Charge d'Affaires of the US to Qatar Affirms Strength of 50-Year Qatari-US Relations

Natalie Baker

Charge d'Affaires of the United States of America to the State of Qatar Natalie Baker affirmed the strength of the Qatari-US relations at the political, economic and cultural levels and the solidness of the existing partnership between the two countries in facing regional and global challenges.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Qatar, which falls on March 19, Baker said, "The bond between our two countries has never been stronger, thanks to our enduring partnership to address regional and global challenges. Bilateral cooperation between the US and Qatar in trade, education, humanitarian assistance, and security, have broadened and deepened significantly in recent years. US-Qatar friendship, commercial ties, cultural exchanges, and scientific collaboration will continue to deepen in the years ahead."

She added, "The US Embassy in Qatar reflects on the last fifty years of diplomatic engagements with pride and looks forward to what the next fifty years will bring in the US-Qatar friendship."

She explained, "In January 2022, President Biden and HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani reaffirmed their mutual interest in promoting security and prosperity in the Gulf and the broader Middle Eastern region, ensuring the stability of global energy supplies, supporting the people of Afghanistan, and strengthening commercial and investment cooperation."

"The President and HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani welcomed the signing of a $20 billion deal between Boeing and Qatar Airways Group, which will support manufacturing jobs at Boeing, GE, and hundreds of high-quality suppliers across the US In recognition of the strategic partnership between the United States and Qatar," she continued.

She pointed out, "The President designated Qatar as a Major non-NATO Ally, which will confer on Qatar a variety of military and financial advantages not otherwise available non-NATO partners. The bilateral security partnership has been central to many of our most vital interests: relocating tens of thousands of vulnerable people from Afghanistan; maintaining stability in Gaza and providing lifesaving assistance to the Palestinian people; keeping pressure on ISIS and deterring threats across the Middle East; supporting peace in diplomacy in Ukraine as it endures a Russian invasion, and much more."

On US-Qatar trade relations, Charge d'Affaires of the US to the State of Qatar Natalie Baker stated, "The United States and Qatar share extensive economic ties that have flourished over the last fifty years. The United States is Qatar's largest foreign direct investor and second largest source of imports, and Qatar has billions invested in the United States."

"Together, we have developed a robust trade and investment relationship, with over 120 US companies operating in Qatar, in sectors ranging from security cooperation to energy to information and communications technology. Our partnership continues to deepen and diversify, as together we work to achieve Qatar's ambitious Vision 2030 goals."

She added, "For instance, just this week, we witnessed Microsoft and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology launch the Digital Center of Excellence in Msheireb a launching pad for next generation skilling for the people of the United States and Qatar."

Regarding cultural ties, Charge d'Affaires of the US to the State of Qatar said, "The US Embassy organized a trip for Department of State Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA) cultural envoy, singer, and humanitarian activist Maya Azucena to Qatar to participate in a series of cultural events including: a workshop and panel discussion with the Doha Women Forum on the power of music and storytelling; musical performances at Souq Waqif and Al-Hazm Mall."

"We were pleased that Qatar featured the United States as the Guest of Honor for the 2021 Year of Culture. Last year, the US and Qatar hosted events across both countries in celebration of our cultural ties. Events from California to New York and throughout Doha showcased music, art, literature, sports, business, fashion, culinary arts, and more. The US Embassy in Qatar will continue to celebrate the strong bilateral relationship through a multitude of events throughout 2022, to further enhance diverse people-to-people connections, promote intercultural dialogue, and build bridges between the two countries."

Concerning Qatar's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Charge d'Affaires of the US to the State of Qatar Natalie Baker said, "We congratulate Qatar for its innovative preparations thus far and we will continue to support the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy in advance of the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup in Qatar."

She underlined, "We are committed to expanding close interagency cooperation to ensure a safe and successful tournament, and we have already collaborated on cybersecurity, law enforcement training, public relations, human rights, and a carbon-neutrality. We welcome the opportunity to consult with Qatar in advance of the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup in North America." (QNA)