Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has sent a message of condolence over the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and decided to dispatch his chief of staff as a special envoy, his office announced Tuesday. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik will be traveling to Qatar later in the day to attend the funeral of the former emir and convey President Lee's condolences, as stated by Cheong Wa Dae. Kang is expected to return home on Thursday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang's visit was organized at the request of Qatari officials. This upcoming visit has garnered attention regarding whether Kang will engage in high-level discussions on bilateral relations, particularly in the field of energy cooperation. Kang has previously visited the Middle East multiple times as President Lee's special envoy for strategic economic cooperation.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013 before transferring power to his son, the current emir. He passed away on Saturday at the age of 74.