President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has returned to the Maldives after concluding an official visit to the State of Qatar, where he took part in ceremonies marking the death of the country’s former Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The President traveled to Doha to join the period of mourning declared following the passing of the former Amir, who died at the age of 74. He arrived in the Qatari capital earlier in the week to pay respects on behalf of the Maldivian state and its people.
During the visit, President Muizzu met with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He conveyed his condolences on behalf of the people of the Maldives and in his own name, and expressed solidarity with the Royal Family and the people of Qatar during the national period of mourning. The two leaders also discussed the fraternal relationship between their countries and shared a commitment to strengthen those ties further.
The President’s Office said the visit reflects the close relationship between the Maldives and Qatar.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he handed power to his son, the current Amir, Sheikh Tamim. Widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, he used the country’s natural gas wealth to drive an ambitious program of economic and social development. Qatar today ranks among the world’s wealthiest nations by income per capita, an outcome many attribute to the former Amir’s long-term vision. Leaders from around the world have offered their condolences following his death, and Qatar declared a national period of mourning.
During the former Amir’s reign, Qatar extended important assistance to the Maldives in support of the country’s development.
