Three Qatari officials have tragically lost their lives and two others were injured in a car accident in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Sunday. The incident occurred while the officials from the Amiri Diwan were on duty ahead of an international summit scheduled for tomorrow, aimed at ending the war in Gaza.

Following the tragedy, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu conveyed a message of condolence to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.

In his message, President Dr Muizzu expressed profound sorrow over the loss, extending heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of the Maldives. He offered prayers for the bereaved families, wishing them strength and patience during this difficult time, and conveyed his best wishes for the swift recovery of the injured officials.

Qatar and the Maldives share close diplomatic relations, underpinned by cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and human resource development. Both nations also maintain a shared commitment to humanitarian causes and efforts promoting peace within the Islamic world.

The summit in Sharm el-Sheikh is expected to bring together regional and global leaders to discuss urgent measures to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza; a cause to which Qatar has been a key contributor through its mediation and humanitarian initiatives.

President Dr Muizzu’s message reflects the Maldives’ solidarity with Qatar during this time of grief and underscores the nation’s compassion and support for a fellow Muslim country.