This came during a joint press conference with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on the occasion of the second Qatar-UK Strategic Dialogue, held in the Qatari capital, Doha, under the slogan "Partners for the Future."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman stated that Qatari investments in the British economy contribute to job creation, growth, and prosperity in the UK while generating returns for Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund to secure the future of coming generations in Qatar.

He added that bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded £1.6 billion (around $2 billion) in 2024, noting that Qatar continues to play a pivotal role among the UK’s top global investors as the primary partner for leading British companies.

He explained that Qatari investments support the growth of the British economy, its projects, and the expansion of job opportunities, innovation, and economic development in both countries—particularly in science, technology, sustainability, climate adaptation, and digital transformation.

Sheikh Mohammed noted that since the launch of the first Strategic Dialogue, the Qatari-British partnership has seen intensive efforts to deepen cooperation at all levels. The visit of Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, to London last December marked a historic milestone in bilateral relations, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening the longstanding strategic partnership.

He said that the launch of the second Strategic Dialogue today represents another step in advancing this partnership, underscoring both nations’ determination to enhance cooperation across various fields, including economy, trade, investment, defense, security, and counterterrorism.

The Strategic Dialogue includes eight joint working groups tasked with implementing practical steps toward shared goals. Sheikh Mohammed expressed his pleasure at launching new working groups on technology, science, innovation, and health.

He highlighted the contributions of Qatari students educated in British schools, colleges, and universities, as well as British professionals working in Qatar.

Additionally, he announced the signing of a Letter of Intent on cooperation in peace, interests, and conflict resolution, which will enhance technical collaboration to build capacities in this field and support international peace efforts.

He pointed to the first Development Working Group, which builds on joint efforts in humanitarian challenges and global health, creating shared development initiatives. This follows the doubling of the joint development cooperation fund to $100 million, alongside exploring joint programs in priority regions such as Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and Bangladesh.

Sheikh Mohammed warned that risks today are higher than ever, citing escalating aggression, Israel’s ongoing siege on the occupied Palestinian territories and Gaza, the politicization of humanitarian aid, the targeting of aid workers, and the use of starvation as collective punishment—pushing the entire region to the brink. He stressed that such actions challenge our humanity, and failure to hold perpetrators accountable invites further inhumane tactics to impose political will on peoples seeking freedom.

He reiterated Qatar’s commitment to de-escalation, urging Israel to stop blocking humanitarian aid and tirelessly supporting all efforts to resolve conflicts through dialogue and negotiation.

Addressing Syria and Ukraine, he noted "positive developments in Syria, including rebuilding a war-torn state and peace opportunities supported by U.S.-Iran negotiations mediated by Oman, alongside peace talks for Ukraine and other international efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace." He emphasized Qatar’s support for these efforts, particularly in crises with severe humanitarian consequences, such as Sudan and Yemen.

For his part, Lammy said the UK and Qatar share a long-standing and robust friendship, praising Sheikh Mohammed’s efforts in peace and reconciliation.

He expressed delight at the growth in tourism between the two countries, calling the Qatar-UK Strategic Dialogue "fruitful" and noting that this partnership, built on shared ambition, will create jobs in both nations.

Lammy stressed that the devastating war in Gaza must end swiftly, with diplomacy as the only path to sustainable peace. He expressed the UK’s deep gratitude for Qatar’s mediation efforts.