Media Center

Doha, April 27, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani announced that the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom have signed a letter of intent to cooperate in peace, reconciliation, and conflict resolution, within the framework of the Qatar-UK Strategic Dialogue.

During a joint press conference with HE UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Lammy, His Excellency said that the letter of intent signed will enhance technical cooperation between the two countries to develop capabilities in these areas and support international efforts to achieve peace.

His Excellency indicated that the first joint development working group held its work to build on joint bilateral efforts to address humanitarian and global health challenges, and to create joint development initiatives, in light of doubling the joint financing initiative for development cooperation to USD 100 million. He stressed that work will be done to explore joint programs for the highest priority countries, including, but not limited to, the Gaza Strip, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and Bangladesh.

His Excellency said that since the first Strategic Dialogue was held, the Qatar-UK partnership has witnessed intensive efforts to deepen cooperation at various levels. The visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to London in December represented a historic milestone in the history of relations between the two friendly countries, during which both countries affirmed their commitment to deepening the strong historical bilateral partnership.

His Excellency stressed that the launch of the 2nd Strategic Dialogue today under the title "Partners for the Future," represents another milestone in advancing the partnership between the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom. He also called for continued strengthening of cooperation in various fields, including the economy, trade, investment, defense, security, and cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

His Excellency pointed out that the Strategic Dialogue has resulted in eight joint working groups working to develop practical steps toward achieving the shared aspirations of the two countries. These include the launch of a working group in the field of technology, science, and innovation, and a working group in the field of health. This indicates the prospects available for advancing current cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom in the fields of modern technology, artificial intelligence, and future opportunities, including their role in supporting healthcare applications and health data.

His Excellency added that a prosperous future is a slogan that everyone stands behind, and the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom are a landmark in the strategic partnership in the fields of economy, trade, and investment in a vibrant and prosperous manner.

His Excellency noted that joint efforts have emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation, particularly in the fields of education, culture, heritage, sports, health, research, innovation, and genomics. He indicated that Qatar-UK partnerships have become more important than ever in light of the major risks and ongoing escalation that threaten international security.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs addressed the Qatari investments in the United Kingdom, saying that Qatar invests more than GBP 40 billion in the British economy, which benefits the Qatari sovereign fund and creates opportunities for growth and prosperity in the United Kingdom, securing the future of coming generations in the State of Qatar. He noted that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries reached GBP 1.6 billion in 2024.

His Excellency emphasized that the State of Qatar continues to play a pivotal role among major global investors in the United Kingdom, as it is the first partner of the leading British partnerships. He considered the United Kingdom one of the most important investment partners of the State of Qatar, in light of its proven track record of successes in key investment areas.

His Excellency noted that Qatari investments in the United Kingdom have contributed to supporting the growth of the British economy and its projects, increasing job opportunities, innovation, and economic development in both friendly countries, particularly in the fields of science, technology, sustainability, climate change adaptation, and digital development. He emphasized that this partnership is a strong sign of the shared commitment to creating prosperity and a bright future for the two friendly peoples.

In a related context, His Excellency addressed the distinguished relationship between the friendly Qatari and British peoples, embodied by the thousands of Qatari students receiving their education in British schools, colleges, and universities, while tens of thousands of members of the British community reside in Qatar.

On the other hand, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs warned of the escalation of the ongoing Israeli aggression against the occupied Palestinian territories and the Gaza Strip, indicating that the region is facing greater dangers than ever before. He warned of the dangers of politicizing humanitarian aid, targeting humanitarian workers, and using hunger as a form of collective punishment, as this places the entire region on the brink of collapse.

His Excellency stressed Qatar's commitment to working to de-escalate the situation and called on Israel to stop blocking the entry of humanitarian aid. He stressed that Qatar is working tirelessly to support all efforts aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation.

His Excellency noted the latest positive developments in the Syrian Arab Republic, including the rebuilding of a country devastated by war. He pointed out that Qatar supports the negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, mediated by Oman, as well as the peace negotiations in Ukraine and other international efforts aimed at realizing humanity's dream of a just peace.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani stressed the importance of continuing these efforts, given the worsening crises that have led to humanitarian repercussions, especially in Sudan and Yemen, and the need to achieve a shared vision for peace and stability for these peoples.

HE Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom, David Lammy, described his country's relationship with the State of Qatar as long-standing and robust, built on the foundations of friendship and mutual respect.

He emphasized the importance of the Qatar-UK Strategic Dialogue, while also reviewing areas of shared cooperation between the two nations, including science, innovation, development, mediation, health, and education - fields that benefit both countries and their peoples.

The UK Foreign Secretary noted that the Qatar-UK strategic dialogue is vital and productive, with the partnership between the two countries founded on a shared ambition. He stressed that this partnership will contribute to job creation, increased growth, and investment in both countries. 

He added that this partnership reflects the shared desire for the UK to remain a stable investment destination and a growing economy, while also contributing to enhancing security in the region.

He pointed out that Qatar and the UK enjoy a long-term, strong partnership, one of the most enduring between their peoples. He highlighted the notable growth in UK tourism to Qatar, especially during the World Cup period, while also mentioning the increasing number of Qataris visiting London and the UK, particularly in July and August.

The UK Foreign Secretary emphasized that the partnership between the two countries continues to strengthen and that both sides can look forward to an even more prosperous future through joint planning.

He expressed gratitude to the teams that have contributed to strengthening bilateral relations and commended the significant progress made so far.

He looked forward to the future with optimism, adding that they are committed to fostering an open economy that embraces global trade despite the challenging geopolitical situation.

He reaffirmed the importance of maintaining trade exchanges between the two countries and expressed his anticipation of achieving the goals of the joint trade agreement, a major effort prepared last year, calling it an important step forward in enhancing bilateral relations.

He also praised the efforts of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani for his work in promoting peace and reconciliation, commending his extensive experience in the global arena.

Regarding the situation in the region, HE the UK Foreign Secretary said the devastating war in Gaza must come to an end quickly, stressing that diplomacy is the only way to achieve peace.

He acknowledged Qatar's mediation efforts, stating that the UK is extremely grateful for Qatar's role in mediating a ceasefire agreement and securing the release of remaining hostages in Gaza, including three individuals connected to the UK.

He confirmed the UK's commitment to working towards peace and achieving a two-state solution, noting that the UK will continue close cooperation with Qatar on a range of issues, including the situations in Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Iran, and Somalia. He added that all these issues require close cooperation at this critical time to alleviate human suffering, particularly in Africa.

He emphasized the UK's continued commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts and ensuring aid reaches those in desperate need.