Doha: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has stressed the significant relationship between Qatar and the United States as the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
US Secretary of State H E Antony Blinken, in a video message on the occasion, hailed strength of Qatar-US relations saying, “Over the past 50 years, the relationship between our countries has made lives of Qataris and Americans — and so many others — safer, more secure, more prosperous. I have no doubt that the relationship will only grow stronger in the years ahead.”
In a video message posted on Twitter by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said both countries have set a model for close ‘strategic cooperation’ in all areas.
“I am pleased to address you today on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America. It is a special occasion for the two friendly countries as it has set a model for close strategic cooperation in all areas as well as an opportunity for future foresight, at which we look with great optimism. We are so proud of the high level of historical relations reached by the State of Qatar and the United States of America over the past fifty years thanks to the strong political will and common desire of the two friendly countries,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“While the State of Qatar continues to operate in an environment of international, bilateral and multilateral alliances, the United States remains our strongest ally and most important partner in many areas. These relations have been established through institutions at different times faced by many challenges, and that is why they are now stronger than ever. This distinguished partnership serves as a model for bilateral relations based on the long-term common interests of nations. We believe as we look ahead, there are many strategic issues on which we will work closely with the United States,” he added.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that the flourishing relations between Qatar and the US which have been consolidated by mutual commitments of the two countries’ leaderships are not only evident in the scope of “our cooperation in the various political, security, economic and cultural spheres, but also in the deep friendship and close partnerships between our two countries.”
The Deputy Prime Minister added, “The strategic dialogues between the State of Qatar and the United States have constituted another milestone in the relations between the two countries reflecting the concept of strong partnership, ensuring joint coordination on regional and global issues and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of health, humanitarian assistance and international development. That is in addition to human rights, regional cooperation and climate change as well as trade, investment, culture and education. We look forward to working together to continue holding these important dialogues in order to enhance our long-term cooperation.”
He said the distinguished partnership shown by Qatar and the US with regard to a number of files related to maintaining international peace and security clearly reflects the high level of well-established relations between the two countries.
Sheikh Mohammed also expressed his thanks to “all our partners, all those who have contributed to the promotion and development of bilateral relations over the past 50 years despite the various challenges, and to everyone who works hard and ambitiously to develop and strengthen our distinguished relationship.”
In his message, the US Secretary of State said, “Fifty year ago, United States Ambassador William Stoltzfus presented his credentials to the government of Qatar initiating our diplomatic relationships with the State of Qatar. In the time since, that relationship has steadily grown stronger spanning shared security and economic interests, cooperation on regional challenges and deepening ties between our people.”
He added: “Qatar has generously hosted US forces at Al Ubeid Air Base since 1996, where Qataris and Americans continue to train together; provided aid to Americans after hurricanes Katrina and Harvey, and so much more.”
“We have built deep economic ties with our partnership exceeding $200bn in trade and investment, as well as strong educational ties with six American universities opening campuses in Qatar’s education City complex.”
Blinken further said: “Today our countries work side by side in regional challenges, like countering ISIS and working to improve the lives of the Palestinian people; and global challenges, like tackling COVID-19 and the climate crisis.”
The events in Afghanistan, he said, have reinforced our partnership. “Qatar played an indispensable role in the transit of more than 70,000 Americans, legal permanent residents and Afghans to the United States.” And we are working together to address the massive humanitarian needs of people in Afghanistan.”
Blinken said: “We are pleased to recognise this exemplary cooperation — and deepen it — by designating Qatar as a major non-NATO ally earlier this year.
As President Biden said, it was a step that was long overdue.”