Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani was sworn in as the country’s new prime minister on Tuesday, succeeding Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, who had held the post since 2020.
The appointment was made by the ruling Emir of Qatar. Sheikh Tamim bin. Hamad Al Thani Thani, who usually appoints members of the ruling family to the highest positions.
The Qatar News Agency said Sheikh Mohammed was sworn in but gave no further details.
Sheikh Mohammed has been foreign minister since 2016 and played a key role in Qatar’s response to the 3.5-year economic boycott of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt that ended in January 2021. It was also a showcase of the country preparing to host the 2022 World Cup.
The appointment was welcomed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who welcomed the reshuffle and expressed his gratitude for the “enduring partnership” between Qatar and the United States.
Qatar, one of the richest countries in the world thanks to its vast natural gas reserves, has been involved in supporting Islamist groups across the region, putting it at odds with its Gulf neighbours. However, relations have improved in recent years with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt visiting Qatar during the World Cup.
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