Qatar's emir and UK's Starmer talk trade as state visit ends

Qatar's emir Thani met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street on Wednesday as the royal wrapped up a two-day state visit to Britain.

The pair discussed trade and investment at the meeting, which came as the UK pursues a free-trade deal with oil-rich Gulf states.

Starmer also thanked the emir for his "vital role" in the Middle East, where Qatar has acted as a mediator since the October 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel.

The emir was treated to a royal carriage procession and a lavish state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. Thani  was due to end his visit with a dinner hosted by the Lord Mayor of London and the City of London Corporation, which runs the capital's financial district.