Oman’s Foreign Minister Pays Tribute to Late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Muscat, The Gulf Observer: Oman’s Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, has paid glowing tribute to the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, describing him as a visionary statesman whose leadership transformed Qatar into a regional and global success story.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Al Busaidi said the late Emir embodied wisdom, generosity and strategic foresight, combining effective political leadership with a steadfast commitment to national development and the welfare of the Qatari people. He also praised Sheikh Hamad’s enduring contributions to media, culture and humanitarian initiatives.
The Omani foreign minister said Sheikh Hamad laid the foundations for Qatar’s modern economic and urban renaissance by launching the Qatar National Vision 2030, a long-term development strategy that has guided the country’s remarkable progress. Under his leadership, Qatar emerged as one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of natural gas, significantly enhancing its global economic influence.
Al Busaidi also highlighted the establishment of Al Jazeera during Sheikh Hamad’s reign, describing it as a landmark media institution that elevated Qatar’s international profile while amplifying the voices and perspectives of the Gulf region on the global stage.
He further noted that the late Emir played a pivotal role in positioning Qatar as a trusted international mediator, with Doha becoming a prominent venue for peace negotiations, conflict resolution and diplomatic dialogue. Sheikh Hamad, he said, was widely respected for his courage, principled leadership and unwavering commitment to promoting peace, reconciliation and constructive engagement among nations.
The foreign minister also commended Sheikh Hamad’s dedication to humanitarian causes, saying Qatar expanded its global relief efforts and supported education and healthcare initiatives that benefited millions of people around the world. He cited humanitarian assistance provided to Palestine, Sudan, Somalia, Lebanon and Afghanistan as lasting examples of the late leader’s compassionate vision.
Reflecting on bilateral relations, Al Busaidi recalled the close fraternal ties between Oman and Qatar during the leadership of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He said those strong relations have continued to deepen under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
He added that Sheikh Hamad consistently championed dialogue as the preferred means of resolving disputes, maintaining open channels of communication even during periods of regional tension. According to Al Busaidi, the late Emir’s wisdom, diplomacy and commitment to cooperation have left an enduring legacy in advancing peace, mutual understanding and regional stability.
