Ottawa, Ontario – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, will make an official visit to Ottawa from September 17 to 18, 2024. The visit is expected to focus on deepening ties between the two nations, which are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.
According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Trudeau and the Emir will hold a bilateral meeting during the visit. High on the agenda will be discussions about the ongoing situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Gaza, where conflict and humanitarian crises continue to escalate. The leaders are also set to discuss the broader regional impact, including the situation in Afghanistan and international efforts to foster a lasting peace in Ukraine.
The timing of the visit underscores the importance of Canada’s diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, particularly in areas of conflict where Qatar has played a significant mediating role. Qatar has been a key player in peace talks related to Afghanistan, and its involvement in humanitarian and diplomatic efforts in Gaza has garnered international attention.
As both countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, the visit will provide a platform for discussing enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest. “This visit represents an opportunity to explore growing trade and investment opportunities, sustainable development initiatives, and ways to support people and businesses in both nations,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated. Qatar, which hosts a significant number of Canadian expatriates, has seen expanding trade ties with Canada, particularly in sectors like education, energy, and infrastructure.
While no specific agreements are expected to be announced during the visit, both leaders are likely to emphasize the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in light of global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.
The visit follows a series of international engagements by the Emir as Qatar continues to assert itself as a key player on the world stage. As for Canada, the visit reinforces its role in promoting peace, diplomacy, and multilateral engagement in addressing global conflicts.
The two-day visit will also include a number of diplomatic meetings and opportunities for both nations to solidify their commitment to working together on shared global challenges.
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