Turkish President offers condolences in Doha over former Qatari emir's death

Condolence visit to Qatar

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan landed at Hamad International Airport on Tuesday to meet with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and offer condolences following the death of the former ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The Turkish leader's arrival aboard the presidential aircraft TUR marked a solemn gesture of solidarity between the two nations, according to diplomatic sources. Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, formally welcomed Erdogan upon his arrival at the airport.

Delegation underscores bilateral ties

First lady Emine Erdogan accompanied the president during the visit, underscoring the personal nature of the diplomatic mission. The Turkish delegation included Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, National Intelligence Organization chief Ibrahim Kalin, and Communications Director Burhanettin Duran. President of Religious Affairs Safi Arpagus and Türkiye's Ambassador to Doha Mustafa Goksu also joined the entourage, reflecting comprehensive governmental representation at the mourning ceremonies.

Strategic cooperation context

The composition of the delegation highlighted Ankara's emphasis on maintaining robust bilateral ties with Doha across economic, security and religious dimensions. The visit comes as Türkiye and Qatar continue to deepen strategic cooperation in defense, energy and investment sectors. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away recently, had ruled Qatar from 1995 until his abdication in 2013, overseeing the country's transformation into a major regional power.