His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar concludes visit to Canada
Global Affairs Canada
News release
September 18, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, along with the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, and other senior officials welcomed His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar to Canada, from September 17 to 18.
The visit was an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of strong diplomatic relations between Canada and Qatar. The two countries are advancing co-operation on artificial intelligence, clean energy, agribusiness, and critical minerals as well as growing trade and investment, promoting sustainable development, creating opportunities for businesses, and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Collaborating on international development initiatives was a key focus of the Emir's visit. Canada and Qatar signed a memorandum of understanding that aims to strengthen Canada-Qatar cooperation on social and economic progress in developing countries. In addition, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Qatar's Education Above All Foundation (EAA) signed a framework for cooperation that includes the co-funding of development projects in the education sector. As part of this framework, UNICEF's Generation Unlimited will receive $40 million from GAC and $40M USD from the EAA Foundation to support marginalized and vulnerable communities.
Canada and Qatar also committed to working together to address global issues of mutual concern, including the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the safe distribution of humanitarian aid to civilians, the situation in Afghanistan and efforts toward a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. Qatar will collaborate with Canada in providing treatment and psychological support to Gazans evacuated to Qatar as part of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's initiative to treat 1,500 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. Both countries acknowledged the Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Political Consultations, signed in Doha in May 2024, as a valuable mechanism for exchanging views and deepening cooperation.
Quotes
"As we mark 50 years of Canada's strong relationship with Qatar, we continue to work together for the benefit and prosperity of the people of our countries. Together, we will continue advancing our cooperation in trade, investment, climate change, human rights and the empowerment of women and girls, as well as strengthening regional and global security. We look forward to celebrating the next 50 years of our two countries' strategic partnership and people-to-people ties."
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Canada is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our prosperous relationship with Qatar. Workers, businesses and industries in both countries benefit greatly from our robust economic cooperation and our nations' people-to-people ties. We are committed to advancing mutual trade interests with our Qatari partners for the benefit of our workers, our businesses and our economies."
- Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
"In today's interconnected world, no one country can address our shared challenges alone. Collaboration is key to driving positive change, and by working together, Canada and Qatar can empower communities, improve education, and promote socio-economic growth around the world."
- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
Quick facts
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His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar to Canada, was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, Minister of Trade and Commerce; and Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid Al-Khater, Minister of State for International Cooperation.
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Canada and Qatar have enjoyed uninterrupted diplomatic relations since 1974.
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Qatar is an important partner in security and diplomacy efforts, contributing to the promotion of peace and stability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
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In 2023, Qatar was Canada's 9th most important partner in the MENA region with a bilateral merchandise trade total of about $427 million.
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