FROM LEFT: Minister of Finance H E Ali Shereef Al Emadi, Ryan Gliha, Chargé d’Affaires, US Embassy; Minister of Justice H E Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohannadi, and Ambassador Ibrahim Fahkroo cutting cake at the US National Day celebrations, yesterday.
DOHA: The relationship between Qatar and US is stronger than ever. Speaking at annual US National Day celebration hosted yesterday by the US Embassy, Ryan Gliha, Chargé d’Affaires, US Embassy highlighted the recent successes in the US-Qatar relationship in the areas of trade and investment, defence and counter-terrorism, and education and cultural exchanges.
Pointing to the first annual Strategic Dialogue held in Washington DC on January 30, Gliha remarked,” the relationship has never been stronger,” and that the high-level dialogue is a signal of the growing significance of the two countries’ bilateral partnership on all fronts.
Minister of Justice H E Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohannadi; Minister of Finance H E Ali Shareef Al Emadi; and Ambassador Ibrahim Fahkroo attended the celebration held at the Sheraton Hotel.
Gliha’s speech highlighted the most important ideals shared between the American and Qatari people: independence, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Acknowledging the challenges Qatar has faced in the recent past, he remarked that it is during “times of adversity… that the true spirit of a people comes through.”
Gliha drew a parallel between the Qatari and United States national anthems and how both embody the commitment of a people to preserve their freedom, way of life, and dignity. The event brought together Qataris and Americans, to celebrate the shared values of innovation and resiliency.
Over 1,000 guests, including leaders representing the Qatari government, business, and civil society sectors, as well as diplomatic missions in Doha, were treated to visual and experiential exhibits which captured the dynamism of American innovation and signaled the continued forward momentum of the US-Qatar bilateral relationship.
The first annual Strategic Dialogue symbolises the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation and establish a shared vision for the future of the US Qatar strategic partnership. In the area of trade and investment, the United States is among Qatar’s largest trading partners, as well as one of the largest investors in Qatar’s energy sector.
In the field of security cooperation, Qatar is one of the top partners of the United States military and has made close to $25bn in purchases via US Foreign Military Sales programs, including its recent commitment to purchase F-15 aircraft to support and expand the Qatari Emiri Air Force’s technological and defense capabilities.
