Doha: A joint statement was issued by the State of Qatar and Canada, marking the official visit of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Doha.
According to Qatar News Agency, this visit, initiated by an invitation from HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, represents the first by a sitting Canadian Prime Minister to Qatar, underscoring a mutual commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and fostering international peace and stability.
During the visit, both nations emphasized their longstanding partnership, which has been nurtured over 50 years of diplomatic relations. This relationship has seen consistent efforts to deepen ties through high-level visits and cooperative agreements in diverse fields such as trade, defense, and education. Notably, recent developments include the Amir's visit to Ottawa in 2024, where both countries signed memoranda on development cooperation and expanded air transit arrangements.
The visit highlighted the potential for further growth in the Qatar-Canada relationship, focusing on sectors like trade, security, technology, and agriculture. Both nations are aligned in their strategic objectives, with Canada seeking trade and security diversification and Qatar pursuing its Vision 2030 goals. Several memoranda of understanding were signed during this visit, paving the way for a strategic partnership and long-term cooperation.
The two countries have agreed to elevate bilateral consultations to a Foreign Ministers' level Strategic Dialogue, reflecting the growing strength of their relationship. They also acknowledged the importance of deepening practical ties to support regional coordination and discussed the establishment of a Canadian Defence Attache presence in Doha.
In anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada will co-host, both countries signed a Letter of Intent on Security Cooperation to leverage Qatar's experience from the 2022 tournament. Furthermore, Qatar has committed to making strategic investments in Canadian infrastructure projects, while Canada plans to send a delegation of investors to explore opportunities in Qatar.
Qatar and Canada are keen on enhancing collaboration in key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and telecommunications. An MoU on Joint Economic, Commercial, and Technical Cooperation was signed to establish a Joint Economic Commission aimed at strengthening economic ties. The two sides are also working on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and a Double Taxation Agreement to further bolster their commercial relationship.
The visit also highlighted a shared focus on innovation and emerging technologies. An MoU was signed to promote cooperation in information technology, aligning with Qatar's Vision 2030 objectives. The two countries are committed to expanding air services under the Qatar-Canada Air Transport Agreement to improve connectivity.
This year marks the Qatar-Canada Year of Culture, an initiative aimed at deepening people-to-people ties and fostering cultural exchange. The program seeks to build trust, reduce misperceptions, and contribute to a more resilient bilateral relationship through shared cultural experiences.
At the conclusion of the visit, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by HH the Amir and reiterated his optimism for a future characterized by deeper cooperation and prosperity. He extended an invitation for HH the Amir to visit Canada, which was graciously accepted to be arranged through diplomatic channels.