Istanbul / Muhammad Ragwi / Anadolu Agency

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received on Thursday a series of phone condolences from Arab and European leaders and officials, who expressed their sympathy on the death of the 'Father Emir' Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported that Emir Tamim received a phone call from Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg, who offered his condolences on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, while the Emir of Qatar expressed his thanks and appreciation for his feelings and sympathy.

He also received a call from UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who offered condolences and sympathy on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, while Emir Tamim expressed his thanks for his brotherly feelings.

In the same context, the Emir of Qatar received a call from King Philippe of Belgium, who expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy, while Emir Tamim thanked him for the sympathy he showed.

Likewise, Emir Tamim received a phone call from Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, who offered his condolences and sincere sympathy on the death of the 'Father Emir', praying that God Almighty grant the deceased mercy, while the Emir of Qatar expressed his appreciation for his condolences and sympathy.

From Morocco, Emir Tamim received a call from Moroccan King Mohammed VI, who expressed his sincere condolences and genuine sympathy on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, asking God to grant him a spacious paradise, while the Emir of Qatar expressed his utmost thanks and appreciation for the brotherly feelings shown by the Moroccan king.

In the context of receiving condolences, Emir Tamim received at his office in Lusail Palace north of the capital Doha, the deputy commander of the Libyan eastern forces, Saddam Haftar, who offered his condolences on the death of the 'Father Emir'.

On Sunday, Qatar bid farewell to the remains of the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at Lusail Cemetery, with the participation of the Emir of the country, members of the ruling family, and senior officials.

On the same day, the Amiri Diwan announced the death of the former emir at the age of 74, and declared a four-day public mourning period starting from last Sunday.

It also announced the suspension of work in ministries, government agencies, authorities, and public institutions starting Monday, with employees expected to resume work next Sunday, and flags to be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani assumed power in 1995 before handing over the reins of government to his then-crown prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on June 25, 2013.

Since Monday, Qatar and its Emir Tamim have been receiving dozens of condolences from countries around the world, while several countries have declared mourning and flown flags at half-mast.