By RAED BADAVVI-
Kalo Africa Media Correspondent – Doha, Qatar
Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, has held talks in Geneva with Djibouti’s Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization, Ambassador Kadra Hassan, as Doha steps up its engagement on trade-related development assistance for the world’s least developed countries.
Hassan also chairs the Executive Board of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), an international partnership supporting trade capacity and economic development in least developed countries.
According to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two officials reviewed prospects for cooperation and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.
The ministry did not disclose specific projects or announce any new financial commitments or agreements.
Trade Development and International Cooperation
The meeting took place alongside the WTO’s 10th Global Review of Aid for Trade, where Al Misnad participated in a high-level discussion on how international assistance can deliver measurable economic results for least developed countries.
In her address, the Qatari minister highlighted the limited progress achieved since the United Nations established the least developed country category in 1971.
She noted that only eight countries had graduated from the category over more than five decades, while 44 countries remained classified as least developed.
Al Misnad argued that international development cooperation must move beyond commitments towards practical results, supported by stronger institutions, productive investment and sustainable financing.
Doha’s Development Agenda
The minister emphasised the importance of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for 2022–2031, describing it as a framework for addressing structural development challenges.
She also drew attention to the comprehensive midterm review of the programme, scheduled to take place in Doha in March 2027.
The meeting is expected to assess implementation progress, identify outstanding gaps and consider measures to strengthen international support.
Among the priorities outlined by Al Misnad were nationally tailored development strategies, technical assistance, institutional capacity-building and long-term concessional financing.
She also highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure, technology transfer, innovation and improved access to emerging technologies.
Djibouti’s Role in Multilateral Trade Diplomacy
Ambassador Hassan’s participation in the Geneva discussions reflects Djibouti’s involvement in international efforts to strengthen the position of least developed economies within the global trading system.
Her dual responsibilities as Djibouti’s WTO representative and Chair of the EIF Executive Board place her at the intersection of African trade diplomacy and broader international development cooperation.
The meeting with Qatar’s minister focused on cooperation in this multilateral context, rather than a newly announced bilateral trade agreement between Doha and Djibouti.
No specific funding arrangement, project launch or implementation timetable was disclosed.
Nevertheless, the engagement highlights the continued diplomatic attention being given to trade capacity, economic resilience and sustainable development as international partners prepare for the Doha review in 2027.
