Gatluak, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Dr James Pitia Morgan, departed Juba on Wednesday carrying a special message of sympathy from President Kiir to the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, following the passing of his father, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Ambassador Agok Anyar, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said President Kiir conveys the solidarity of the people of South Sudan with their brothers and sisters in the State of Qatar.
“Tut Gatluak Manime, Presidential Advisor on National Security, accompanied by Honorable Dr. James Pitia Morgan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan, left for Doha, the state of Qatar, this morning to deliver a letter of condolences from His Excellency Salve Kiir, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, to His Excellency Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, following the untimely passing of His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the former Amir and father Amir, who died last Sunday after a short illness,” Anyar said.
Anyar said South Sudan stands in solidarity with the people of Qatar as they mourn a statesman whose leadership ushered in unprecedented development and prosperity.
“The Republic of South Sudan and the state of Qatar enjoy cordial bilateral relations and cooperation in the areas of mutual interest in both regional and international forums. In this regard, His Excellency the President of the Republic conveys the solidarity of the people of South Sudan with their brothers and sisters in the state of Qatar,” he said.
He said the decision to send a high-level representative reflects South Sudan’s commitment to standing in solidarity with friendly nations during times of sorrow and reaffirming the close bonds of friendship between the two countries.
South Sudan and Qatar have maintained cordial bilateral ties, with Doha supporting various humanitarian and development programs in the young East African nation.
Juba and Qatar have maintained friendly diplomatic relations since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.
The relationship has focused on diplomacy, humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding, investment, and development cooperation.
