Qatar’s former ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at age 74, state news agency says

据卡塔尔国家通讯社证实，该国前任统治者、前埃米尔谢赫·哈马德·本·哈利法·阿勒萨尼（Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani）已逝世，终年 74 岁 [1][2]。卡塔尔政府随后宣布从周一开始为期四天的全国哀悼活动以悼念这位国家元首 [4]。

谢赫·哈马德于 1995 年至 2013 年间统治该国，被视为现代卡塔尔的奠基人之一 [2]。他在任期内利用丰富的天然气财富推动了国家的现代化进程、教育改革及外交斡旋工作，将卡塔尔打造为地区重要力量 [3]。在其执政期间（具体时间为 1995 年 6 月 27 日至 2013 年 6 月 25 日），卡塔尔国内生产总值增长了超过二十四倍 [3][6]。

作为能源领域的关键推动者，谢赫·哈马德领导该国在 2006 年成为世界最大的液化天然气出口国，当时其液化天然气（LNG）产能达到每年 7700 万吨 [4][6]。目前，卡塔尔的 LNG 出口量约占全球市场的 20%[6]。此外，他在任内废除了新闻审查并创立了半岛电视台，于 2004 年颁布永久宪法以启动“国家愿景”计划，并于 2013 年将权力移交给其子、现任埃米尔谢赫·塔米姆·本·哈马德·阿勒萨尼（Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani）[5][7]。他还曾于 2012 年成为首位访问加沙的阿拉伯领导人，并承诺投资 4 亿美元 [6]；同时成功争取到主办 2022 年国际足联世界杯的权利 [3]。

针对谢赫·哈马德的逝世，多国领导人和政府发表了深切哀悼声明。埃及总统塞西表示：“向姐妹国家卡塔尔致以最深切的慰问和同情……" [2]。印度总理莫迪称其为“一位具有远见的领导人，引领卡塔尔达到了巨大的发展和繁荣水平”[2]。阿联酋总统穆罕默德·本·扎耶德则表示：“愿真主赐予他怜悯，让他的灵魂在永恒的和平中安息……"[2]。

Qatar's former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74. [1][2] The death was confirmed by a statement from his office and Qatar's official state news agency. [5] He passed away on Sunday. [4] Following the announcement, the government declared four days of national mourning starting Monday. [4]

Sheikh Hamad ruled the country for 18 years, assuming power on June 27, 1995, and voluntarily abdicating to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on June 25, 2013. [6][7] He is widely regarded as one of the founders of modern Qatar. [2] During his reign, he transformed the nation into a regional powerhouse in energy, diplomacy, and media. [7]

Under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, Qatar's GDP increased more than twenty-four times. [3] By 2006, the country became the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with production capacity reaching 77 million tons per annum by 2010. [3][6] Currently, his son has secured LNG exports that account for approximately 20% of the global market. [6] He also successfully lobbied to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup and established Al Jazeera Media Network in 1995 after abolishing press censorship. [4][6] Additionally, he promulgated a permanent constitution in 2004 and launched the "National Vision 2030." [6]

International leaders have expressed deep condolences for his passing. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stated: "Deepest condolences and sympathies to the sisterly State of Qatar..." [2] Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a "visionary leader who guided Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity." [2] United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan added, "May God grant him mercy, rest his soul in eternal peace..." [2] Leaders from India, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the UAE have all issued statements mourning the loss. [2]