Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Qatar's former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, praising his leadership and his lasting contribution to strengthening ties between Türkiye and Qatar.

In a statement, Erdogan said he was saddened to learn of the death of the Father Emir, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and played a pivotal role in transforming the Gulf nation into a major regional and global actor.

"I learned with great sorrow of the passing of the Father Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani," Erdogan said.

The Turkish president credited Sheikh Hamad with significantly advancing bilateral relations, noting that he had played a major role in elevating political, commercial, military, humanitarian, and cultural cooperation between Türkiye and Qatar to their current level.

Erdogan described the late leader as a statesman whose vision helped lay the foundations for the strategic partnership that has developed between the two countries over the past three decades.

Extending his condolences, Erdogan offered sympathy to the late emir's family, particularly Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as to the people of Qatar and the wider Islamic world.

"I extend my condolences to the family of the late Father Emir, especially His Highness Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the people of Qatar, and the Islamic world," Erdogan said.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away at the age of 74, according to Qatar's Amiri Diwan. During his 18-year reign, he oversaw Qatar's emergence as one of the world's leading exporters of liquefied natural gas, expanded its diplomatic influence, and helped establish the country as a prominent player in regional affairs.

Relations between Türkiye and Qatar deepened significantly under Sheikh Hamad's leadership and have continued to expand under Emir Sheikh Tamim. The two countries maintain close cooperation across defense, trade, investment, energy, and regional diplomacy, with regular high-level exchanges reinforcing what both governments describe as a strategic partnership.

Messages of condolence have continued to pour in from leaders across the Middle East and beyond, recognizing Sheikh Hamad's contributions to Qatar's modernization and his role in promoting regional cooperation and development. (ILKHA)