President Yoon Suk Yeol sent a condolence message on July 14 regarding the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar. He has also dispatched Kang Hoon-sik, his chief of staff, as a special envoy to express condolences.
According to the Blue House, Kang is scheduled to depart for Qatar in the afternoon to convey President Yoon's condolences and is expected to return on July 16.
Kang's dispatch as a special envoy was made at the request of the Qatari side. In the past, it has been customary for special envoys, including cabinet members, to be sent when a monarch in the Gulf region passes away. During discussions, the Qatari side specifically requested Kang's visit.
Given that Kang has previously visited the Middle East multiple times in his capacity as a special envoy for strategic economic cooperation, this visit may facilitate high-level discussions between the two countries regarding energy supply and other matters.
Kang visited Qatar in April, where he met with the current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to discuss liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreements.
Sheikh Hamad, known as the 'architect of modern Qatar,' is credited with elevating Qatar to a prominent position in the Middle East. He abdicated in 2013 in favor of his son and passed away on July 11.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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