Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar’s heir apparent and deputy emir, has issued a decree naming a new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, as well as replacing the current Deputy Prime Minister, according to state news agency QNA.
Here’s what that means:
- Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, who up until today was the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, now becomes the Deputy Prime Minister. He is also named Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs.
- Khalid Bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah is taking over as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, which is a cabinet position junior to Foreign Minister (and Prime Minister) Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani. Al-Attiyah was the Minister of State for International Cooperation, but it remains unclear who will be taking over those responsibilities.
Both men have held previous positions in the government. Notably, by become deputy PM, Al Mahmoud is taking over half of Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah’s responsibilities, leaving him with the role of Head of the Emir’s court.
Today’s announcement comes as the Emir, Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, and outgoing Deputy PM are all in the United States for a United Nations General Assembly session.
Correction: This article previously said Khalid Bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah would be retaining his portfolio as Minister of State for International Cooperation, but that was incorrect.
Want to know more about Qatar’s political system? There’s lots of info online, you just have to delve through it all.
Hat tip to Vallath for alerting us to the story.
Credit: Photo by Omar Chatriwala
