Recalling the highlights of his tenure in Qatar, he said: "Throughout my time here, I have seen for myself that the US-Qatar relationship is strong and resilient. I have seen this relationship with new initiatives on a range of issues, in the areas of bilateral diplomacy, joint military activities and co-operation, efforts to counter terrorism and those who finance it, and protecting the rights of the foreign work force. Qatar has made significant steps forward in these and other areas, and the US will continue to work with our Qatari partners to sustain that momentum.
"Each of these accomplishments is significant by itself; taken together, they mark a new, strategic US-Qatar relationship that is getting stronger over time."
Referring to the high-level recent visits by leaders of the two countries, he said several high-ranking US officials had visited Qatar during his time here.
"A sign of the importance we place on our relationship with Qatar is the number of visits by several high-ranking US officials, which occurred during my time here: the US secretaries of state, defence and treasury, all of whom met with His Highness the Emir and other senior Qatari government officials. In addition, His Highness the Emir met with President Trump during his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly. Encounters such as these have cultivated deeper understanding on both sides. They have also resulted in action plans that both governments are actively implementing – producing progress that will have long term benefits for both the American and Qatari people."
He thanked his colleagues at the US embassy for their hard work. "Their dedication, skill and continuous commitment to improving and strengthening the US-Qatar relationship is what keeps driving this relationship forward day in and day out."
Grant said everyone he has met here – people representing Qatar and Qatar’s diverse communities – have contributed to his experience being incredibly enriching, enjoyable, and productive.
Concluding his message, he said: "I am transitioning to a new milestone – retirement – and will be returning to the United States in the coming days. I am happy to be going home to see family and friends but sad to leave Qatar. Thank you for sharing your culture and your country with me, and I look forward to more progress—and to watching the US football team play here in FIFA 2022."
Grant said everyone he has met here u2013 people representing Qatar and Qatar’s diverse communities u2013 have contributed to his experience being incredibly enriching, enjoyable, and productive.
The US-Qatar relationship is strong and resilient, William Grant, outgoing Chargé d’Affaires at the US embassy in Qatar has said in his farewell message.
