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Singapore Leaders Send Condolences on Passing of Former Qatar Ruler Sheikh Hamad
🇸🇬 Singapore /Culture & Society

Singapore Leaders Send Condolences on Passing of Former Qatar Ruler Sheikh Hamad

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Singaporean leaders, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, have sent condolences on the passing of former Qatar ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
  • Sheikh Hamad, who died on July 12 at age 74, is remembered for his transformative leadership that reshaped Qatar's economy and global standing.
  • Singapore will be represented at the official condolences by Coordinating Minister K Shanmugam and Senior Advisor Teo Chee Hean.

Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have conveyed their deepest condolences following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar, who passed away on July 12 at the age of 74.

Sheikh Hamad is widely recognized for his pivotal role in Qatar's modern history. During his tenure from 1995 to 2013, he spearheaded a significant transformation of the nation, leveraging its natural resources to foster remarkable economic growth and elevate its international profile. His leadership saw Qatar awarded the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a historic first for the Middle East.

exceptional statesman

— President Tharman ShanmugaratnamDescribing the former Emir of Qatar in his condolence message.

In his message, President Tharman described Sheikh Hamad as an "exceptional statesman" whose "visionary leadership transformed Qatar and elevated its standing on the global stage." He highlighted Sheikh Hamad's contributions to various sectors, including energy, media, aviation, and education, as well as his efforts in strengthening Qatar's global role. President Tharman also recalled Sheikh Hamad's state visits to Singapore in 2005 and 2009, which significantly advanced bilateral ties and led to the establishment of the Qatar-Singapore High-Level Joint Committee in 2006.

visionary leadership transformed Qatar and elevated its standing on the global stage

— President Tharman ShanmugaratnamPraising Sheikh Hamad's impact on Qatar's development and international profile.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong echoed these sentiments, describing Sheikh Hamad as a "visionary leader who transformed Qatar into one of the world's leading economies and a respected voice in international affairs." He noted that Sheikh Hamad's reign focused on harnessing natural resources for economic progress while investing in human capital and infrastructure for long-term development. Both leaders acknowledged Sheikh Hamad's significant role in fostering the strong relationship between Qatar and Singapore.

Singapore will be officially represented in conveying condolences to the Qatar royal family by Coordinating Minister for National Security and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam and Senior Advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office Teo Chee Hean. They are scheduled to attend the ceremony at Lusail Palace on July 14.

visionary leader who transformed Qatar into one of the world's leading economies and a respected voice in international affairs

— Prime Minister Lawrence WongRecalling Sheikh Hamad's achievements during his time as Emir.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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