Haniyeh congratulates the New Emir of Qatar

The Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh congratulated Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani for the smooth transition of power to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, hoping that he would continue the Qatari prominent role in the region. Haniyeh praised the peaceful transition of power in Qatar that reinforces the Qatari wise policies in light of the tensions witnessed in the Arab region. During Emir Sheikh Hamad's reign, Qatar imposed itself on the world economic and political map, Haniyeh added. PM Haniyeh expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Emir Sheikh Hamad for efforts during his reign in support of the Palestinian cause and Palestinian people's steadfastness. Emir Sheikh Hamad has formally handed power to his 33-year-old son in a peaceful transition that puts a new generation in charge of the nation's affairs especially after the Arab Spring revolutions.