Readout of Defence Minister Anita Anand’s Bilateral Meeting with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah
Readout
October 20, 2022 – St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, National Defence Minister Anita Anand welcomed Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, to the campus of Royal Military College Saint-Jean for a bilateral meeting.
During the meeting, Minister Anand reaffirmed Canada’s appreciation of the strong bilateral defence partnership between Canada and Qatar. In particular, Minister Anand thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for Qatar’s ongoing to support to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members deployed to Qatar under Operation IMPACT and Operation FOUNDATION. Under Operation IMPACT, Canada contributes to the Global Coalition against Daesh, which has been essential in fostering security and stability in Iraq and more broadly in the Middle East. Operation FOUNDATION is the CAF’s contribution to multi-national counter-terrorism efforts in the Middle East, North Africa and Southwest Asia.
Minister Anand also thanked her counterpart for Qatar’s invaluable assistance in helping evacuate Canadians and eligible family members from Kabul, Afghanistan, including by providing temporary accommodation, meals and medical attention during days of transit.
The two Ministers agreed that both countries will remain committed to supporting peace and stability in the Middle East, including by combating terrorism and violent extremism, and by preserving regional prosperity. The Ministers also looked forward to further potential defence cooperation, including commercial cooperation, under the Canada-Qatar Defence Cooperation Arrangement signed by Canada and Qatar last year.
Quick facts
- Canada and Qatar have maintained uninterrupted diplomatic relations since 1974. Qatar remains an important security partner and diplomatic actor in the Middle East.
- Canada’s engagement in the Middle East contributes to the advancement of peace and prosperity through sustained, multi-faceted efforts. Under Operation IMPACT, Canada contributes to the Global Coalition against Daesh, which has been essential in fostering security and stability in Iraq and more broadly in the Middle East.
- Canadian Armed Forces personnel are currently stationed in Qatar in support of multi-national counter-terrorism efforts in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia under Operation FOUNDATION and Operation IMPACT.
Associated links
- Canada-Qatar relations
- Operation FOUNDATION
- Operation IMPACT
- Government of Canada Signs Defence Cooperation Arrangement with Qatar
Contacts
Daniel Minden
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: Daniel.Minden@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca