Qatar to invest in Canada's building projects, Carney says

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Qatar has committed to significant investments in Canada's major building projects and that the two countries will finalise an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, the Prime Minister's Office said.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Qatar has committed to significant investments in Canada's major building projects following his meeting with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. Carney described the commitment as opening a new chapter in relations and said the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Qatar will be finalised. The Prime Minister's Office reported that talks also covered expanded air services and the posting of a Canadian defence attache in Qatar. The leaders agreed to begin negotiations on a military, security and defence framework and to expand investment opportunities including in AI. Key developments: - Qatar committed to make significant strategic investments in Canada's nation-building projects, Carney said. - The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Qatar will be finalised after years of stalled negotiations, according to Carney. - The Prime Minister's Office said air services between Canada and Qatar will be expanded and a Canadian defence attache will be posted in Qatar. - The two countries agreed to launch negotiations on a new framework focused on military, security and defence matters and to expand investment opportunities in areas such as AI. - Carney invited the Emir to visit Canada later this year and to attend the World Cup match between their two countries, per the PMO. Summary: Carney said the announced investment will help projects proceed faster, support energy industries and help create thousands of high-paying careers for Canadians. Undetermined at this time are the specific investment amounts and the timeline for implementation.