Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has extended his deepest condolences following the passing of Qatar’s Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. In a formal statement issued on behalf of himself, the government, and the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, PM Abiy offered his sincere sympathies to Qatar's Amir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as the Qatari government and its citizens.

The Prime Minister eulogized the late Sheikh Hamad as a wise leader who dedicated his efforts to promoting peace, laying the groundwork for dialogue, and resolving conflicts—particularly within the Horn of Africa. According to the message, the Ethiopian people will retain fond memories of the Father Amir due to the special attention he gave the country and his commitment to building a strategic bilateral partnership.

PM Abiy highlighted that Sheikh Hamad frequently acknowledged the historical significance of Abyssinia in the Islamic conscience. The Prime Minister noted that Qatari-Ethiopian ties are deeply rooted in history, dating back to the First Hijra to the land of Abyssinia, which embodies the enduring human ties between the two peoples.

The official statement emphasized that these historical ties were modernized and strengthened through key diplomatic efforts. The Father Amir's official visit to Ethiopia in April 2013 served as a major turning point, laying the foundation for a genuine partnership. 

This visit was crowned by several cooperation agreements and opened broader prospects for relations between Qatar, Ethiopia, and the African continent at large. A subsequent visit by the current Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in April 2017 built directly upon his father’s legacy, activating prior agreements and further enhancing economic and political cooperation.

While describing the departure of the Father Amir as a great loss, PM Abiy expressed unwavering confidence that the established relations will continue to grow and flourish under the leadership of Sheikh Tamim. He affirmed that this continuing partnership will serve the mutual interests of both nations and their friendly peoples.

The Prime Minister's message concluded with prayers for the late Father Amir, asking that God grant him "vast gardens of Paradise" and provide his noble family and the Qatari people with patience and solace.