South Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik is departing on the 14th as a condolence envoy to Qatar following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The dispatch follows Qatar's request and adheres to precedent where cabinet members or lawmakers served as condolence envoys during past Gulf state royal bereavements. Kang will visit Qatar for condolences and return on the 16th. President Lee Jae-myung sent a condolence message to Qatar. The former emir ruled Qatar from 1995 until abdicating to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in 2013.
Kang Hoon-sik Dispatched as Condolence Envoy Following Qatar's Request
The Blue House stated that the dispatch of a cabinet member as condolence envoy was coordinated with Qatar based on precedent from past Gulf state royal bereavements when cabinet members or lawmakers visited as condolence envoys. The envoy dispatch came at Qatar's request. Kang will visit Qatar as condolence envoy and return on the 16th.
Presidential Chief Emphasizes Bilateral Partnership in Facebook Statement
Kang wrote on Facebook on the 14th: "To convey President Lee Jae-myung's deep condolences and sympathy to King Tamim and the people of Qatar, I am heading to Doha, Qatar tonight with the mission of presidential condolence envoy. I will convey deep consolation on behalf of the South Korean government and people to the Qatari royal family and citizens who have lost a great leader."
Kang characterized Qatar's request for his visit as "an expression of empathy for the sincere cooperation will shown by the Lee Jae-myung administration and Qatar's deep trust in South Korea." He referenced a Middle Eastern proverb: "A friend in times of hardship is a true friend. This saying contains the Middle Eastern sentiment of long remembering friends who stay by your side in the most difficult moments." Kang expressed hope that "this condolence visit will serve as an opportunity to once again confirm that South Korea and Qatar are partners who seek each other even in difficult moments."
Former Emir Sheikh Hamad Ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013
Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 and is credited with expanding the country's political influence and leading economic growth. He abdicated the throne to his son, Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013.
Kang Previously Visited Qatar as Presidential Special Envoy in April
Kang visited Qatar in April as a presidential special envoy for strategic economic cooperation and met with King Tamim.
FAQ
What is the purpose of Kang Hoon-sik's visit to Qatar on the 14th?
Kang Hoon-sik is departing on the 14th as a condolence envoy to Qatar following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The dispatch follows Qatar's request and precedent where cabinet members served as condolence envoys during past Gulf state royal bereavements.
Who was former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani?
Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 and is credited with expanding Qatar's political influence and leading economic growth. He abdicated the throne to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in 2013.
