Doha, Qatar – In a historic first for a sitting Canadian leader, Prime Minister Mark Carney concluded a pivotal visit to Doha this week, signaling a new era of cooperation between Canada and Qatar. The mission, focused on moving the bilateral relationship toward long term economic resilience, resulted in an ambitious Strategic Partnership that aligns Canada’s nation building goals with Qatar’s significant investment capacity.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Carney and the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasized that the visit serves as a catalyst for mutual prosperity. The two nations are now set to elevate their diplomatic engagement to a Foreign Ministers level Strategic Dialogue, reflecting the increased importance of the partnership.
A New Chapter for Investment and Infrastructure
The most notable outcome of the summit is Qatar’s commitment to make substantial strategic investments in Canadian nation building projects. In return, Canada has committed to bringing a delegation of major investors, including its leading pension funds, to Qatar to explore joint opportunities.
The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement highlighting the transformative nature of these agreements, noting that the leaders have “marked a new chapter, one that will strengthen our ties and create new opportunities for cooperation in the years ahead.” The office further characterized the visit as an essential move for “Canada’s goal of trade and security diversification.”
Key areas for this new collaboration include:
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A new agreement on Information Technology will see the two countries work together on artificial intelligence and emerging tech.
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Both sides have pledged to finalize a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement by this summer and will begin negotiations on a Double Taxation Agreement to ease cross border business.
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Enhanced cooperation is planned for the mining, agriculture, and telecommunications sectors.
Strengthening Security and Global Connectivity
The partnership also looks toward the near future as Canada prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A new Letter of Intent on Security Cooperation was signed, allowing Canada to draw on Qatar’s successful experience hosting the 2022 tournament. To support these growing ties, Canada is also working to establish a permanent Defence Attaché presence in Doha.
Beyond security, the two nations are making moves to improve physical and cultural links. Plans are underway to expand air services under the Canada Qatar Air Transport Agreement, making travel and commercial shipping more efficient. Additionally, the launch of the 2026 Year of Culture will aim to deepen the people to people ties that serve as the foundation for this diplomatic bridge.
As the visit concluded, the Prime Minister’s Office expressed confidence in a future “marked by even deeper cooperation and prosperity, that is strengthened by mutual trust, close friendship, and a common vision.” By securing these commitments, the Carney administration is positioning Canada to play a more proactive role in the global economy while anchoring domestic growth in stable, international partnerships.
Written by: Maryam Razzaq
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