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Qatar and the United States reaffirmed their deepening strategic partnership during the seventh Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue held in Washington on December 17, underscoring close co-operation on diplomacy, security, investment and global stability.Co-chaired by His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the talks highlighted Qatar’s mediation role in Gaza, expanding defence and economic ties, and a shared commitment to addressing regional and international challenges.The dialogue guided by the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and US President Donald Trump, sets the stage for further working-level engagements in early 2026 and the next strategic dialogue in Doha.The text of the following statement was released by the governments of Qatar and the United States:HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and convened the seventh Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue on December 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Senior Qatari and US officials also participated.The event attests to the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of the US Donald Trump.The topics for the dialogue included strengthening co-operation to advance peace, security, and investment. Discussions and working groups will continue in early 2026, encompassing law enforcement, security co-operation, and deepening cultural ties between both countries.His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani lauded President Trump's leadership to end the war in Gaza and bring lasting peace to the Middle East.On behalf of President Trump, Secretary Rubio thanked His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the government of Qatar for their important role as a mediator to enable President Trump's Gaza Peace Plan and resolution of other conflicts.On wider Middle East security, the two ministers affirmed their support for efforts to stabilise Syria, counter terrorism in the country, and boost its economy.Global and regional co-operationSecretary of State Rubio affirmed the US-Qatari partnership as a model of peace through strength to meet regional and global challenges together.Qatari and US officials discussed shared strategic priorities, including Gaza, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Haiti.The United States and Qatar reaffirmed their partnership as a force for peace and stability, emphasising a shared commitment to confront regional and global threats through unity.HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani praised the leadership of President Trump in forging a new coalition of nations, of which Qatar is a part. Together, the United States and Qatar are partners in shaping a future grounded in peace, where extremism and terror have no place.Economic affairs and investmentsQatar and the United States highlighted their strong economic partnership, which continues to generate economic growth, support job creation, and foster collaboration in advanced technology and energy, particularly given the two countries' uniquely aligned interests to promote global energy abundance and stable energy markets.This builds upon the over $240bn in economic deals secured during President Trump's visit to Qatar in May.His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs affirmed that as Qatar charts a path to a diversified economy driven by technology, innovation, and knowledge, its deep investment partnership with the US has been central to their mutual success.The United States highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline regulatory processes and promote a welcoming investment climate, while Qatar reiterated its dedication to economic diversification and technology-driven innovation. Deals secured this year include: $96bn deal from Qatar Airways to acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. The Qatar contract will support over 154,000 US jobs annually, totaling over one million jobs in the years to come.$97bn offered by Qatar to US Company Parsons on projects advancing innovation. This deal will also support hundreds of thousands of well-paid jobs across the United States.$8.5bn contract from Qatar Energy with McDermott to advance critical energy infrastructure.$1bn will be invested in the Quantinuum Joint Venture Agreement with Al Rabban Capital, advancing state-of-the-art quantum technologies.Defence and security co-operationQatar and the United States reaffirmed their defence and security partnership as recognised in the September 29 Executive Order assuring the security of Qatar.Both sides continue to enhance regional deterrence, strengthen joint defence capabilities, and support economic growth through defense investment.The partnership includes significant military infrastructure upgrades at Al-Udeid Air Base (AUAB) in Qatar, advancing air and maritime security, and increasing Nato interoperability through joint training and operational initiatives. The United States reiterated its commitment to Qatar's security and territorial integrity, while Qatar underscored the value of continued co-operation in addressing shared security challenges.Qatari defence investment enhances regional deterrence and boosts US defense manufacturing to drive economic growth and well-paid US jobs.Both sides reaffirmed the statement of intent signed during President Trump's May trip outlining over $38bn in potential investments including support for burden-sharing at AUAB and future defense capabilities.They further discussed the establishment of the first bilateral combined command post for air defence, strengthening joint defence capabilities in the Gulf and beyond.The US Secretary of State welcomed Qatar's procurement of cutting-edge military equipment including innovative defense technologies as part of the $2bn deal with General Atomics of remotely piloted aircraft systems. The two sides also reviewed a further $1bn agreement with Raytheon for the purchase of counter-drone capabilities to protect Qatar.Counterterrorism and law enforcementThe two governments emphasised their long-standing partnership addressing terrorist threats and crime highlighting their close cooperation in counterterrorism and law enforcement.Both sides recognise Qatar's frontline role in global counterterrorism efforts and commitment to international standards in combating terrorist financing and anti-money laundering including.As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, Qatar pledges full co-operation and support to the United States to ensure the tournament's success.Such co-operation includes the recent signing of two Memoranda of Understanding between the Ministry of Interior and Lekhwiya and the FBI to advance security co-operation mechanisms and coordinate training, information exchange, and capacity-building, in support of both countries' shared interests.The two sides also signed statements of intent on countering unmanned aerial systems and civil aviation security.Culture, sports, and educationThe two countries underscored the importance of deepening cultural and educational co-operation, noting the value of our decades-long academic and educational institutional partnership.The two governments highlighted the renewal of a memorandum of understanding between Qatar Museums and the Smithsonian Institution as a foundation for expanded collaboration.Both sides intend to share best practices in the arts through a Strategic Dialogue Working Group on Culture, Sports, and Education, including potential co-operation on the Art in Embassies programme and engagement during Art Basel.Enduring strategic partnershipQatar and the United States emphasised the importance of their enduring strategic partnership and continued co-operation across key issues. Both sides look forward to the next Strategic Dialogue in Doha in 2026. 

