Ankara / Anatolia

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan issued a message of condolence following the death of former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, at the age of 74.

Fidan posted on his account on the Turkish platform 'In Social' a message expressing his sadness upon receiving the news of 'the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Emir of Qatar and father of the current Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani'.

In his message, Fidan added that the deceased 'was a prominent leader and a wise statesman'.

He said: 'We will always remember with gratitude the importance he attached to developing relations with Turkey, and his sincere efforts for peace and stability at both regional and global levels.'

The Turkish Foreign Minister concluded his message by saying: 'We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and the Qatari people, and we pray to God to grant His Highness the former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani His vast mercy.'

Qatar announced on Sunday morning the death of its former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, at the age of 74.

In 1995, Sheikh Hamad assumed power, and on June 25, 2013, he handed over the reins of government to his then-crown prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Emir of Qatar.