Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani addresses a joint press conference along with US Secretary of State H E Antony Blinken in Doha yesterday. PIC: Mohamed Farag
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has said that Qatar always aspires to strengthen partnership with the United States and is engaged in an open dialogue and relationship based on mutual trust and transparency.
Addressing a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken after the Fifth Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue which was held in Doha yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister again dismissed criticism by some Western media on Qatar’s hosting of FIFA World Cup, saying that the criticism was just based on preconceived ideas and not facts.
He also dispelled the perception that the World Cup was the main reason behind the reforms introduced in Qatar in recent years. “The World Cup was only a catalyst or agent of change and an accelerator for the process. This is a continuous and uninterrupted process and is not linked to a specific event ... it is under the vision of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.”
He said that the issue of human rights in Qatar is the responsibility of the state towards the Qatari people and towards everyone who lives in Qatar. He said that Qatar considers ties with the United States as one of its most important strategic partnerships, which cover different areas like defence, security, economy and development.
“This round of dialogue is an important platform in strengthening the relations that enjoy strong and solid foundations and a multifaceted partnership.”
The Deputy Prime Minister said that Qatar and the United States share views on many regional, global issues. “We look forward to working together through work teams that will resume talks between the relevant institutions of the two countries.”
He also thanked the US for the cooperation, especially for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 security.
He added that Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue is an opportunity to discuss various issues, whether related to regional issues and the challenges facing the world today. “We discussed developments on Iran nuclear agreement, developments in Iraq, Lebanon and Libya, and the Palestinian issue, in addition to joint efforts in Afghanistan.”
He said both sides discussed joint responses to global challenges, especially the challenges of energy, food security and other developmental challenges.
“Here in the state of Qatar we always look forward to consolidate our partnership with the United States, and we look forward to have an open dialogue and a relationship based on openness and transparency between our two countries.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that cooperation between Qatar and United States has become deeper than ever before. “Our security relationship is the strongest, and Qatar hosts our largest military bases in the region, which is an anchor for regional security and stability.”
He pointed out that US President Joe Biden classified Qatar last March as a major ally from outside the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). “Several months later, we began delivering F-15 aircraft to the Qatari Amiri Air Force, which raised its defence capabilities.” “We’re partnering in the region and beyond to enhance stability, to reduce tensions, to end conflicts. Qatar has provided vital economic assistance to the Palestinian people. It’s helped pay the salaries of security forces in Lebanon.
"It’s brokered peace between Chad’s transitional government and opposition groups. And Qatar consistently works to mend regional rifts, which is essential to addressing the common challenges that we face.” He added: “We’re also deepening economic ties. From civil aviation to renewable energy, Qatari and American businesses, innovators are creating new opportunities for people in both of our countries.
“We welcome the Amir’s commitment to ramp up Qatar’s production of liquefied natural gas. That will bolster global energy security. It will help people around the world who are struggling to keep up with rising costs. And we recognize Qatar’s efforts to curb emissions like joining the Global Methane Pledge, and its investments in technologies to foster a clean energy transition in the years ahead.”
“The Strategic Dialogue that we launched today will build on this robust cooperation in all of these areas but also many others, including cultural and educational cooperation, counterterrorism, visa and consular issues, labor issues, human trafficking, all of which we’ve worked on in the run-up to this historic sporting event.” He congratulated Qatar on hosting the first World Cup in the Middle East.
Blinken added: “The Amir’s statement that all are welcome here for the World Cup is an important message for an event that brings together people from all walks of life.” He said that Qatar has made meaningful strides in recent years to improve its labor laws, to expand worker rights. “The United States has been and will continue to be a consistent partner in those efforts.”
Responding a question regarding some media campaign against Qatar 2022, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that some media outlets did not consider the reforms undertaken by the State of Qatar and they criticise Qatar even without visiting the state and talking to its officials.
“Qatar always opens its doors to everyone and engages in talk with everyone.” He said that Qatar could not change the opinions of those who only want to undermine Qatar’s reputation for one goal or another.
“I think that the vast majority of people and football fans when they came to Doha were surprised by these successful preparations by Qatar and meeting Qatari people, who are hospitable and welcoming to everyone.” “Whoever wants to launch prejudices only to achieve other goals, this will only have a temporary effect, but in the end, the truth on the ground is what speaks for itself,” he noted.
