Doha and London’s trade volume has exceeded £1.6bn (around $2.13bn), whereas the Gulf state’s investments in the country are worth more than £40bn (around $53.2bn).
Qatar and the United Kingdom have held their second Strategic Dialogue in Doha on Sunday, resulting in the signing of a letter of intent in the field of peace and reconciliation.
The announcement came in a joint press conference between Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Amiri Diwan Annex in Msheireb.
Sheikh Mohammed started the press conference by outlining Doha and London’s “strategic partnership” while highlighting the “historic” visit of Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the country last December.
“The Strategic Dialogue and the strategic partnership has been encouraging on all levels and domains and the visit of His Highness the Amir of Qatar to London last December has been a historic point in the historic relationship between both countries,” Sheikh Mohammed told the press.
The second Qatar-UK Strategic Dialogue took place under the slogan, “Partners for the Future,” placing great emphasis on both countries’ efforts in boosting their relations. This culminated in the launch of working groups in the fields of technology, science, health and innovation.
On April 7, the British Department for Business and Trade revealed that Qatar was the UK’s 45th largest trading partner towards the end of 2024, accounting for 0.3 percent of its total trade.
Sheikh Mohammed also said that Qatar and the UK’s trade volume has exceeded £1.6bn (around $2.13bn), whereas the Gulf state’s investments in the country are more than £40bn (around $53.2bn).
“We consider the UK as one of the most important partners in the field of investment. Also, the Qatari investments help the British economy and create a lot of jobs,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Lammy echoed Sheikh Mohammed, saying Qatar and the UK share “a long, standing and enduring partnership.”
“Sheikh Mohammed, I value your counsel, I value your huge efforts towards peace and reconciliation and immense experience now on the global stage,” Lammy said.
On Gaza developments
Sheikh Mohammed also stressed the need for Qatar and the UK to strengthen their partnerships in times of challenges, particularly in addressing the dire situation in the Gaza Strip caused by Israel’s genocidal war and complete blockade on the territory.
“The blockade, politicisation of aid and the use of hunger as a weapon are putting our region on the brink of the abyss,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Starvation has reached alarming levels in the Gaza Strip under Israel’s total blockade, cutting off the 2.1 million population from basic resources.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has killed at least 61,700 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, with the figure feared to be higher with thousands still trapped under the rubble, presumed dead or still undiscovered.
“The utterly devastating war in Gaza needs swiftly to be brought to an end and diplomacy is the only way to achieve lasting peace. The UK is enormously grateful for Qatar’s efforts to mediate a ceasefire agreement and secure the release of the remaining hostages,” Lammy said.
