Chargé d’Affaires at the US embassy in Doha, H E Natalie A Baker addressing the press conference. PIC: RAJAN VADAKKEMURIYIL
The cooperation between Qatar and the United States on several areas has broadened and deepened significantly in recent years, said Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Doha, H E Natalie A Baker.
The strong ties between Qatar and the US in areas such as trade, humanitarian assistance, security collaboration, trade, culture, education and several others will continue to deepen in the years ahead, she said.
Baker addressed a press conference on Thursday at the US Embassy in Doha to coincide with 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Qatar and the US, which is being marked today.
“The bond between our two countries has becoming stronger thanks to our enduring partnership to address regional and global challenges,” said Baker.
“As we reflect on the last 50 years of diplomatic relations and engagements, we have pride and we look forward to the next 50 years and what it will bring for Qatar-US friendship,” she added.
Baker emphasised that Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s meeting with US President Joe Biden in January has reaffirmed their mutual interest in promoting security and prosperity in the Gulf and the broader Middle East region, ensuring the stability of global energy supplies and supporting the people of Afghanistan and strengthening commercial and investment cooperation.
“In recognition of the strategic partnership between the United States and Qatar, President Biden also designated Qatar as a major non-NATO ally. This will confer on Qatar a variety of military and financial advantages not otherwise available to non-NATO partners,” said Baker.
She said the Qatar-US security partnership has been central to many of the most vital interests such as relocating tens of thousands of vulnerable people from Afghanistan, maintaining stability in Gaza, providing lifesaving assistance to the Palestinian people, keeping pressure on ISIS and deterring threats across the Middle East as well as supporting peace and diplomacy in Ukraine as it endures a Russian invasion.
On trade ties, Qatar and the US share extensive economic ties that have flourished over the last 50 years. “The United States is Qatar’s largest foreign direct investor and second largest source of imports, and Qatar also has billions of dollars invested in the United States. Our partnership continues to deepen and diversify as we work together to achieve Qatar’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.”
On cultural relations, Baker said that the US is pleased to be recognised as the guest of honour for Qatar’s 2021 Year of Culture. She said both countries will continue to celebrate the strong bilateral partnership through a multitude of events throughout this year to further enhance diverse people-to-people connections and to promote intellectual dialogue.
While commending on Qatar and Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy on the preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022, Baker said: “The US also welcomes the opportunity to consult Qatar in advance of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted in North America, across Canada, the United States and Mexico.” “We have already collaborated on cybersecurity, law enforcement training, public relations, human rights and a carbon neutral footprint for the World Cup… so we recognise that we have a lot to learn from the Qataris and that collaboration and lessons learning have already begun,” she said.
Baker highlighted that US will have a significant presence at the upcoming Doha Forum including Hillary Clinton, the former US Secretary of State.
“We have a number of US officials expected to come, several special envoys for various issues ranging from Afghanistan to climate change to women’s rights and human rights issues,” said Baker.
