Qatari PM Al-Thani to Visit New Zealand, Strengthen Bilateral Ties

“I’m delighted to host Prime Minister Al-Thani. His visit comes as New Zealand and Qatar celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations,” said Luxon.

Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, will visit New Zealand this week, announced Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The visit marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Qatar.

“I’m delighted to host Prime Minister Al-Thani. His visit comes as New Zealand and Qatar celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations,” said Luxon.

Qatar’s role as a key regional mediator in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas will be a focal point of the visit, providing an opportunity for New Zealand to engage with an important partner from the Middle East.

“Qatar is an increasingly significant trade partner for New Zealand, with two-way trade surpassing $90 million annually. As a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), we are working closely to conclude the New Zealand-GCC Free Trade Agreement, which will further enhance our economic ties,” Luxon added.

The visit will include a series of bilateral meetings in Wellington on August 21. This marks the first official visit of a Qatari Prime Minister to New Zealand.