Azerbaijani speaker arrives in Qatar to attend former emir's funeral UPDATED

An Azerbaijani delegation led by Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Sahiba Gafarova arrived in Doha on July 14 to attend the funeral ceremony of the country's former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

She will convey condolences on behalf of the government to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Caliber.Az reports, citing the official website of the parliament.

The delegation was welcomed at Doha International Airport by Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Qatar Adish Mammadov, and other officials.

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Speaker of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis (Parliament) Sahiba Gafarova has departed for Qatar to attend the funeral ceremony of the country's former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, First Deputy Speaker Ali Ahmadov has said.

Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled the country for 18 years, from 1995 to 2013, died on July 12 at the age of 74, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

On July 12, Qatar declared a four-day national mourning following his death.

The Emir’s Court described his death as a major loss for the nation.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov