Doha, Qatar – A historic first visit by a sitting Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, to Qatar concluded Sunday with a series of agreements aimed at bolstering Qatar-Canada relations and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. The visit, which included a meeting with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, signals a renewed commitment to strengthening economic ties, enhancing security collaboration, and fostering cultural exchange between the two nations.
The discussions focused on mutual benefits and alignment with both countries’ strategic objectives, including Qatar’s Vision 2030 and Canada’s diversification goals. According to official statements, the visit underscored a shared dedication to regional and international stability and a resilient multilateral system.
Strengthening Economic Ties Between Qatar and Canada
Investment and trade were central themes of the visit. Qatar has affirmed its intention to make significant strategic investments in Canada’s nation-building projects, while Canada pledged to facilitate a delegation of investors, including major pension funds, to explore opportunities in Qatar. This exchange aims to diversify investment portfolios and stimulate economic growth in both countries.
To formalize this economic cooperation, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. These included an MoU on Joint Economic, Commercial and Technical Cooperation, establishing a Joint Economic Commission to further augment bilateral economic ties. Additionally, both sides committed to concluding negotiations on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) by summer 2026, and to commence negotiations on a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA).
Expanding Cooperation into Key Sectors
Beyond general investment, Qatar and Canada identified specific sectors for enhanced collaboration. These include mining, agriculture, telecommunications, information and communication technology (ICT), science, and transportation. The signing of an MoU for Cooperation in the Field of Information Technology highlights a shared commitment to leveraging innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
The two nations also agreed to explore cooperation in the financial and economic fields, aiming to enhance coordination, exchange expertise, and strengthen institutional links. This builds on existing partnerships and a history of diplomatic relations spanning over 50 years.
Security and the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Security cooperation received significant attention during the meetings. Canada acknowledged ongoing efforts to establish a resident Defence Attaché presence in Doha and expressed an intention to establish a broader defence, security, and intelligence framework, including military training initiatives. This reflects the growing strategic relevance of the region and the need for coordinated security efforts.
Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Qatar and Canada signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Security Cooperation. This agreement will leverage Qatar’s experience and success in hosting the 2022 tournament to enhance security measures for the 2026 event. This collaboration is expected to improve safety and security protocols for the upcoming global sporting event.
Furthermore, the two countries will elevate their bilateral consultations to a Foreign Ministers-level Strategic Dialogue, demonstrating the increasing importance of their relationship. This dialogue will provide a platform for discussing regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Connections
This year marks Qatar’s Year of Culture with Canada, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding in strengthening international relationships. The initiative aims to deepen people-to-people ties, promote cultural literacy, and invest in the soft-power foundations that support stability and dialogue. Cultural exchange is viewed as a crucial element in building trust and fostering long-term cooperation.
Prime Minister Carney expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended by the Amir of Qatar and extended an invitation for a reciprocal visit to Canada. The visit concluded with a sense of optimism and a commitment to continued collaboration.
The next key step will be the completion of negotiations for the FIPA by the summer of 2026. The progress of these negotiations, along with the establishment of the Defence Attaché and the implementation of the various MoUs, will be crucial indicators of the deepening Qatar-Canada relations. Ongoing geopolitical developments and global economic trends will also likely influence the trajectory of this partnership.
