Lord Speaker vote of thanks to the Amir of Qatar

First, I would like to thank Your Highness for your words about the strong relationship which our two countries enjoy. It is an honour for us to listen to you speak here in the Robing Room of the Palace of Westminster.

The friendship between the United Kingdom and the State of Qatar stretches back for more than a century to the Treaty between our two nations signed in 1916 under Your Highness’s great-great-grandfather.

When relations between the UK and Qatar were last debated in the House of Lords, one Noble Lord described Your Highness’s country as - and I quote - a friend and an ally… a leader in the region with global influence and strategic importance for the UK.

This State Visit is a reflection of the great value which the United Kingdom places on its diplomatic, economic, military, academic and cultural links with the State of Qatar.

Our close co-operation in the realm of defence is manifested in Qatar’s role as host to the Royal Air Force’s Operational Headquarters in the Middle East as well as in the establishment of joint UK-Qatari air squadrons.

The United Kingdom greatly appreciates the valuable mediation role which Qatar has played in the current crisis in the Middle East. We commend the efforts which you have made to de-escalate and resolve the conflict and to secure the release of hostages.

Our two nations have worked together to provide humanitarian support in Gaza, arranging joint consignments of aid to civilians.

More widely, we have this year joined forces in a co-funding initiative to address humanitarian need across the Middle East and North Africa.

Under Your Highness’s leadership and that of your father, your capital Doha has been transformed into an international centre of commerce and finance, and the venue for major diplomatic conferences and global sporting and cultural events.

Many football fans from England and Wales – sadly, not Scotland - enjoyed Qatar’s hospitality when they travelled to support their teams in the 2022 World Cup. And many more Britons have since paid visits to Qatar, some as tourists and others as part of the growing academic links between our countries.

Relations between Qatar and the UK are characterised by a flourishing trade and investment partnership. This closeness was significantly bolstered by the Strategic Investment Partnership agreed during Your Highness’s visit to London in 2022.

Your Highness knows our country well, as a result of your studies at Sherborne School and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. You have paid eight previous visits to the United Kingdom as Amir. 

You joined us to mourn the loss of our late Queen Elizabeth II at her State Funeral. And you joined us again to celebrate the happy occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

I thank Your Highness for your very gracious address to the Houses of Parliament today. I look forward to the friendship between our nations growing ever deeper and stronger in the years to come.