Doha, Qatar – The Qatari Cabinet, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, convened on Wednesday to address key developments in international relations, domestic legislation, and bilateral cooperation. Discussions centered on the outcomes of the Seventh Strategic Dialogue with the United States, the Doha Declaration on combating corruption, and approvals of new legislation concerning animal health and internal security forces. These decisions signal Qatar’s continued commitment to both regional stability and internal development.
The meeting, held at the Amiri Diwan, also included consideration of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Turkmenistan and reviews of recent ministerial visits and commission meetings. These actions underscore Qatar’s proactive approach to strengthening ties with international partners and enhancing its own governance structures.
Strengthening Qatar-U.S. Relations
The Cabinet formally welcomed the results of the Seventh Strategic Dialogue between Qatar and the United States, which took place in Washington D.C. on December 17, 2025. The dialogue, co-chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, involved senior officials from both nations.
According to a statement released after the meeting, the joint statement emanating from the dialogue highlights the robust and deepening relationship between Qatar and the U.S. This partnership extends across various sectors, including defense, security, and economic cooperation. Both countries expressed a shared desire to further expand this collaboration, contributing to regional security, peace, and global stability. The U.S. remains a key ally for Qatar, particularly in the realm of defense and counter-terrorism efforts.
Combating Corruption with AI
The Cabinet also lauded the outcomes of the Doha Declaration 2025, which concluded the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the States Parties (COSP11) to the United Nations Convention against Corruption. Qatar hosted the five-day conference, bringing together international experts to discuss innovative approaches to fighting corruption.
A central theme of the conference was the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in preventing and combating corruption. Discussions focused on how AI systems can be responsibly deployed to detect and address illicit financial flows and corrupt practices. The declaration emphasized the need for international cooperation to effectively tackle the growing challenges posed by corruption and transnational financial crimes, and the importance of ethical considerations when implementing AI solutions. This focus on international cooperation reflects Qatar’s commitment to global anti-corruption initiatives.
New Legislation and Agreements
Domestically, the Cabinet approved a draft law on animal health, intended to replace the existing Law No. 1 of 1985. The Ministry of Municipality prepared the draft, recognizing the need to update regulations to align with contemporary advancements in veterinary science and animal welfare. This update is expected to improve disease control and promote responsible animal husbandry practices.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved a draft decision establishing a Medical Committee for the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya). Prepared by Lekhwiya, the committee will oversee all medical aspects related to the force, from recruitment examinations to the evaluation and treatment of injuries sustained in the line of duty. This aims to ensure the health and well-being of Lekhwiya personnel, enabling them to effectively fulfill their security responsibilities.
Furthermore, a draft decision from the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau regarding training courses for employees seeking promotion was also approved. This decision seeks to standardize and enhance the quality of training opportunities available to government employees. A draft MoU was also approved, outlining joint cooperation in training, capacity building, and experience exchange for customs officials between Qatar and Turkmenistan, furthering trade relations.
The Cabinet concluded by reviewing reports on the outcomes of the Minister of Labor’s visit to Sweden in October 2025, and the sixth session of the Qatar-Pakistan Joint Ministerial Commission for Economic, Trade, and Technical Cooperation held in Islamabad, also in October 2025. These reviews will inform future policy decisions and strengthen bilateral ties.
The approved draft laws and agreements will now proceed through the necessary legislative processes. The timeline for their enactment remains uncertain, but their approval by the Cabinet indicates a strong likelihood of implementation. Observers will be watching for further details on the implementation of the AI strategies discussed at the Doha Declaration and the specific provisions of the updated animal health law.
