Qatar Roundup: Amir condemns Israeli strike, negotiations with Iran, $2.7 billion foreign direct investment

Qatar’s Amir condemns Israeli strike

Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held a phone call on June 14, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. During the call, the Amir reaffirmed Qatar’s strong condemnation of the recent Israeli strike on Iranian territory, calling it a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law. He also emphasised the importance of de-escalation and the pursuit of diplomatic solutions to achieve lasting peace in the region.

Iran tells Qatar it won’t negotiate under fire

Iran has informed Qatari mediators that it will not engage in ceasefire or nuclear deal negotiations while under attack, according to a source familiar with the talks, reported by PressBee. The message, also conveyed to Oman, makes clear that Tehran will only consider diplomatic discussions, whether related to a truce with Israel or the revival of the nuclear agreement with the U.S. after it completes its military response to recent Israeli strikes.

Qatar to support the establishment of Islamic medical school

Ghana’s Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has requested support from the Qatar Education Foundation to establish an Islamic Medical School in the Northern Region. The proposed institution, intended to serve as a teaching hospital for the University for Development Studies, aims to expand access to medical education and improve healthcare delivery in underserved areas. Mr. Iddrisu made the appeal during a meeting in Accra with Qatar’s Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Khalid Bin Jabor Al-Mesallam.

Qatar and France deepen bilateral ties

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, co-chaired the third Qatar-France Strategic Dialogue in Paris on June 12. The meeting reviewed progress made since the Amir of Qatar’s state visit to France in February 2024, highlighting new cooperation across security, defence, economy, trade, investment, and education. Both nations reaffirmed their strong bilateral relations and committed to further expanding their strategic partnership.

Qatar records over $2.7 billion in FDI in 2024

Qatar attracted more than $2.7 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, according to the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar), marking a 110% year-on-year increase in project numbers and a 123% rise in job creation. A total of 241 new projects were established, generating over 9,000 jobs. Key investment sectors included electric power generation, data processing and hosting, retail and wholesale trade, scientific research and development, and water and sewage systems.