DOHA: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)’s relationship with Qatar has entered a new phase of strategic engagement, with both sides poised to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, digital transformation, energy, education and regional connectivity, according to a publication released yesterday by the Asean Committee in Doha (ACD) to mark the bloc’s 59th anniversary, celebrated annually on August 8.
The publication highlights 2026 as a landmark year for Asean-Qatar relations after Qatar was admitted as an Asean Sectoral Dialogue Partner during the 59th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila last month. The development builds on Qatar’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2022 and reflects growing engagement between the Gulf nation and Southeast Asia in areas including development, humanitarian assistance, education and connectivity.
This year’s Asean anniversary also carries added significance following the admission of Timor-Leste as the organisation’s newest member, expanding the regional bloc to 11 member states. Under the Philippines’ 2026 chairmanship, Asean is advancing the theme, “Asean: Navigating Our Future, Together,” with a focus on resilience, stronger regional integration and people-centred development.
The publication notes that the strengthening partnership has been driven by an active programme of high-level exchanges over the past two years. Among the notable engagements were visits by Indonesian President H E Prabowo Subianto to Qatar, meetings involving Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and official visits by ministers from Brunei, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.
Sports diplomacy has also emerged as an important pillar of bilateral relations. The President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Olympic Council of Asia, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, visited Malaysia and the Philippines earlier this year, reinforcing people-to-people ties and sporting cooperation across the region. Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi also participated in commemorative events marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Manila, where he held bilateral meetings with senior Asean officials and foreign ministers.
The publication also underscores Asean’s support for Qatar during recent regional challenges. Asean foreign and economic ministers convened special meetings to discuss tensions in the Middle East, while leaders issued a statement calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and reaffirmed support for dialogue, international law and civilian protection. Asean member states also conveyed condolences to Qatar following the passing of Father Amir, H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, reflecting the close ties developed over the years.
Annual trade between Asean member states and Qatar now stands at nearly $15bn, spanning agribusiness, aviation, energy, healthcare, hospitality, real estate and telecommunications.
The ACD said these shared priorities provide a strong platform for Asean and Qatar to forge even closer partnerships that generate new business opportunities, strengthen communities and deliver long-term benefits for both regions.
