In February, Doha reaffirms its role as a mediator in the Gaza crisis and a prisoner exchange in Ukraine. Additionally, Qatar and the United States express their intent to implement the October agreement with Iran. On the economic front, a strengthened partnership with France emerges.
While negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza are at a standstill, Doha continues to play a crucial role at achieving a ceasefire. In February, the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, held numerous meetings regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip and efforts to secure a truce. On February 12, the President of the Palestinian Authority (PA), Mahmoud Abbas, met with Emir Al-Thani in Doha. The visit confirms the close ties between the emirate and the Palestinian establishment. During the meeting, Abbas highlighted the high danger of a potential Israeli operation in Rafah, where more than one million Palestinians are located. In the following days, Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met with the head of Hamas' political office, Isma'il Haniyeh, in Doha, where they discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the imminent Israeli operation in Rafah. On Tuesday, February 27, the Emir of Qatar traveled to Paris, where he participated in further negotiations to achieve a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange in Gaza. The meetings also involved high-ranking Israeli, American, and Egyptian officials. The proposal includes a ceasefire lasting at least six weeks and the release of 40 Israeli hostages held by Hamas and 400 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Qatar's mediation also comes into play concerning the war in Ukraine. On Monday, February 19, eleven Ukrainian children aged between two and sixteen were released by the Russians. After being hosted at the Qatari embassy in Moscow, they transited through Belarus and later returned to Ukraine. Russian sources claim that, through similar procedures, 59 children have been released by Moscow and repatriated to Ukraine.
In a phone call between the Qatari Prime Minister and the Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the former confirmed Doha and Washington's commitment to implementing the agreement reached in October with the Islamic Republic. The agreement led to the exchange of five prisoners between Iran and the United States and includes the unfreezing of six billion dollars in Iranian funds subject to sanctions. Despite Doha's reassurances, in November, Washington blocked Iranian access to the funds with a resolution passed by the House of Representatives in response to Iran's alleged role in the October 7 attacks. It is essential to note that, although the funds were supposed to be used by Tehran for food supplies for its population, there is no effective way to verify their use.
Finally, relations between France and Qatar are strengthened on the economic front. During Al-Thani's visit to France, the two countries signed a strategic partnership, with Doha committing to invest €10 billion in French start-ups and investment funds between 2024 and 2030. Qatari investments will focus on renewable energy, semiconductors, aerospace, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and culture. On the sidelines of the meeting, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani inaugurated the bilateral economic forum, an instrument used to enhance commercial exchange by facilitating dialogue between businesses from both countries.
Download the February 2024 reportMed-Or Leonardo Foundation Chairman, Mr. Marco Minniti, signed a Letter of Intent with the State of Qatar to facilitate partnerships with Qatari institutions in the fields of high-tech, innovation, and higher education
Med-Or Leonardo Foundation Chairman, Mr. Marco Minniti, paid a visit to the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain between 24-28 of March 2022
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, sends a message to Med-Or Foundation on the day of the inauguration.
Head of state | Emiro Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani |
Head of Government | Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani |
Institutional Form | Absolute monarchy |
Capital | Doha |
Legislative Power | Advisory Council, unicameral (45 Members) |
Judicial Power | High Court |
Ambassador to Italy | HE. Khalid Yousuf Al-Sada |
Total Area kmq | 11.586 km2 |
Land | 11.586 km2 |
Weather | Desertic, arid |
Natural resources | oil and natural gas |
Economic summary | The main resources of economy are oil and natural gas |
GDP | $180 billion (Dec. 2021) |
Pro-capite GDP (Purchasing power parity) | $55.920 (Dec. 2021) |
Exports | $47.2 billion (2020) |
Export partner | Japan 17.1%, India 15.4%, China 15%, South Korea 12.8%, Singapore 6% (2020) Imports: $26.8 billion (2020) |
Imports | $26.8 billion (2020) |
Import partner | China 12.4%, UK 7.62%, Germany 6.69%, India 5%, France 6.35%, Italy 4.26% (2020) |
Trade With Italy | $3,73 billion (2021) |
Population | 2.508.182 (2022 est.) |
Population Growth | +1,04% (2022 est.) |
Ethnicities | Qatari 11.6%, non-qatari 88.4% |
Languages | Arabic |
Religions | Muslims 67.7%, Christians 13.8%, Hindu 13.8%, Buddhists 3.1% |
Urbanization | 99,3% (2022) |
Literacy | 93,5% (2022 est.) |
Qatar gained independence in 1971. The country borders with Saudi Arabia to the west and with the Persian Gulf on every other side. The population is estimated to be 2 million and the official language is Arabic.
Following the discovery of important oil and gas fields, Qatar has achieved relevant economic growth. This has increased the country’s investments in various strategic sectors internationally, which, in turn, has strengthened its regional political profile. Over the years, Qatar has been able to establish very close ties with various Middle Eastern countries. By virtue of its prominent role across the region, the country hosted some relevant diplomatic negotiations, including talks between American diplomats and the Taliban. In 2022, the country will also be the first Arab country to host the final phase of the Football World Cup.
Qatar represents an important interlocutor and strategic partner for Italy on many fronts. Bilateral collaboration in sectors such as security and defence has had a positive economic and industrial impact, and has allowed Qatar to increase exponentially its military power in the Persian Gulf, especially in the air and naval warfare sector.
From a commercial point of view, the trade balance between the two countries is in equilibrium. Italy’s main imports from Qatar consist of mineral fuels, oil and other products from oil distillation. Qatar’s imports from Italy consist of a wider range of products, including mechanical and fashion products, of which Italy is one of Qatar’s main suppliers.