Today, we come together not only to celebrate our heritage, but to reflect on the role Qatar continues to play in a complex and interconnected world. National Day is a moment of pride, rooted in history, values and identity. But it is also a moment of perspective. A reminder that Qatar’s strength has never been defined by size alone, but by clarity of purpose, consistency of leadership, and an unwavering belief in dialogue over division.Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar has continued to take responsibility beyond its borders. In a world marked by uncertainty, Qatar has chosen engagement over isolation, diplomacy over confrontation, and bridge-building over silence. This principled approach has earned trust and placed Qatar at the centre of international dialogue, mediation and co-operation.Throughout 2025, Qatar has reaffirmed its role as a credible and constructive global partner. From diplomatic efforts and humanitarian engagement to international forums, cultural exchange and global sports events, Qatar has consistently used its platform to bring people together.These initiatives are not about visibility alone, they are about contribution, responsibility and long-term impact. Sport, culture and global gatherings have become powerful tools for connection. They create shared experiences that transcend borders, languages and politics. Qatar understands this and continues to invest in events and initiatives that unite rather than divide, that invite participation rather than exclusion.What makes Qatar truly unique, however, is not only its international role, but its people. Today, more than 100 nationalities live and work side by side in Qatar. Different cultures and backgrounds, contributing daily to the life of this nation. This diversity is not a challenge to identity; it is a strength built on mutual respect. We are proud of our origins, and equally proud of what we are building together. Qatar is a place where tradition and modernity coexist and where ambition is matched by humility. It is where the future is shaped not by abandoning our roots, but by standing firmly on them.As we look ahead, we do so with confidence. Guided by leadership that values stability, dialogue and long-term vision. Supported by a society that understands that progress is a shared responsibility.On Qatar National Day December 18, we celebrate who we are and who we are becoming. We remain proud of our origins and united in diversity. Together, we are shaping what comes next. Qatar is more than a country. It is home. Happy Qatar National Day! 

