THE Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has paid a condolence visit to the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria to commiserate with the government and people of Qatar over the passing of the Father Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
News Point Nigeria reports that the visit was disclosed in a statement signed by Nneka Ikem Anibeze, PhD, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity in the Office of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.
During the visit to the Embassy of Qatar in Abuja, the minister conveyed the sympathy of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria to the Qatari leadership.
Musawa described the late Father Amir as a visionary statesman whose leadership between 1995 and 2013 transformed Qatar and laid the foundation for the nation’s global prominence.
“We are deeply saddened by this great loss. On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and the people of Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the government and the people of Qatar,” Musawa said.
“Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani will be remembered as an architect of modern Qatar. We pray that Allah grants his soul eternal rest and grants the Qatari nation the fortitude to bear this loss.”
The minister also used the opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest between Nigeria and Qatar, with particular focus on strengthening diplomatic and cultural cooperation, tourism and creative economy exchanges.
Musawa said Nigeria was keen on deepening collaboration that would enhance cultural tourism and strengthen people-to-people exchanges between both countries.
She expressed support for improved connectivity between Abuja and Doha and called for easier travel processes to facilitate the movement of cultural delegations, tourism operators and business travellers.
“The Creative Economy and Tourism sector thrive on cultural exchange. We welcome partnerships that make it easier for Nigerians to engage with Qatar through festivals, exhibitions, and tourism initiatives,” she stated.
The minister further advocated for a more streamlined process for acquiring Qatari visas for cultural purposes, stressing that ease of travel would significantly improve cultural exchange and tourism flows between both nations.
Responding, the Ambassador of Qatar to Nigeria, His Excellency Mr. Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, thanked the minister and the Federal Government for the condolence visit and expression of solidarity.
He reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to deepening cultural ties with Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s rich and diverse culture is admired worldwide, and the creative energy of Nigerian youth is a global asset. Qatar is keen to partner with the Ministry to showcase Nigerian music, film, fashion and heritage through cultural exchange programs in Doha. With stronger diplomatic ties and improved travel processes, we can bring Nigerian creativity closer to global audiences and create new opportunities for our people,” the ambassador said.
He further assured that the embassy would work with relevant Qatari authorities to explore the ministry’s proposals on cultural collaboration and travel facilitation.
The condolence visit, according to the statement, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic, cultural and economic relations with the State of Qatar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.