Qatar and Spain established diplomatic relations in 1972. In 1981, the embassy of Qatar was opened in Madrid to promote bilateral relations. Since then, the bilateral relations witnessed growth through high-level visits by the officials of the two countries. The embassy organised a number of trips for Spanish businessmen and members of political parties to Qatar.
The Qatar-Spain Strategic Dialogue is a testament to the strategic partnership agreed upon during Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s first state visit to Spain in May 2022. During the visit, Qatar and Spain determined to strengthen their strategic partnership. The aspirations were later formalised by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the establishment of the Qatar-Spain Strategic Dialogue during the visit of the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon to Doha on April 3, 2024.
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Government of Spain H E Jose Manuel Albares Bueno launched the first annual Qatar-Spain Strategic Dialogue in Madrid on June 21 to strengthen bilateral relations.
In a joint statement, Qatar and Spain reviewed areas of collaboration and applauded 52 years of diplomatic relations. The two ministers agreed to further strengthening the partnership. They highlighted the strength of the bilateral relations and the opportunities for deepen cooperation in tourism, energy, climate change and environment.
Qatar and Spain explored ways of broadening their cooperation in the ICT sector, particularly in the areas of digital economy, digital transformation, research and innovation, smart cities, national digital policies and strategies, electronic services, cloud computing, AI, and supporting start-ups.
The dialogue provided an opportunity to highlight the progress made between the two countries in areas of collaboration through high level engagements, including political, diplomatic, defence, military and security cooperation and the fight against terrorism, and cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture and innovation.
The two ministers reiterated their countries' commitment to guaranteeing an independent statehood for Palestinians and security with Israel. They agreed that peace can be achieved only through negotiations between the two parties underpinned by global support and the implementation of the two-state solution.
They called for immediate and lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid throughout the coastal enclave and the liberation of hostages. The two ministers also called on all the parties to ensure measures to enforce the ICJ ruling on Rafah on May 24, 2024.
