Canada-Qatar relations
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Bilateral relations
For five decades, Canada and Qatar have maintained positive and growing bilateral relations. In Qatar, Canada is represented by the Embassy of Canada to the State of Qatar in Doha, where Canada also maintains the Visa Application Centre. In Canada, Qatar is represented by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Ottawa. Qatar opened its embassy in Canada in 2011, while Canada’s embassy in Qatar opened in 2012.
Over the years, Qatar has provided Canada with extensive support and assistance, contributing critical diplomatic efforts across a number of challenging issues. Qatar played a key facilitating role in securing the release of Canadian nationals held by the Taliban. At the start of the COVID‑19 pandemic, Qatar Airways established an air bridge to facilitate the repatriation of thousands of Canadians. Similarly, in 2021, Qatar offered invaluable help in evacuating Canadians and eligible family members from Afghanistan, providing temporary accommodation, meals, and medical attention during transit.
Canada has also extended support to Qatar, notably during the 2017 to 2021 regional blockade, when over 6,000 Canadian dairy cows were sent to bolster Qatar’s dairy production capabilities and enhance its food security.
In August 2021, Canada and Qatar signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA). The DCA has facilitated enhanced defence and security cooperation between the two countries.
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023, Qatar has played a critical role in facilitating (with Egypt) the exit of Canadians and Canadian permanent residents out of Gaza. Additionally, Qatar has played a constructive role in other areas of shared priority with Canada, such as mediating the repatriation of Ukrainian children deported by Russian forces and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
In May 2024, Canada and Qatar formalized their commitment to the bilateral relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on an annual bilateral political consultations mechanism.
During His Highness the Amir’s visit in September 2024 — the first official visit of a Qatari Head of State to Canada — Canada and Qatar signed an MOU that aims to strengthen cooperation on social and economic progress in developing countries. The Air Transit Agreement between Canada and Qatar was also expanded during this same visit.
Recent high-level engagements by Canadian officials, including the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and of International Development, with their Qatari counterparts have focused on expanding relations and setting the stage for deeper cooperation around key issues of mutual interest, such as trade and investment, education, development and climate action, and regional security. These engagements culminated in the historic visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, to Canada in 2024.
As one of the world’s largest exporters of liquefied natural gas, the energy sector is Qatar’s main economic driver, but the government is also rapidly advancing a modernization agenda to diversify into knowledge-based and sustainable sectors.
As ties continue to grow, Qatar is increasingly serving as a constructive partner for Canada in the Gulf and the wider Middle Eastern, North African, and global contexts. The small Gulf state is a key security partner and diplomatic actor. Beyond its well-established role in regional mediation, Qatar has demonstrated global reach, including in Ukraine and beyond.
Trade relations
Canada and Qatar enjoy a strong and progressively expanding trade and investment relationship.
In 2024, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries totaled $325 million, reflecting steady economic engagement.
Canada’s merchandise exports to Qatar in 2024 were valued at $159 million, with key products including industrial machinery, equipment and parts; electronic and electrical equipment and parts; consumer goods; aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts; and farm, fishing and intermediate food products.
Canada’s 2024 merchandise imports from Qatar totaled $166 million, with major imports consisting of basic and industrial chemical, plastic and rubber products as well as metal and non-metallic mineral products.
This balanced trade relationship highlights the complementary strengths of both economies and the potential for continued growth in sectors of mutual interest.
The Qatar Investment Authority, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, is actively pursuing investment opportunities in support of Qatar’s diversification away from fossil fuels. This strategic shift is creating significant partnership potential for Canadian companies, particularly in areas such as technology, infrastructure, and renewable energy, where Canada has strong expertise and innovation. As of 2024, Qatar’s foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in Canada reached nearly $300 million, growing at an average annual rate of 17%. Since then, the Qatar Investment Authority has made several equity investments in Canada, including purchasing a 4% stake in Ivanhoe Mines in September 2025. This reflects the strength and momentum of a deepening economic relationship and a shared commitment to sustainable development and global collaboration.
Approximately 10,000 Canadian expatriates live and thrive in Qatar, contributing to a wide range of sectors of the Qatari economy, including information technologies, oil and gas, healthcare, education and clean technologies. These professionals work across Canadian, Qatari, and international companies and institutions. This dynamic expatriate community plays a key role in strengthening people-to-people ties between Canada and Qatar, helping to advance shared interests and foster deeper bilateral relations.
Qatar Airways offers direct flights connecting Doha with both Toronto and Montreal.
Canada continues to strengthen our economic engagement with Qatar, supporting opportunities for Canadian businesses and fostering long-term partnerships in the region.
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Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Qatar work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- La Francophonie
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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