1 week Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune QNA Doha The relationship between the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom has witnessed remarkable development over the past decades, evolving from traditional ties centered on bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy and education into a multidimensional strategic partnership encompassing issues of security and defense, investment, technology, climate change, regional security, and the promotion of peace efforts. This remarkable development in the bilateral relationship is attributed to a series of high-level visits and cooperation agreements, which culminated in the launch of the first Strategic Dialogue in 2023. Many observers and analysts view this dialogue as reflecting the shared desire of both sides to build a long-term alliance founded on common interests, political understanding, and economic complementarity amid the prevailing international realignments.
This year, the second Strategic Dialogue is convened under the theme “Partners for the Future,” signaling the two countries’ determination to move forward in translating the directives of their respective leaderships into elevating the bilateral relationship toward a comprehensive strategic partnership focused on vital sectors that serve both nations’ aspirations for development and prosperity. Analysts point out that amid a volatile international environment, rapidly unfolding transformations, and diverse global challenges, the partnership between the State of Qatar and the UK positions itself as an advanced model of multidimensional bilateral collaboration. They note that the prevailing geopolitical and economic contexts clearly underscore the importance of capitalizing on the historic relationship between the two countries, not merely in its bilateral dimension, but also in its impact on regional security and global stability.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), International Relations Expert and Consultant Dr Ahmed Mohamed Ghaith Al Kuwari described the Qatar-UK relationship as historic and rock-solid, which has been built over many years under deeply rooted political and economic circumstances and considerations, which confer increasing significance upon the Strategic Dialogue and bolster its success in serving the interests of the two friendly nations. The Qatari-UK partnership is anchored on several key pillars, foremost among them defense and security cooperation, alongside partnerships in energy, LNG, trade, and investment, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, education, sports, and tourism, and now increasingly in cutting-edge technology, which has garnered significant attention. This is in addition to the convergence of views and positions regarding numerous regional and global issues, Dr.
Al Kuwari highlighted. The viewpoints of the two nations are convergent with respect to global political challenges through leveraging dialogue as the perfect way to resolve disputes and crises among nations, in addition to addressing regional and global issues to ensure stability for the world, he said. Al Kuwari added that the two nations share the vision of peace in the Middle East region based on the two-state solution as the sole way to end the conflict and achieve peace and stability in the region, thereby making the UK a key partner for the State of Qatar in its efforts to resolve regional conflicts.
On the economic stage, Dr Al Kuwari highlighted that the partnership between the two countries in a range of economic cooperation fields is considered a crucial quintessence. He noted the growing trade volume, which was approximately QR7.5 billion in 2024, as well as the mammoth size of Qatari investments in numerous sectors in the UK.
Dr Al Kuwari pointed out that the UK government sees Qatar as a vital and inspiring trade partner, culminating in the signing of dozens of agreements and memorandums of understanding between the two nations, whether at the levels of public or private sectors. He noted the UK government’s decision in 2023 to launch the electronic visa waiver program for Qatari citizens, making them the first beneficiaries of this initiative, in light of the special relations between the two countries, given the large numbers of Qatari tourists, students, and investors for whom the UK constitutes a key destination. Dr Al Kuwari affirmed that through the strategic dialogues, as well as the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed with sisterly and friendly nations, the State of Qatar is determined to foster its stature as a strategic partner, particularly for those countries that wield political, economic, and cultural weight on the global stage.
For his part, writer and economic expert Dr Abdullah Al Khater, pointed out that the State of Qatar and the UK enjoy long-standing, deep, and fundamental relations based on economic and political integration, which are particularly important in the future. He explained that Qatar is a strategic economic partner of the UK, whether in terms of investment through the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Qatari investors, or in terms of energy, as the British economy relies on clean energy from the State of Qatar. He added that London is a global financial hub, providing global financial and investment services, and Qatar can benefit from it for financial advancement, whether in the field of financial technology, financial practices and institutions, or in developing the vision, laws, and strategy for the local financial sector, which is of utmost importance to the State of Qatar.
He continued that, naturally, to maintain the continuity of these relations, and within the framework of sustainable communication, awareness, development, and coordination between the two countries on international issues, the Qatari-UK Strategic Dialogue is important. It contributes to strengthening bilateral relations and opens new horizons and broader areas for trade and investment exchange, as well as diplomatic cooperation to address challenges. For his part, economist and oil and energy expert Dr.
Amer Al Shoubaki, said that the strategic dialogue between Qatar and the UK represents an important platform for strengthening the established relations between the two countries and an opportunity to explore new paths of cooperation in light of current international changes. He indicated that the dialogue will address a range of political and economic issues, in addition to trade, investment, technological innovation, the transition to a sustainable green economy, creative industries, and a focus on clean energy and sustainable development to combat climate change, among others. He explained that these areas reflect a comprehensive vision for strengthening the partnership, linking economic and developmental aspects on the one hand, and cultural, humanitarian, and security aspects on the other.
Dr Al Shoubaki continued that it is clear each of these areas aligns with the strategic interests of both countries. Qatar aims to achieve its National Vision 2030, focused on economic diversification and sustainable development, while the UK seeks international partnerships to support its agenda for economic growth and the post-Brexit phase. He also noted that these tracks address shared global challenges, demonstrating Doha and London’s commitment to contributing to the resolution of pressing international issues.
Dr Al Shoubaki emphasized that the comprehensive nature of the topics on the agenda of the second Qatar-UK Strategic Dialogue reflects the depth and multifaceted nature of the relationship between the two countries. This meeting, he added, will provide an opportune moment to translate strategic understandings into actionable plans and tangible joint projects. He pointed out that the dialogue’s slogan, “Partners for the Future,” embodies the shared political will to build a future based on mutual benefit and integration across all fields.
He added that the second strategic dialogue and its anticipated outcomes will contribute to solidifying this shared vision and turning it into a tangible reality. Dr Amer Al Shoubaki concluded his remarks to QNA by saying that Qatar and the UK are now on the brink of an advanced stage in their strategic partnership. The second strategic dialogue will serve as a cornerstone for deepening this partnership and shaping its future.
It will also mark a fundamental turning point for building a renewed strategic alliance that benefits both peoples and enhances their prosperity for decades to come. The Qatari-British relations represent a successful model for transitioning from traditional bilateral cooperation to a comprehensive strategic partnership. With the ongoing strategic dialogue and the expansion of cooperation into new areas, the relationship is set to deepen further in the coming years, serving the interests of both countries and promoting regional and international stability.
Copy 28/04/2025 10.
