Qatar’s new emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is expected to appoint the current minister of state for interior affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani as the Gulf state’s new prime minister.

Qatari news channel Al-Jazeera reported that Sheikh Tamim is expected to make an announcement shortly regarding the appointment.

Sheikh Tamim is due to give his first address as emir on 26 June to Qatar’s consultative council.

Sheikh Abdullah will replace Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, who is expected to be relieved of both his prime minister and foreign minister portfolios, in the new ruler’s first cabinet. It is expected that the prime minister and foreign minister roles will be split.

Sheikh Abdullah is a distant relative of the new emir.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani transferred power to his son on June 25 after serving as ruler of Qatar for 18 years.