Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis has paid tribute to Qatar’s late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, after visiting the country’s embassy in Nicosia to sign the Book of Condolences. 

“I had the honour of visiting the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Cyprus to sign the Book of Condolences following the passing of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” Hadjimanolis wrote on her personal social media platform. 

Extending her sympathy to the country’s leadership and people, she added, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to His Highness the Amir, the Royal Family, the Government and the people of the State of Qatar.” 

Hadjimanolis also recalled the late ruler’s role in shaping both modern Qatar and its relationship with Cyprus. “His Highness the Father Amir will be remembered for his remarkable contribution to the development of the State of Qatar and for laying the foundations of the close friendship between our two countries,” she noted. 

Sheikh Hamad died on July 12 at the age of 74. He ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he handed power to his son, the current Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a rare voluntary abdication by a hereditary Gulf ruler. 

During his 18 years in power, Sheikh Hamad oversaw Qatar’s transformation from a relatively little-known Gulf state into an economic and diplomatic heavyweight. The country’s vast natural gas resources were developed rapidly, helping Qatar become the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas and a major international investor. 

His rule also saw the creation of the Al Jazeera television network and Qatar’s successful campaign to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two developments that substantially expanded the country’s international reach.

His contribution to relations with Cyprus included an official visit to the island in 2010, during which a number of agreements were signed and cooperation between Nicosia and Doha was strengthened.  

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 2001, followed by the opening of the Cypriot embassy in Doha in 2004 and the Qatari embassy in Nicosia in 2007, the first Gulf embassy in Cyprus. 

The relationship has since expanded into energy, investment, shipping, tourism and education. QatarEnergy is also working with ExxonMobil in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, including in Blocks 10 and 5. 

Hadjimanolis’ visit followed condolences conveyed by President Nikos Christodoulides to Sheikh Tamim during a telephone call on Saturday. According to Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, the Amir thanked the Cypriot president for his sympathy and expressed hope that relations between the two countries would continue to progress and grow.