Qatar participated Sunday in the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), held in the Saudi capital, under the theme *UNAOC: Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity – Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World.His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Qatari Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi led Qatar's delegation to the forum.In Qatar's address at the forum, HE Dr al-Hammadi affirmed Qatar's steadfast commitment to supporting the objectives for which the UNAOC was established, namely promoting dialogue among cultures and civilisations, spreading a culture of peace and mutual respect, and combating extremism and hate speech.He stated that Qatar believes that true peace can only be achieved through mutual respect and recognising cultural and religious diversity, which constitutes the basis for building more inclusive and equitable societies.HE Dr al-Hammadi noted that the challenges facing today's world, including the rise of extremist and violent discourse and the occurrence of multiple humanitarian crises, make the UNAOC's role ever more important and urgent.The official said that the 11th UNAOC Global Forum represents a renewed opportunity to strengthen partnerships and to reaffirm collective commitment to building a world governed by justice, understanding, and peace.He said that Qatar reaffirms its continued support for the UNAOC and calls for greater international co-ordination and co-operation to confront shared challenges.The 11th UNAOC Global Forum commemorates the 20th anniversary of the UNAOC, which will convene members of the UNAOC Group of Friends, political leaders, international and regional organisations, religious leaders and faith actors, as well as representatives of the private sector, civil society, academia, youth, and the media. 

The Sixth International Primary Health Care Conference hosted by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) commences today at Ritz-Carlton Hotel, under the patronage and attendance of HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health.The conference will gather a wide range of leaders, experts, and representatives of health and research organisations from around the world. This event aims to solidify Qatar’s standing as a recognised leader in global dialogue on the future of health and to strengthen international co-operation in medicine and primary care.Hosting this conference in Doha reflects Qatar’s steadfast commitment to building strong, integrated, and resilient health systems capable of meeting the needs of its population while keeping pace with global advances in medicine, technology, and scientific research. The conference brings together a diverse global community of healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and educators — united by a shared mission: to safeguard health and improve quality of life.As the world undergoes rapid transformations that bring increasingly complex challenges — from pandemics and their social and health impacts, to climate change and its implications for human well-being, to shifting economies and the evolving needs of societies — primary health care remains the heart of health equity and the foundation of community well-being. It is where care begins, trust is built, and lives are touched every single day.The conference aims to explore the latest scientific developments and international best practices in primary health care, showcasing innovative experiences from various countries that contribute to developing mechanisms for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and health promotion. It also seeks to strengthen global partnerships and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and scientific research among medical and academic institutions.More than a thousand specialists — including physicians, researchers, experts, and policymakers — will take part in the conference, alongside strong representation from regional and international health organisations, making it one of the largest specialised scientific gatherings in the region. The programme features an extensive range of scientific sessions, interactive lectures, and workshops focused on quality of health services, workforce empowerment, the future of artificial intelligence in medicine, innovation in chronic disease management, as well as research presentations and scientific posters by scholars and students from Qatar and beyond.PHCC continues to advance Qatar’s global position in the health sector by investing in human capital, supporting scientific research, developing health-care infrastructure, and expanding preventive and educational services. This conference offers a valuable platform for building new collaborations, exchanging future visions, and strengthening continuing professional education in support of national health strategies. 

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met on Sunday with Her Excellency Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who is currently visiting the country.The meeting discussed aspects of cooperation between the two countries and ways to enhance and expand them. It also touched on the latest developments in the Great Lakes region and efforts to promote dialogue and achieve peace.His Excellency Dr. Al Khulaifi reaffirmed Qatar’s belief in the importance of dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts and its commitment to supporting peaceful efforts aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Congo.

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, took part in the 21st Manama Dialogue 2025, being held Bahrain. The conference discussed the most pressing challenges in foreign policy, defence, and security in the Middle East.

His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Saturday with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Jonatan Vseviov, on the sidelines of the 2025 Manama Dialogue Conference held in the Bahraini capital, Manama. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to support and enhance it, in addition to a number of issues of mutual interest.

His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Saturday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Jan Lipavsky on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue 2025, currently underway in Manama. The meeting discussed Qatari-Czech cooperation relations and way to boost them, in addition to a host of topics of mutual interest.

