The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Canada hosted a reception on the occasion of the State’s National Day. The event was distinguished by the presence of several ministers, parliamentarians, senior Canadian officials, heads of diplomatic missions, as well as prominent thinkers and academics.

The Chargé d’Affaires, Ms. Al‑Anoud Saad Al‑Otaibi, and the Second Secretary, Mr. Abdulla Nasser Al‑Hajri, welcomed the guests and well‑wishers. In her opening address, Ms. Al‑Otaibi highlighted key achievements of the State of Qatar, which have earned it a distinguished international standing under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State, may God protect him.

On this occasion, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Anita Anand, delivered remarks emphasizing the renewed trajectory of engagement between Canada and Qatar following His Highness the Amir’s visit to Ottawa in September 2024. She affirmed that “the State of Qatar has always been a true friend to Canada, particularly in times of need,” noting Qatar’s widely recognized role in evacuating Canadians from Afghanistan in 2021 and in repatriating Canadians stranded abroad during the early months of the COVID‑19 pandemic. Her Excellency also commended Qatar’s efforts to advance peace in various regions around the world, as well as its role in helping to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza.

For her part, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Her Excellency Lena Metlege Diab, underscored the importance of the strong relationship between the leaders of both countries and the resulting enhancement of bilateral ties, including positive decisions such as expanding cooperation and granting Qatari citizens visa‑exempt entry to Canada. In her remarks, she expressed “Canada’s appreciation for the indispensable diplomatic and humanitarian leadership of the State of Qatar, particularly during the difficult circumstances facing the Middle East.”