Doha: Qatar has recently engaged in a series of diplomatic and economic activities, strengthening ties with countries across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a written message to HE President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae Myung, focusing on bilateral relations and exploring ways to enhance them. Additionally, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani engaged in discussions with Iranian officials, including HE Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi and HE Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani, in separate phone calls.
According to Qatar News Agency, HE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed also chaired the Cabinet's regular meeting at the Amiri Diwan and met with HE French President's Envoy to Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian. In financial developments, HE Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani met with Sudanese officials, including HE Minister of Finance Dr. Gibril Ibrahim and HE Governor of the Central Bank of Sudan, Amna Mirghani Hassan Al-Toum.
Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was active on the international stage, with HE Minister of State Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi meeting South Korean officials in Seoul, including HE Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun and HE National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. Qatar also participated in the 19th meeting of the Middle East Green Initiative in Jeddah and engaged in discussions at the OECD Global Forum on VAT in Paris.
The nation continued its commitment to education and environmental protection. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education celebrated the International Day of Education, while the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change increased patrols to safeguard desert ecosystems. The Shura Council participated in the Second Women Parliamentary Forum in Abu Dhabi, and the Amiri Guard celebrated course graduations at Barzan Camp.
In the financial sector, the Qatar Central Bank maintained its interest rates, while the Qatar Stock Exchange index saw an increase, closing higher by 87.96 points. Qatar Chamber hosted an Indian business delegation to discuss trade enhancement, and the merchandise trade balance recorded a surplus of QAR 14.1 billion in December 2025.
Sports and cultural events were also prominent, with Qatar preparing for the 2026 Half Marathon and the national handball team facing Bahrain in the Asian Men's Handball Championship final. The Qatar Chess Association will oversee the World Chess Olympiad, and the HH The Father Amir Prix 2026 will commence its final round at the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab.