The State of Qatar and Canada have a strong bond and their partnership is flourishing due to ongoing coordination and consultation between their leaders, resulting in growth and prosperity for both nations.
In March of 2022, Her Excellency Mary Simon, Governor-General of Canada, made an official visit to Doha where she had a meeting with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Furthermore, in April of the same year, His Highness the Amir engaged in a phone conversation with His Excellency Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, where they deliberated on the synchronization of their nations' efforts in addressing global emergencies and emphasized the significance of enhancing the mutual relations.
Also in 2022, His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, made an official visit to Canada. Furthermore, there was a visit from His Excellency the Canadian Minister of International Development to Doha in November of the same year.
His Excellency the Minister of Transport of Canada, took part in both the opening and closing ceremonies of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Additionally, he attended the Canadian team's match alongside numerous Canadian fans.
Due to the shared values and goals of both countries in promoting global peace and security, as well as their significant contributions to humanitarian and development efforts worldwide, ongoing discussions are taking place between His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Her Excellency Melanie Jolie, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada. Additionally, His Excellency has also met with the Canadian Minister of International Development.
Her Excellency Assistant Foreign Minister Lolwah Al Khater and His Excellency Assistant Undersecretary of the Canadian Department of International Affairs also conducted the initial round of political consultations between the two nations.
Canada and the State of Qatar share a mutual interest in fostering economic relations, given that Qatar is Canada's third largest trading partner in the Arab Gulf region and the eleventh largest in the Arab world. This interest grew stronger in 2021, with the trade exchange between the two countries reaching approximately 260 million dollars.
Canadian exports accounted for 134 million, consisting of metals, machinery, aircraft equipment, and grains. On the other hand, Qatari exports to Canada totaled approximately $126 million, comprising chemical products, fertilizers, raw aluminum, fuel extracts, and oils. This is due to the numerous joint companies in Qatar, as well as the presence of major Canadian companies like Bombardier, SNC-Lavalin, and CAE.
Qatar Energy has recently entered into two agreements with ExxonMobil Canada to obtain LNG exploration licenses in the waters near Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. The collaboration in education and healthcare has played a significant role in enhancing the bond and connection between the citizens of both nations. This has been achieved through partnerships with the College of the North Atlantic since 2002, the University of Calgary Nursing located in Education City since 2006, and various Canadian healthcare institutions including SickKids and Accreditation Canada.
The common bonds between the peoples of Canada and Qatar have been strengthened by the approximately ten thousand Canadians living in Qatar, as well as the direct flights provided by Qatar Airways that connect Doha to Montreal, Quebec.