Diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the Netherlands date back to 1972. However, in the past five years, these bilateral relations have seen remarkable development and have gained momentum due to rounds of political consultations agreed upon by officials from both countries.
With the current visit of H H the Amir, the relations are entering a new phase, marking clear momentum in efforts to strengthen partnerships and investments, and to coordinate mutual positions on several issues of common interest. This progress is bolstered by the prominent roles both parties play in international and regional forums.
The first official visit of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the Netherlands reflects the depth of the countries’ relations in various fields. This visit marks an important stage of fruitful cooperation and aims to develop and strengthen bilateral ties. It underscores the shared commitment of Qatar and the Netherlands to enhancing their strategic partnership, political and economic collaboration, and promoting regional and global stability.
Discussions during this visit have focused on bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them, including developments on topics of common interest, particularly the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. In November 2023, discussions touched on the developments in these territories, diplomatic efforts to urgently stop the aggression against Gaza, and the opening of safe corridors for international relief to alleviate the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians.
The visit will also address ways to support and enhance cooperation between Qatar and the Netherlands in the fields of economy, investment, and scientific research. The Netherlands is a leading country in technology and sustainability, and Qatar is keen on exploring new horizons of cooperation, benefiting from Dutch expertise in water management, port economics, sustainable agriculture, innovation, education, infrastructure, and other fields. Both countries share joint opportunities for trade and investment, supported by their strong relations and economic potential, which bolster their foreign investments.
The two countries have cemented their bilateral relationship through numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding covering various cooperation areas. This partnership emphasizes safety, security, and regional stability. Additionally, the countries maintain distinguished economic and trade relations. The Netherlands values Qatar’s role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its humanitarian efforts in Gaza. It is essential for the international community to recognize the severe consequences of undermining this process, particularly for the Palestinian people. With over 37,000 casualties, mostly women and children, there is an urgent need to adhere to International Humanitarian Law to protect civilians and livelihoods.
