Italian Prime Minister Meloni Pays Tribute to Qatar’s Father Emir

Italy's Prime Minister calls Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani one of the rare leaders who changed the course of his nation's history

Italian Prime minister Giorgia Meloni issued a formal condolence message following the dealth of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of Qatar, who died Sunday, July 12, at the age of 74. The statement, published by the Italian government, described the late Father Emir as one of the defining figures in Qatar's modern history.

The Full Statement 
"It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of the Father Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani," Meloni said. "Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was one of those rare leaders who changed the course of his nation's history. With extraordinary vision, courage and determination, he laid the foundations for modern-day Qatar, strengthening its institutions and giving it a voice and a standing that stretched well beyond its borders. The Qatar we know and admire today bears the unmistakable mark of his leadership."
"Both personally and on behalf of the Italian Government, I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to His Highness Emir Tamim, to all of his family and to the people of Qatar," Meloni added. "My thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of deep sorrow."

Part of a Broad International Response

Meloni's message joins condolences issued by heads of state and government across the world following Sheikh Hamad's death. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Sheikh Hamad "led the State of Qatar through a remarkable period of transformation and helped shape its role on the global stage," while Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said he "will be remembered for the vision and leadership that transformed Qatar and expanded its influence around the world."
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi offered his "deepest condolences and sympathies to the sisterly State of Qatar," while Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot called Sheikh Hamad "a recognized leader who laid the foundations of contemporary Qatar," specifically noting that it was under his rule that Qatar adopted its first permanent constitution and introduced municipal elections allowing women to vote and stand as candidates.

A Reign That Transformed Qatar

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, coming to power in a bloodless takeover of his father while the latter was abroad. He inherited a small, resource-limited emirate and transformed it into a major regional and international player, establishing Qatar as one of the world's largest producers of liquefied natural gas and creating the Qatar Investment Authority, the sovereign wealth fund that has since invested billions of dollars globally.
His rule also saw the 1996 launch of Al Jazeera, which grew into one of the most influential media networks in the world, and Qatar's successful 2010 bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In June 2013, he voluntarily abdicated in favor of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, explaining at the time that it was the moment to hand power to a new generation, a rare peaceful transition among hereditary Gulf rulers.

Qatar's Mourning Period

Qatar's government has declared four days of national mourning following Sheikh Hamad's death, suspending work at government agencies and public institutions, with flags flown at half-mast nationwide until civil servants resume work on July 19. Funeral prayers were held in Doha on Sunday evening.