On the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani stepping down as Emir and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani assuming the role, The Foreign Secretary said:

I wish to thank His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for the friendship and support that he and the people of Qatar have offered the United Kingdom under his leadership. Our relationship is stronger than ever and the British Government looks forward to enhancing them further under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

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