Damascus, July 12 (SANA)Syria on Sunday expressed its condolences toQatarover the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, extending its sympathy toEmir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,the Qatari government and people.

In a statement, theSyrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriatesconveyed its “deepest condolences and sincere sympathy” over the passing of the former emir. The ministry said it prayed that God grant him mercy and bestow patience and solace upon his family and thepeople of Qatar.

The ministry reaffirmed Syria’s full solidarity with Qatar and expressed its heartfelt sympathy over the country’s profound loss.

It also wished Qatar’s leadership and people continued security, stability and prosperity.

Foreign MinisterAsaad Hassan al-Shaibanialso extended his condolences to His Highness SheikhTamim bin Hamad Al Thaniover the death of the Father Emir, SheikhHamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

In a post on X, al-Shaibani wrote: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Highness the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.”

“I extend my deepest condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the ruling family and the people of Qatar,” he added.

Earlier on Sunday,Qatar’s Amiri Diwanannounced the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at the age of 74 and declared four days of national mourning. Government ministries, public institutions and other state bodies will suspend operations from Monday, with work scheduled to resume next Sunday.