Doha: Qatar and Canada have solidified a robust foundation of friendship and cooperation spanning over fifty years, rooted in mutual respect and shared interests. These relations have continually evolved as both nations strive to enhance their collaboration across various sectors, with a strong focus on economic, trade, and investment partnerships.
According to Qatar News Agency, a significant step toward elevating these bilateral relations to a strategic partnership was marked by the visit of Canada's Prime Minister, Dr. Mark Carney, to Qatar. This visit underscores the commitment of both countries to strengthen their ties, which have been reinforced through reciprocal visits and continuous consultations on regional and international issues. These efforts highlight shared values and visions in support of international peace and security, as well as global humanitarian and development assistance.
A notable milestone in this partnership was the visit of Qatar's Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to Canada in September 2024. This visit opened new avenues for collaboration in political, economic, educational, health, and military sectors. A Memorandum of Understanding on development cooperation was signed during the visit, facilitating joint efforts in foreign aid, poverty reduction, and economic empowerment, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
In furthering educational collaboration, Qatar's Education Above All Foundation and Canada's Global Affairs Canada announced a joint commitment of USD 95 million to empower youth, with EAA contributing USD 40 million toward various initiatives. This partnership underscores the growing ties between the two countries, reinforced through discussions on global challenges and a shared commitment to peace and stability.
The relationship between Qatar and Canada has been enriched by high-level visits, including the visit of Canada's Governor General, Mary Simon, to Qatar in March 2022. Significant diplomatic engagements have also occurred, such as the first round of political consultations in Doha in May 2024, which reviewed bilateral cooperation and explored ways to strengthen it.
Economically, Qatar ranks as Canada's third-largest trading partner in the Gulf region and eleventh in the Arab world. Earlier this year, both nations agreed to establish a joint committee for economic dialogue, alongside the creation of a Qatar-Canada Business Council. This initiative aims to enhance business community engagement, identify investment opportunities, and support trade and investment growth in sectors like artificial intelligence, clean energy, infrastructure, agri-food, and aerospace.
Further deepening investment relations, the Qatar Investment Authority acquired a 4% stake in Canadian company Ivanhoe Mines in September 2025. Additionally, QatarEnergy signed agreements with ExxonMobil Canada for liquefied natural gas exploration licenses. Bilateral trade includes Canadian exports to Qatar, such as metals, machinery, and grains, while Qatari exports to Canada comprise chemicals, fertilizers, and raw aluminum.
Educational and healthcare cooperation remains a vital component of the Qatar-Canada partnership, with approximately 10,000 Canadians living and working in Qatar, particularly in the oil and gas, healthcare, and education sectors. Educational institutions like the University of Calgary in Doha and several Canadian-curriculum schools in Doha further reinforce these ties. Regular flights connect Doha with Toronto and Montreal, facilitating travel and exchange.
Canada's vast natural resources and agricultural abundance create significant opportunities for trade and collaboration, especially in energy, gas extraction, water treatment, and agricultural security. The country is a global leader in scientific research and advanced industries, standing at the forefront of artificial intelligence research and hosting the world's largest green battery supply chain.
This strategic partnership between Qatar and Canada reflects a shared vision for growth, development, and mutual prosperity, underpinned by a strong commitment to cooperation across multiple sectors.