His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Saturday with the Advisor on Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Tohid Hossain, on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue 2025, currently underway in Bahraini Capital Manama. Discussion during the meeting, focused on bilateral relations and ways to support and strengthen them in addition to number of topics of mutual interest.

Doha Forum and Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) reaffirmed their joint commitment to advancing peace, dialogue, and sustainable development through their renewed partnership with the 8th edition of the Paris Peace Forum, held under the theme "New Coalitions for Peace, People and the Planet." The Paris Peace Forum convened global leaders from governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to deliberate on collective responses to growing global fragmentation, mounting development challenges, and escalating geopolitical tensions. Within this framework, the Doha Forum and QFFD co-hosted a high-level session titled "New Coalitions for Peace and Development: How Can We Address the Funding Gap" The discussion highlighted the urgent need for innovative, inclusive, and sustainable financing mechanisms to support peacebuilding and development efforts, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. The session was moderated by Head of Regional Development Dynamics Division at the OECD Development Centre, Sebastian Nieto Parra, and featured the participation of Deputy Director General of the Planning Sector at Qatar Fund for Development Sheikha Haya Al Thani; Humanitarian Director and Deputy Director-General for Stabilization, Humanitarian Assistance and Peace Building at the Ministry of External Affairs, Germany Ina Heusgen ; Deputy Director of the Crisis Support Center at the French Ministry of External Affairs Fanny Demassieux; and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Yonsei University Chung-in Moon. With only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals currently on track, the discussion emphasized the urgent need for a broader and more adaptive financing ecosystem — one that engages non-traditional donors, leverages private capital, strengthens public-private collaboration, and channels philanthropic investment toward long-term stability and resilience. General Manager of the Doha Forum, Maha Al-Kuwari, highlighted the Forum's commitment to driving meaningful partnerships, stating: "With the world facing multiple, overlapping crises, we must move beyond pledges to tangible outcomes. Our collaboration with QFFD at the Paris Peace Forum reflects Doha Forum's belief that innovative partnerships — across governments, philanthropy, and the private sector — are key to advancing sustainable peace and development." Deputy Director General of the Planning Sector at Qatar Fund for Development, Sheikha Haya Al Thani, emphasized: "At Qatar Fund for Development, we believe that the complex challenges facing our world today cannot be addressed in isolation. They require collective action, bold partnerships, and innovative financing that bridge divides and drive meaningful impact. Our trilateral partnership between the Doha Forum and the Paris Peace Forum reaffirms our shared commitment to advancing constructive dialogue, strengthening international cooperation, and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals." This year's engagement marks the third consecutive year of the strategic partnership between Doha Forum, QFFD, and the Paris Peace Forum. This ongoing collaboration reaffirms the State of Qatar's steadfast commitment to reinforcing effective multilateralism, grounded in inclusive dialogue and collective action to advance global peace, stability, and prosperity for all.

The Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) participated virtually in the Beirut International Conference on Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue for Sustainability (BICIDS 2025). The Center's participation came at the invitation of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting a culture of dialogue and strengthening the State of Qatar's role in supporting efforts aimed at establishing a culture of peace and fostering intellectual and spiritual security awareness.In his keynote speech, His Excellency Chairman of DICID's Board of Directors Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Naimi emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in peacebuilding and sustainability. He highlighted its pivotal role in breaking down psychological barriers that restrict the will and choices of others, and in establishing solid foundations of communication and dialogue that build bridges of trust.His Excellency also underlined the major role and responsibility of religious leaders and institutions, as they are the key actors in promoting a culture of dialogue and encouraging coexistence—especially in multicultural and multi-faith societies.He noted that this can only be achieved through the activation of religious and moral values agreed upon by divine laws, in order to foster coexistence and good relations among people—built upon security, justice, and fairness—thereby laying the foundation for a deeper and more inclusive human culture based on accepting diversity, and believing in dialogue and cooperation among people.Regarding the importance of interfaith dialogue in peacebuilding, Dr. Al Naimi said that it is one of the most essential foundations for building peace, especially under the difficult and tragic circumstances the world has gone through and continues to face—most notably the conflicts and wars, the most prominent of which was the war in Gaza and its subsequent catastrophic humanitarian consequences.In another interactive discussion with the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at USEK and chair of the opening session, Fr. Farid El Moujabber, Dr. Al Naimi responded to questions about practical mechanisms to activate interfaith dialogue as a basis for peacebuilding and achieving sustainable development goals. He stressed the need to recognize religious diversity as a source of richness, not a threat, explaining that diversity enriches interfaith dialogue and deepens mutual understanding. In this context, he referred to a symposium the Center organized in Beirut in 2009 in cooperation with the Syriac Church on religious, ethnic, and sectarian diversity in the arab world.He noted that the most important mechanisms to activate interfaith dialogue is to focus on shared human values rather than differences, by emphasizing common values, as well as developing permanent frameworks for both individual and institutional interfaith dialogue so that it is not limited to temporary events. He also highlighted the importance of measuring the impact of interfaith dialogue activities to ensure continuity, improvement, and the development of forward-looking visions.Regarding the role of interfaith dialogue in achieving sustainability, Dr. Al Naimi explained that its importance is growing in the social and economic aspects that affect people's lives, including its contribution to environmental sustainability, noting that religion establishes principles that focus on protecting the environment and living beings, promoting moderation and the responsible use of resources, as well as upholding religious values that affirm the universe as a divine manifestation and gift that must be preserved and protected from anything that alters or corrupts its nature.His Excellency stressed that social sustainability and achieving cohesion and solidarity among communities and the enhancement of their growth and prosperity, as well as economic sustainability, through combating poverty, promoting justice, supporting education and health programs, and ensuring equity—are all goals endorsed and called for by all religions. Religion, he said, is perhaps the greatest spiritual and intellectual force that guides people toward commitment to these values.Dr. Al Naimi called for adherence to the shared religious and moral values among religions, especially in today's world, noting that common values such as justice, compassion, and peace provide an indispensable foundation for addressing the complex challenges of the modern world—challenges that go beyond political conflicts and wars, extending to poverty, injustice, and environmental degradation, among many others.In conclusion, His Excellency emphasized the DICID's constant commitment to active participation in Arab and international forums that reflect the State of Qatar's ongoing efforts to encourage dialogue and promote a culture of coexistence among cultures and religions. He stressed that such participation offers valuable opportunities to build bridges of cooperation among universities, DICID, religious leaders, heads of dialogue centers, experts, specialists, and researchers in interfaith dialogue across the world.

His Excellency Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi participated in the symposium "Building Bridges: Qatar and Germany in Dialogue for Tolerance, Peace, and Solidarity," held at the Arab Culture House (Divan) of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Federal Republic of Germany. The symposium was attended by Michael Müller, a member of the German Parliament and former Mayor of Berlin, and a group of intellectuals, professors, and those interested in the dialogue of civilizations from both Qatar and Germany. In a speech during the event, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations said that the State of Qatar regards dialogue among civilizations as an indispensable mechanism for building bridges of communication between societies and peoples, getting to know each other, promoting mutual respect, and achieving international stability and peace. His Excellency highlighted the importance of this symposium, which focuses on building bridges of cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany, promoting the values of coexistence and human solidarity, and spreading a culture of peace and non-violence — especially since both countries contribute, through national and international humanitarian institutions, to supporting the efforts of the international community in the field of human development and in consolidating stability in countries emerging from conflicts and wars On the sidelines of the symposium, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations announced the launch of the fifth edition of the Qatar Global Award for Dialogue Among Civilizations 2025-2026, under the title: The role of youth in achieving civilizational advancement and promoting human communication. It is in cooperation with the ICESCO Chair in Alliance of Civilizations at the Qatar University's College of Sharia and Islamic Studies.