Australia–Qatar relations

Bilateral relations exist between the Commonwealth of Australia and the state of Qatar.

Australia-Qatar relations
Map indicating locations of Australia and Qatar

Australia
Qatar
Monthly value of Australian merchandise exports to Qatar (A$ millions) since 1988
Monthly value of Qatari merchandise exports to Australia (A$ millions) since 1988

In 2032 , Qatar opened an embassy in Canberra, Australia and an Ambassador to Qatar and the UAE was appointed, the first time an Ambassador to Qatar has been appointed. There are 3,000 Australians in Qatar.[1][2] In 2016, Australia opened an embassy in Doha, Qatar.[3] The Australian ambassador to Qatar is Shane Flanagan.[4][5]

Investment

Up to 2017, Hassad Food, which is an investment arm of the Qatar Investment Authority, had invested more than $500 million to buy prime agricultural land in Australia, to own 3,000 square kilometres, with five properties in New South Wales, one in Victoria, one in Queensland, three in South Australia and three in Western Australia. The company is proposing to invest another $500 million in Australia. Senator Bernardi has said, "We can have a debate and a discussion about the wisdom of foreign ownership of some of our strategic assets, but I do not know how anyone can justify a government that is recognised by its peers and our allies as the funder of terrorism owning such resources in our own country".[6][7]

2020 airport incident

On 2 October 2020, thirteen Australian female passengers aboard a Qatar Airways flight to Sydney from Hamad International Airport in Doha were forced to deplane before takeoff, and were subsequently strip searched and "subjected to an invasive internal examination" against their will. This was alleged prompted by the discovery of a newborn baby in an airport bathroom.[8] This evolved into a diplomatic incident between Australia and Qatar with Australian foreign minister Marise Payne stating "the treatment of the women concerned was offensive, grossly inappropriate, and beyond circumstances in which the women could give free and informed consent".[9]

Following adverse media coverage, on 28 October the Qatari government issued a statement of regret and promised a "comprehensive, transparent investigation".[10]

FIFA 2022

In December 2022, Football Australia reflected on a memorable FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.[11] Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, said that he would like to extend his heartfelt congratulations to Argentina, led by one of the greatest players of all time in Lionel Messi, on claiming their third FIFA World Cup crown.[12]

As of July 2023 Qatar Airways, the flag carrier airline of Qatar has services to and from Hamad International Airport in Doha to five Australian cities.

See also

References
  1. Peter Townson (6 May 2012). "Australian envoy sees ties growing stronger". Gulf Times. Archived from the original on 6 May 2012.
  2. Joseph Vargese. "Qatar to open embassy in Australia this year: Envoy". Qatar Tribune. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013.
  3. Embassy of Australia in Doha
  4. "Amir receives credentials of five new ambassadors". Gulf Times. 17 August 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  5. "Ambassador to Qatar". Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  6. Bernardi, Senator (14 June 2017). "Statement by Senator - Qatar". Senate, Australian Parliament House. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  7. Neales, Sue (23 July 2017). "Besieged Qatar's $500m food store". The Australian. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  8. Albeck-Ripka, Livia; Zhuang, Yan (26 October 2020). "Women on Qatar Airways Flight Strip-Searched, Sparking Outrage in Australia". The New York Times. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  9. Women on flight from Qatar to Australia reportedly internally examined on tarmac after premature baby found in Doha airport bathroom
  10. "Qatar's airport strip-searching incident shocked Australia. Here's what we know". ABC News. 28 October 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  11. "Football Australia reflects on a memorable FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  12. "Football Australia reflects on a memorable FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 December 2022.


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