DOHA, Qatar (Horn Post) — Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at Lusail Palace in Doha on Tuesday, where he conveyed condolences following the death of the Late Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, according to official statements from both the Qatari Amiri Diwan and Somalia’s Presidency.
President Hassan Sheikh, who arrived in Doha leading a high-level delegation, expressed Somalia’s sympathy to the Amir, the Qatari royal family, and the people of Qatar over the passing of the former ruler.
The meeting was attended by senior members of Qatar’s royal family and top government officials, including Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, and several members of the Al Thani family.
According to Villa Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh emphasized that Somalia stands in solidarity with Qatar during the period of national mourning and prayed for the late Father Amir to be granted the highest place in Paradise.
“The Somalian government and people share in Qatar’s grief during this difficult time,” the Somalian presidency said in a statement.
For his part, Amir Sheikh Tamim thanked President Hassan Sheikh for personally delivering Somalia’s condolences and praised the longstanding friendship and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting underscored the close diplomatic ties between Somalia and Qatar, which have expanded in recent years through cooperation in development, infrastructure, humanitarian assistance, and regional affairs.
Somalia’s Mourning Gesture Sparks Public Debate
Separately, Somalia’s decision to lower its national flag to half-mast following the death of the Late Father Amir generated widespread discussion on Somali social media.
Many commentators noted that, aside from Qatar itself, Somalia appeared to be among the first countries to officially lower its national flag as a mark of mourning for the former Qatari ruler. The gesture prompted mixed reactions online, with some viewing it as a reflection of the close relationship between Mogadishu and Doha, while others questioned the precedent and significance of the move.
The Somalian government has not publicly responded to the online debate, though officials have continued to emphasize the strong bilateral partnership between the two nations.
Prepared By:
Horn Post Staff
DOHA, Qatar
