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DOHA \u2014 Prime Minister Mark Carney says Qatar has committed to \u201csignificant strategic investments\u201d for Canada\u2019s major building projects.<\/p>\n
That capital will get projects built faster, \u201csupercharge\u201d energy industries and create jobs for Canadians, he said during a news conference in Doha.<\/p>\n
Calling it a \u201cnew chapter\u201d in bilateral relations, Carney said the two countries will also strengthen \u201cpeople-to-people\u201d cultural ties, which will include expanding direct flights from Canada to Qatar to boost tourism and business.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen the people of different countries are familiar with each other\u2019s cultures and perspectives, they\u2019re enriched, and they trust each other more,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd they also want to do more together, to build together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carney said after years of stalled negotiations, Canada aims to finalize the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Qatar by this summer. Canada will also install a defence attach\u00e9 in Doha to deepen partnerships on defence.<\/p>\n
Earlier Sunday, Carney received an official welcoming ceremony and met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The prime minister has extended an invitation for the Emir to visit Canada later this year.<\/p>\n
A readout from the Prime Minister\u2019s Office says the leaders discussed growing Canada\u2019s relations with Qatar and have agreed to stay in touch, with Carney inviting the sheikh to Canada in the coming year.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrime Minister Carney thanked His Highness for the warm welcome and hospitality,\u201d the readout says.<\/p>\n
Carney\u2019s visit is an effort to boost trade and partnerships in artificial intelligence, infrastructure, energy and defence with the Gulf country.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s part of the Liberal government\u2019s broader push to drum up new investment and expand trade ties beyond Canada\u2019s traditional allies, such as the United States.<\/p>\n
Outside the Amiri Diwan \u2014 the heart of the Qatari government \u2014 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\u2019s motorcade.<\/p>\n
Inside, a cadre of Canadian cabinet ministers, including M\u00e9lanie Joly, Anita Anand and Fran\u00e7ois-Philippe Champagne, lingered in an intricately designed waiting room.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
They also shook hands with each other\u2019s accompanying team of ministers.<\/p>\n
Carney will wrap his nine-day trip abroad by attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.<\/p>\n
\u00a92025 The Canadian Press<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n