Greta C. Holtz, US Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador
Doha: The third US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue has showcased the strong bilateral ties between both countries, said Greta C. Holtz, US Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador in Doha yesterday.
“The third US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue showcased the many areas in which the United States and Qatar partner,” said Holtz.
“The productive discussions among experts and leaders from our two countries over the past days truly demonstrate the depth and breadth of our strategic bilateral relationship. We look forward to building on these relationships and further strengthening ties between the people of the United States and Qatar,” Holtz added.
The governments of the United States and Qatar held the third US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue on September 14-15, in Washington, DC. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and US Secretary of State H E Michael Pompeo co-chaired the opening session.
The annual Strategic Dialogue process underlines the commitment of Qatar and the United States to long-term cooperation on consolidating state-of-the-art defence facilities; countering terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms; promoting regional peace and security; engaging in military, commercial, and aviation cooperation; providing humanitarian assistance; promoting law enforcement collaboration; combating the financing of terrorism; expanding trade and investment relationships; supporting labour reform; increasing public health partnerships, especially in the global fight against COVID-19; and enhancing educational and cultural cooperation, said a statement by the US Embassy in Qatar.
During the Strategic Dialogue, US Secretary of State H E Michael Pompeo and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani signed an agreement designating 2021 the US-Qatar Year of Culture.
In addition, the two sides also announced an agreement between Nasa and Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU)'s Qatar Energy and Environment Research Institute (QEERI) to formulate a study to detect underground water aquifers; HBKU’s acceptance of two US Fulbright scholars to conduct research on hydrology and Alzheimer’s disease next semester; signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Qatar Foundation, Qatar Museums, and the Smithsonian Institution on educational, cultural, and sports collaboration; announced an upcoming MoU between the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and USAID on international development and humanitarian assistance; and made an announcement of Intent for Qatar to host an investment forum in the United States in 2021, the statement added.
Qatar and the US look forward to reviewing progress in these areas at the next Strategic Dialogue in Doha in 2021.
