Lebanese political figures have paid tribute to the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, recognizing his influential leadership in advancing Qatar’s regional and international profile and his sustained support for Lebanon during critical periods in its recent history.
In statements to Qatar News Agency, current and former Lebanese officials emphasized Sheikh Hamad’s contributions to regional diplomacy, stability, and post-conflict reconstruction. Former Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour highlighted the developmental strides Qatar achieved under Sheikh Hamad’s rule beginning in 1995, pointing to improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public services that helped position Qatar as a significant actor on the global stage.
Mansour also noted Qatar’s active role in mediating conflicts in Lebanon, Palestine, Libya, and Sudan, with particular reference to Sheikh Hamad’s sponsorship of the 2008 Doha Agreement. The agreement helped resolve a prolonged Lebanese political crisis and restored the country’s political processes. Mansour recalled Qatar’s visit to Lebanon following the 2006 Israeli military operations and the subsequent financial assistance provided for rebuilding southern Lebanese villages and towns damaged during the conflict.
Several members of the Lebanese parliament highlighted Sheikh Hamad’s efforts to promote dialogue among Lebanese political factions and his consistent support for Lebanon’s reconstruction. MP Hadi Aboul Hessen, secretary of the Democratic Gathering parliamentary bloc, as well as MP Melhem Riachy of the Strong Republic bloc, praised Qatar’s diplomatic engagement as a means of fostering trust and reducing political divisions in Lebanon.
Former Social Affairs Minister Hector Hajjar credited Sheikh Hamad with helping unite Lebanese leaders and backing the Doha Agreement, which he said was central to enhancing Lebanon’s security and stability. Former MP Khaled Zahraman underscored Qatar’s continued assistance during Lebanon’s ongoing political and economic challenges, reiterating the significance of its role in resolving Lebanon’s political deadlock.
MP Ghassan Atallah stressed that Sheikh Hamad’s support focused on reinforcing Lebanese state institutions without interfering in the country’s internal political affairs, emphasizing Qatar’s policy of backing the Lebanese state rather than any particular faction. He also noted Qatar’s transformation under Sheikh Hamad into a major natural gas producer and a trusted mediator within the Arab world.
MP Ghassan Hasbani affirmed the lasting impact of Sheikh Hamad’s leadership on Qatar’s development and regional standing, as well as its role in nurturing Lebanon-Qatar relations. Hasbani expressed confidence that bilateral ties between the two countries would continue to strengthen in the future.
The passing of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani prompted condolences from leaders worldwide. Officials from Indonesia, Cyprus, Ghana, Brunei, the Philippines, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Turkiye, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico visited Qatari embassies in their respective countries to express their sympathies and honor his legacy. These condolences reflected the broad recognition of Sheikh Hamad’s contributions both within the Arab region and internationally.