Canada-Qatar relations
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Bilateral relations
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of uninterrupted Canada-Qatar diplomatic relations. For five decades, Canada and Qatar have maintained positive and growing bilateral relations. Recent high-level engagements by Canadian officials, including the Governor General, the Prime Minister, 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.
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. Similarly, 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. As the relationship continues to grow, Qatar is serving as a constructive ally for Canada in the Gulf and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The small Gulf state is an important security partner and diplomatic actor which contributes to promoting peace and stability in the MENA region. 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 rapidly transforming toward a modern and diversified economy that is both hydrocarbon and knowledge based.
Over the years, Qatar has provided Canada with extensive support and assistance, contributing critical diplomatic efforts across a number of challenging issues. 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.
Most recently, 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 many Ukrainian children deported by Russian forces and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
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.
Trade relations
In 2023, Qatar was Canada’s fourth largest merchandise trade partner in the Gulf Region, and ninth most important partner in the MENA region with a bilateral merchandise trade total of about $427 million.
Canada’s merchandise exports to Qatar in 2023 were valued at $227 million, which included mineral ores, aircraft and parts, mechanical and electrical machinery, industrial machinery, scientific and precision instruments. Canada’s 2023 merchandise imports from Qatar, valued at $200 million, included mineral fuels and oils, aluminum, and fertilizers.
From January to July 2024, exports from Canada were $103.45 million, imports from Qatar were $90.27 million, with total merchandise trade at $193.72 million. Major exports included aircraft ground flying trainers, components for nuclear reactors, and pharmaceutical products. Bilateral commercial services trade in 2022 totalled approximately $51 million.
More than 9,000 Canadian expatriates live and prosper in Qatar, working within Canadian and Qatari companies and institutions. This dynamic expatriate community is very active in Qatar and helps to advance our mutual interests. Qatar Airways offers seven direct flights per week between Montreal and Doha.
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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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