Canada and Qatar Sign MoU to Strengthen Security and Public Safety Cooperation

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published June 26, 2026

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Canada and Qatar have signed a new memorandum of understanding on public safety cooperation, marking a further expansion of relations between the two countries beyond diplomacy, trade and investment into security and law enforcement cooperation.

The agreement was signed in Toronto on June 25, 2026, between Qatar’s Ministry of Interior and Public Safety Canada. It was signed on behalf of Qatar by Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force “Lekhwiya,” and on behalf of Canada by Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety.

According to the Canadian government, the memorandum aims to strengthen existing cooperation between both sides and support direct working arrangements between relevant authorities, including Qatar’s police services and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The areas covered by the agreement include combating human trafficking, financial crimes, money laundering, cybercrime, terrorism and terrorist financing, illicit trafficking in arms, ammunition and explosives, drug smuggling, and crimes affecting the security of ports, airports, border crossings and irregular migration.

Public Safety Canada said international cooperation is becoming increasingly important in the face of evolving security threats. The department described the memorandum as part of Canada’s role as a trusted partner and said it reflects a new phase in relations with Qatar following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Doha in January 2026.

The memorandum also provides for virtual and in-person meetings, exchanges of visits between security personnel, and the protection of confidential information, data and documents shared between the two countries. It also states that the memorandum reflects the intent of both sides to cooperate and does not create binding legal obligations under domestic or international law.

The signing comes as Canada and Qatar continue to deepen bilateral relations in 2026, including in trade, investment, defence and security cooperation. The relationship has also gained additional relevance as Canada prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, with major security planning already underway across host cities.