Karandeep-Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney has concluded an official visit to Qatar, where Canada and Qatar announced steps toward expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and defence. The visit marked the first by a sitting Canadian prime minister to the Gulf state.
During meetings in Doha, Prime Minister Carney met with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. According to statements released following the talks, the two leaders discussed economic ties, investment opportunities, and security cooperation. Qatar announced its intention to pursue strategic investments in Canada, with a focus on infrastructure and priority sectors. Both governments issued a joint statement outlining plans to increase two-way investment and collaboration in areas including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, aerospace, defence technologies, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and agri-food.
Canada and Qatar also confirmed that negotiations on a Canada–Qatar Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) are expected to conclude by summer 2026. The agreement is intended to provide a clearer framework for investment between the two countries.
Additional measures discussed include the establishment of a Joint Canada–Qatar Commission on Economic, Commercial, and Technical Cooperation, expanded collaboration in information technology, and the launch of discussions on a defence and security cooperation framework. Officials also indicated that talks will begin on a potential double-taxation agreement.
Prime Minister Carney announced plans to expand air services between the two countries under the existing Canada–Qatar Air Transport Agreement and confirmed that Canada will open a Defence Attaché office in Doha. The two countries also agreed to exchange security-related practices ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26, which Canada will co-host with Mexico and the United States.
Cultural cooperation was also highlighted as Qatar prepares to begin its 2026 Year of Culture. Prime Minister Carney extended invitations to Qatari leadership to visit Canada in the coming year. While in Doha, the Prime Minister met with Qatar’s Minister of Public Health and representatives from the Qatari Investment Authority. According to official statements, discussions focused on health care, life sciences, and potential business partnerships involving Canadian firms.
In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney described Qatar as an important international partner and said the discussions were aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.