DOHA — Prime Minister Mark Carney attended an official welcoming ceremony in the capital city of Doha and met Sunday with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
A readout from the Prime Minister’s Office says the leaders discussed growing Canada’s relations with Qatar and have agreed to stay in touch, with Carney inviting the Sheikh to Canada in the coming year.
“Prime Minister Carney thanked His Highness for the warm welcome and hospitality,” the readout says.
Carney’s visit is an effort to boost trade and partnerships in artificial intelligence, infrastructure, energy and defence with the Gulf country.
It comes after he and several cabinet ministers met with top political and business leaders in Beijing, where they worked to forge stronger trade and bilateral ties with China.
It’s part of the Liberal government’s broader push to drum up new investment and expand trade ties beyond Canada’s traditional allies, such as the United States.
Outside the Amiri Diwan — the heart of the Qatari government — a group of men riding camels lined up on the grass. Armed men on horseback wearing bandoliers lined the path to greet the prime minister’s motorcade.
Inside, a cadre of Canadian cabinet ministers, including Mélanie Joly, Anita Anand and François-Philippe Champagne, lingered in an intricately designed waiting room.
During the welcome ceremony, a band played the anthems of both countries. Carney and the Emir exchanged pleasantries, shaking hands and posing for photos in front of Canadian and Qatari national flags.
They also shook hands with each other’s accompanying team of ministers.
Carney is expected to take questions from reporters in Doha after meeting with the Sheikh. He will wrap his nine-day trip abroad by attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 18, 2026.
Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press
