Canada and Qatar are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding before the end of the year to formalise a new digital partnership. During a visit to Doha, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, outlined plans to enhance co-operation in AI, innovation, and digital transformation, building on more than 50 years of diplomatic relations.
Deepening a 50-Year Partnership
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Solomon described the relationship between the two countries as strong and built on mutual respect. He stated that his visit was an important opportunity to create new partnerships in vital areas, noting that Canada’s government has new strategies focused on building stronger ties with nations in the region.
The minister highlighted Qatar’s position as a major regional centre for trade, investment, and digital projects. He stressed the need to diversify trade partnerships beyond traditional areas, adding that it is “very important to continue expanding relations with Qatar.” This aligns with a broader trend where Qatar, Tajikistan discuss strengthening economic, trade and investment co-operation and other international ties.
Exploring New Frontiers in Technology
The collaboration will span multiple sectors, including AI, information technology, telecommunications, health, agriculture, and cybersecurity. Solomon pointed to the existing presence of Canadian tech companies in Qatar as a strong foundation. These include Cohere, a multinational AI firm developing an Arabic language model, and BlackBerry, a global leader in cybersecurity.
Solomon also identified education and training as key areas for co-operation. He confirmed he would hold discussions with the Qatar Foundation to explore collaborations in education, AI, energy, and digital innovation between specialised institutions in both countries.
Formalising Co-operation with a New MoU
The upcoming memorandum is expected to open new avenues for collaboration between Canadian and Qatari companies and encourage joint investment partnerships. Solomon announced that Canada intends to send delegations from its major investment funds to Doha to explore opportunities in the technology and innovation sectors.
He emphasised Canada’s credentials as a global leader in AI, noting it was the first country to launch a national AI strategy in 2017, based on principles of trust, transparency, and security. The country is also home to three scientists widely considered the “founding fathers of AI” and has established the AI Safety Institute to ensure the responsible use of modern technologies.
Qatar’s Growing Influence as a Tech Hub
Solomon praised Qatar’s significant potential to advance digital transformation and AI, citing its extensive experience and a community of entrepreneurs focused on these sectors. He noted Doha’s ability to host a significant number of regional and international technology conferences, which has established it as a key hub for knowledge exchange. This growing role in technology makes Qatar an attractive partner for Canada, which is keen to support this momentum.
The minister concluded that it is important to build long-term relationships rather than pursuing only short-term opportunities. The planned agreement signals a commitment from both nations to intensify bilateral meetings and build a more sustainable and future-focused partnership.
