Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), extended his condolences to the family and people of Qatar following the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. 

“We have sadly received the news of the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the father of His Highness Sheikh Tamim, the Emir of the State of Qatar,” Talabani said in a message on Sunday.

The Amiri Diwan announced today the passing of the Father Emir at the age of 74. In response to the national loss, the State of Qatar has declared a four-day period of national mourning, during which flags will fly at half-mast and government operations will be temporarily suspended. 

Regional and international leaders have sent condolences to the royal court, noting the late Emir's role in developing Qatar's economy and international diplomacy.

Talabani Sends Condolences to Qatar’s Royal Family and People

Talabani emphasized, “On this painful loss, we express our deep condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the honorable family of the Emir of Qatar and the friendly people of Qatar.”

“We pray to Almighty God to bestow His mercy upon the deceased, grant him a place in His spacious paradise, and bring patience and solace to his family and the friendly Qatari people," he added.

Kurdistan-Qatar Ties: Deepening Diplomatic and Economic Partnerships

The diplomatic partnership between the Kurdistan Region and Qatar has strengthened significantly, highlighted by the official opening of the Qatari Consulate General in Erbil in May 2024.

The bilateral relationship focuses primarily on expanding economic cooperation, high-level diplomatic visits, and joint investments in sectors like agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.