On Sunday, President Masoud Barzani offered his condolences to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on the passing of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who passed away at the age of 74.

“With profound sorrow and deep sadness, we received the news of the passing of your father, His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, may God have mercy on him, who dedicated his life to serving the State of Qatar and its people,” President Barzani said.

“As we extend to Your Highness, the esteemed family, and the government and people of the brotherly State of Qatar, our sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy, we ask God Almighty to grant the deceased His abundant mercy, to admit him to His spacious Paradise, and to grant you patience and solace.”

Separately, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani expressed his condolences to the Qatari royal family.

“We received with profound sadness and sorrow the news of the passing of His Highness the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (may he rest in peace),” KRG Prime Minister Barzani stated.

“On this painful occasion, we extend our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to my brother, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, to the esteemed ruling family, and to the brotherly Qatari people.”

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also extended his condolences and sincere sympathy to the Qatari royal family.

“The late Emir was a prominent leadership figure who contributed to the development and advancement of the State of Qatar and strengthened its role at both the regional and international levels. His efforts and contributions will continue to be remembered with appreciation and respect,” President Nechirvan Barzani stated.

“We express our solidarity with the State of Qatar during this difficult time and ask Almighty God to bestow His vast mercy upon the deceased and grant patience and solace to all.”

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani was born in January 1952 in Doha and was the ruling Emir of Qatar from 1995 until 2013 when he abdicated the throne, handing power to his fourth son Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. During his reign, Qatar witnessed massive economic, social, and cultural development.