Prime Minister Mark Carney says Qatar has pledged to make “significant strategic investments” in Canada’s major development projects, marking what he described as a new phase in bilateral relations between the two countries.
Speaking at a news conference in Doha, Carney said Qatari capital would help accelerate major construction projects, strengthen Canada’s energy sector and create jobs. He added that Canada and Qatar will also work to deepen cultural and people-to-people ties, including expanding direct flights to boost tourism and business travel.
Carney said Canada aims to finalize a long-delayed Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Qatar by this summer and will appoint a defence attaché in Doha to strengthen defence cooperation.
Earlier Sunday, Carney met with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani following an official welcoming ceremony. The prime minister invited the Emir to visit Canada later this year. According to a readout from the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders discussed expanding bilateral relations and agreed to remain in close contact.
The visit is part of Canada’s broader effort to attract foreign investment and expand trade partnerships in areas such as artificial intelligence, infrastructure, energy and defence. It follows meetings last week in Beijing with senior Chinese political and business leaders and reflects the Liberal government’s push to diversify trade beyond traditional partners, including the United States.
Carney is accompanied on the trip by several cabinet ministers, including Mélanie Joly, Anita Anand and François-Philippe Champagne. He will conclude his nine-day overseas visit by attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.