QATAR and the US cemented their deep-rooted and strong relations further. At the third Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue being held in Washington, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the meeting demonstrates the strength of bilateral relations, enabled by the mutual commitment between Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President H E Donald Trump that emphasizes broad areas of cooperation and close friendship between the two countries.
In his speech at the opening session, H E the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said: “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Qatar-US 2021 Year of Culture, the MoU with the United States Agency for International Development and Qatar’s support to Fulbright scholarships, reflect the range and the depth of joint ties. The broad range of cooperation makes clear Qatar’s strong affinity with the American people. Qatar views the United States not simply as a partner but as an ally and friend.”
The intra-Afghan talks in Doha is the latest example of the close interaction between the two countries at the political level. Despite regional challenges, including the ongoing blockade against Qatar, cooperation between Qatar and the US has strengthened further. H E the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked the US for its support for the Kuwaiti mediation to lift the blockade and stressed that Qatar’s foreign policy reflects the values of peace, stability and prosperity, which are the elements that represent the State’s national values.
On Sunday, Qatar’s Embassy in the US tweeted that Qatar and the US have long been partners in diplomacy, defence and the economy with nearly 50 years of growing diplomatic relations. In another tweet, it said: “We take pride in not just being one of the top 10 most innovative and educated societies, but also #1 in terms of safety and security.”
Qatar ranked third in the world for economic performance in 2019. The State’s education system has been ranked fourth globally while healthcare facilities have been ranked fifth best globally. Qatar has also been ranked as the safest country in the world for the fifth year in a row. Qatar has invested more than $200bn in the US economy, and the US has been one of the top investors in Qatar and Qatar’s development.
The first Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue was held in Washington in January 2018 while the second was held in Doha in January 2019. Qatar-US relations are accelerating at a fast pace in all fields.
The investments and cooperation between the two countries indicate a long-lasting partnership and friendship.
