Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi has paid tribute to His late Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani as a symbol of wisdom and foresight, a model of generosity and giving and as a leader who combined a clear political vision with development and a strong commitment to people.

He also highlighted the late Emir’s major contributions in the fields of media and culture, which helped make Qatar a widely recognised success story.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi said the late Emir laid the foundations of Qatar’s modern economic and urban renaissance. He also established the groundwork for the Qatar National Vision 2030, which set the course for sustainable development. Under his leadership, added Sayyid Badr, Qatar became one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of natural gas, strengthening its position in the global economy.

He said history would remember the late Emir for establishing Al Jazeera, which has become a leading media institution and an influential school of journalism. It also strengthened Qatar’s international profile and that of the Gulf region, while highlighting Qatar’s political, diplomatic, cultural and humanitarian role at both the regional and international levels.

Sayyid Badr said the late Emir established Qatar as a trusted mediator in resolving disputes and bringing parties together noting that Qatar played a prominent role in mediation, de-escalation efforts and negotiations. It also hosted numerous international talks and events, making Doha a central venue for diplomatic engagement.

He added that the late Emir was known for his courage, his ability to make wise decisions that promoted peace, harmony and closer relations, and for speaking the truth with wisdom when addressing issues affecting the region and the wider world.

Sayyid Badr said humanitarian work became a cornerstone of Qatar’s policy during the late Emir’s reign. Through relief efforts, humanitarian initiatives and education and healthcare projects, Qatar helped ease the suffering of millions. He also noted Qatar’s humanitarian contributions in Palestine, Sudan, Somalia, Lebanon and Afghanistan.

He recalled the close fraternal relations between Oman and Qatar during the reigns of His late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and His late Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He said those ties have continued to grow stronger under His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Sayyid Badr Albusaidi said the late Emir consistently chose dialogue as the means to resolve disputes and worked to remove obstacles from regional relations. He remained committed to maintaining channels of communication even during periods of tension. He added that Qatar’s participation in regional and international forums was marked by wisdom and left a clear legacy in advancing dialogue and bringing brothers and friends closer together.