DOHA, Qatar — Just days after returning from Canada, Mayor LaToya Cantrell traveled to the Middle East for a conference, according to the mayor's office on Saturday.
Cantrell joined mayors from Michigan and Florida in attending the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha along with the U.S. Ambassador to Qatar Timmy Davis. According to the U.S. Embassy website Davis calls New Orleans, home.
"As a native of New Orleans, Ambassador Davis recognizes firsthand the importance of both the socioeconomic connections between our nations and the mutual benefits of the bond shared between New Orleans and Qatar," Cantrell's office said on Saturday. "He played a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange by introducing New Orleans traditions to Qatar, notably through hosting the country's first Mardi Gras celebration last year."
According to the mayor's office, the oil-rich country has donated $100 million to infrastructure in New Orleans through the Qatar Katrina Fund. Qatar also gave $12 million to Xavier University and $5 million Tulane University's Community Health Center
Cantrell's agenda also included discussing the two cities' experiences hosting major sports events as Super Bowl LIX approaches. Doha hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The mayor's office did not immediately release any information about when Cantrell left New Orleans or when she plans to return.
The mayor's trip to the Middle East comes off the heels of a trip to Montreal, for a climate summit last week.
"When you hear the reports of how climate issues are impacting emergency weather conditions, it is vital to have a collective mission to proactively plan for climate issues, because we are stronger together," said Mayor Cantrell on Tuesday.
In 2022, Cantrell faced criticism for using city funds to pay for flight upgrades. Cantrell vowed that she would cover all future upgrades herself on domestic and international trips.
Cantrell has visited at least eight foreign countries, on four continents, during her tenure as a mayor. Since In addition to Qatar and Canada, Cantrell visited the United Arab Emirates, Cuba, Ghana, British Virgin Islands (U.K.), Switzerland and France.
Cantrell's predecessor, Mayor Mitch Landrieu, visited at least six countries during his eight years in office.
