HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Canada Dr. Khalid bin Rashid Al Hamoudi Al Mansouri stressed that the official visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Canada represents a new beginning for Qatari-Canadian relations, which witnessed significant development over the past years.
In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency said that the discussions between HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are expected to enhance the established partnership and ties between the two countries and their friendly peoples, as well as their close cooperation and alliance.
He added that HH the Amir’s visit, the first to Canada, is significant given the delicate conditions in the Middle East and the world, in addition to it coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Qatar and Canada.
He explained that the visit comes as a conclusion of a growing relationship in various political, economic, educationa
l, health, and military fields over the past decade, which has seen continuous coordination between HH the Amir and the Canadian Prime Minister, adding that the two countries have focused on exploring ways to enhance their partnership and strengthen cooperation and coordination in addressing regional and international crises.
HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Canada said that HH the Amir’s discussions with the Canadian Prime Minister will cover the next steps to elevate relations between the two countries to a strategic partnership level. The two sides will also exchange views on ways to end the war in Gaza and achieve lasting peace in the Middle East, in addition to discussing humanitarian efforts related to the Ukraine-Russia crisis, His Excellency added.
He added that HH the Amir will meet on the sidelines of the visit with several Canadian ministers, senior officials, and parliamentarians during the visit to discuss the strong ties between Qatar and Canada and its provinces and major cities, he sai
d, adding that they will also address the significant contributions made by approximately ten thousand Canadians residing in Qatar and the presence of numerous Qatari doctors working in the Canadian health sector during their studies.
HE Dr. Khalid bin Rashid Al Hamoudi Al Mansouri emphasized in concluding his statements to QNA that HH the Amir will discuss with Canadian ministers and senior officials ways to enhance economic ties between Qatar and Canada across various sectors, especially given the doubling of trade exchange to approximately 500 million Canadian dollars last year, and the growth of new investments by QatarEnergy in natural gas fields off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, as well as the presence of major Canadian companies in Qatar contributing to various projects.
HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Canada Dr. Khalid bin Rashid Al Hamoudi Al Mansouri stressed that the official visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Canada aims to develop relations with a
country that is growing in importance and influence on the international stage, and will chair the G7 next year. He pointed out that Canada is the second largest country in the world by land area, the fourth largest in terms of natural resources and oil exports, and has the third largest oil reserves according to Canadian estimates. It has also been referred to as the “breadbasket of the world” due to its abundant agricultural production, in addition to its advancements in scientific research and advanced industries across various fields, His Excellency explained. The Ambassador pointed out in his statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that Canada is a leader in AI research and possesses the largest green battery supply chain in the world, which represents an opportunity for various trade and investment partnerships between the two countries to elevate their bilateral relations in the future. He also explained that Canada serves as a gateway for exports to the world, being the only G7 country with free trade a
greements with all other G7 members, and a participant in 14 free trade agreements that provide access to markets in 51 countries, representing two-thirds of the global GDP. Dr. Khalid bin Rashid Al Hamoudi Al Mansoori expressed his desire to build upon the broad prospects that will emerge from HH the Amir’s visit to Canada, elevating the cooperation between the two countries to a strategic partnership level. His Excellency stated that during the visit, several MOU will be signed to enhance developmental and humanitarian cooperation worldwide, following the success of the commitment announced by HH the Amir in 2018 to provide quality education to one million girls. This commitment was made during a roundtable at the UN General Assembly in New York, at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as part of the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries, HE the Ambassador explained, noting that Qatar has surpassed this commitment withi
n two years by educating 1.7 million girls in regions previously lacking educational resources. Regarding the evolution of bilateral relations between Qatar and Canada and their regional and international cooperation, the Ambassador noted the discussions between HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and HE the Governor General of Canada David Johnston during his visit to Qatar in 2011. He also highlighted the significant role of HH Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, and HE Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, in strengthening humanitarian and developmental cooperation between the two countries, particularly in enhancing educational and health partnerships, which have been central to the development of their bilateral relations. On the political front, the Ambassador affirmed that communication channels between the two countries have always been open, grounded in their shared values
and visions aimed at supporting international peace and security. He also noted their distinguished roles in global humanitarian and developmental support, mentioning that HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, was the first Qatari Foreign Minister to visit Canada in 2016. In conclusion, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Canada Dr. Khalid bin Rashid Al Hamoudi Al Mansouri highlighted the signing of the political consultation memorandum between the two countries and the first round of these consultations held in Doha last May. He also mentioned the important visit by the HE Governor General of Canada Mary Simon to Qatar in 2022, along with several visits by high-level Canadian ministers and officials to Doha over the past two years. (QNA)
Source: Qatar News Agency