UK, Qatar to begin strategic dialogue on environment, peace in early 2022

Britain and Qatar seek to begin a yearly strategic dialogue, with the initial round to be hosted in the UK capital during the opening three months of next year, Doha and London said on Thursday.

A joint message explained the move demonstrates the significance of the countries' ties and the scope for boosting these gainfully for both sides, The New Arab's Arabic-language sister service, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, reported.

It follows UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss' meeting with her Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in the Gulf country's capital, according to Qatar News Agency.

Al Thani also serves as the Gulf state's deputy premier.

Holding a yearly strategic dialogue empowers Qatar and the UK worldwide, helping them deal more effectively with shared challenges like the environment, security and peace efforts, the statement noted.

"Both the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom believe their permanent shared cooperation will serve the interests of both countries and the interests of other global countries when we cooperate to contribute to a better, more just reconstruction after recovering from the pandemic."

نائب رئيس مجلس الوزراء وزير الخارجية @MBA_AlThani_ يجتمع مع وزيرة الخارجية والتنمية البريطانية#وزارة_الخارجية_قطر pic.twitter.com/bYFa86XYlI

— وزارة الخارجية - قطر (@MofaQatar_AR) October 21, 2021

London and Doha will also work tightly together on boosting trade, counter-terrorism, and medical as well as other efforts, including funding for developing countries.

Truss also spoke with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar's emir, on Thursday.

It comes as the recently appointed British minister seeks to bring the UK's financial interests together with its political aspirations and boost its international sway after Brexit.