The second Qatar-UK Strategic Dialogue is set to open today in Doha. It is co-chaired by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Additionally, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy will co-chair the event.
Held under the theme “Partners for the Future,” the dialogue marks a key step in strengthening the growing partnership between Qatar and the United Kingdom. It follows the visit of Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to London in December 2024. During that visit, he met King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The discussions will focus on four main themes: future prosperity, a secure future, a more just future, and the future of relations between the two nations. Eight working groups will address areas including defence, security, and counterterrorism. They will also focus on trade and investment as well as technology, innovation, and development. Mediation, culture, education, heritage, and health are additional areas of focus.
New working groups on technology, innovation, science, and health will be launched. There will be a special focus on advancing cooperation in fields like artificial intelligence and healthcare applications.
The event will also feature the first meeting of the development working group and the creation of a mediation task force. Both countries aim to deepen their collaboration by committing $100 million to humanitarian and development projects. These projects will be in regions such as Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and Bangladesh. They will also support international efforts to promote peace and conflict resolution.
