads of state and government from across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond have offered tributes. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent a letter of condolence describing Sheikh Hamad as a statesman who made significant contributions to Qatar's socio-economic development and to strengthening bilateral ties with Uzbekistan. Nigeria's federal government, in a statement from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called Sheikh Hamad "a distinguished and visionary leader" whose transformative contributions "left an indelible mark on the nation and the wider region." Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq also sent a cable of condolences, as did leaders across the Gulf, South Asia, and Africa.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, traveled to Doha on a one-day visit specifically to offer condolences in person to Qatar's current Emir, in what Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office described as a reflection of the "decades-long fraternal ties" between the two countries.

Sheikh Hamad's Legacy

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until his voluntary abdication in 2013, transforming the country from a small, resource-limited emirate into one of the world's most significant liquefied natural gas exporters and an influential diplomatic power. His rule saw the founding of Al Jazeera in 1996, the creation of the Qatar Investment Authority, and Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, alongside a foreign policy that positioned Qatar as a frequent mediator in regional and international disputes.
Funeral prayers for Sheikh Hamad were held in Doha on Sunday evening, with his burial taking place at Lusail Cemetery. Sheikh Tamim is receiving condolences from visiting heads of state, dignitaries, and citizens at Lusail Palace through July 15.