Doha, Qatar – Prime Minister Mark Carney has concluded a landmark visit to Qatar, becoming the first sitting Canadian Prime Minister to travel to the Gulf state—a milestone that signals a significant deepening of diplomatic, economic, and security ties between the two countries.
During his visit to Doha, Prime Minister Carney met with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as Canada and Qatar moved to elevate their relationship into a more comprehensive strategic partnership spanning trade, investment, defence cooperation, and people-to-people ties.
A Strategic Partnership in a Changing Global Landscape
The visit comes at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty and geopolitical realignment, with Canada seeking to diversify trade and investment relationships beyond traditional partners. In discussions with Qatari leadership, Prime Minister Carney underscored Canada’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, natural resources, health sciences, education, and clean energy—sectors aligned with Qatar’s long-term economic diversification goals.
Qatar and Canada are both ambitious builders and forces for peace and stability on the world stage.
We’re going to collaborate more on AI, tech, and defence and make it easier for Canadians and Qataris to do business together — to create more opportunities for both our peoples. pic.twitter.com/2IEivTRMSA
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) January 19, 2026
Both leaders highlighted the growing Canada–Qatar strategic partnership, emphasizing opportunities to expand diplomatic engagement, development cooperation, and cultural exchange. The Prime Minister pointed to Canada’s investment potential in areas of shared interest, including artificial intelligence, aerospace, defence technologies, and advanced manufacturing.
Strengthening Economic and Investment Ties
A key outcome of the visit was Qatar’s commitment to explore significant strategic investments in Canadian nation-building projects—investments aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, supporting innovation-driven industries, and creating high-quality jobs across Canada.
Canada and Qatar also reaffirmed their intention to conclude negotiations on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) by the summer of 2026, following years of stalled talks. Once finalized, the agreement is expected to provide greater certainty for Canadian businesses operating in Qatar and encourage increased two-way capital flows.
Additional initiatives discussed include the establishment of a Joint Canada–Qatar Commission on Economic, Commercial, and Technical Cooperation, expanded air services between the two countries, and progress toward a future double-taxation agreement to facilitate cross-border work and investment.
Defence, Security, and Global Cooperation
Beyond economics, Prime Minister Carney and the Amir addressed shared security priorities, including defence cooperation and regional stability. The Prime Minister acknowledged Qatar’s leadership role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and expressed Canada’s gratitude for Qatar’s longstanding diplomatic and consular support, including assistance provided to Canadians during international crises.
Canada also announced plans to establish a Defence Attaché office in Doha, a move designed to deepen military-to-military engagement and support Canadian defence exports in the region. The two countries further agreed to exchange security-related best practices ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which Canada will co-host alongside the United States and Mexico.
People-to-People and Cultural Connections
As Qatar marks the beginning of its 2026 Year of Culture, Prime Minister Carney highlighted the importance of growing people-to-people ties between the two nations. Nearly 10,000 Canadians currently live and work in Qatar, contributing to sectors ranging from aerospace and artificial intelligence to agri-food and defence.
In a symbolic gesture reflecting the positive tone of the visit, Prime Minister Carney formally invited His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to visit Canada in the coming year—an invitation the leaders welcomed as an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Looking Ahead
Both leaders described the Doha meetings as highly productive and agreed to remain in close contact as Canada and Qatar move forward with an ambitious agenda for cooperation. As Canada works to build new energy projects, scale up defence capabilities, and expand its global economic footprint, officials say the strengthened partnership with Qatar will play an increasingly important role in advancing shared goals of stability, security, and prosperity.
GTA Weekly – International Affairs
Covering global diplomacy through a Canadian lens.
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