The first US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, which took place in Washington, DC yesterday, marks an important moment in the relationship between the two countries, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah said.
Speaking at the opening session of the inaugural US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue in Washington, DC, in the presence of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis, HE al-Attiyah said: “Qatar and the United States have long enjoyed special relationship, a relationship built on a mutual respect and trust. We have stood together many time in the face of tyranny, fought those who defied the rule of law, and walked jointly to confront the complex and expensive challenges that face our region today,” he said.
“This meeting marks an important moment in our relationship with our friend here in the US. We look forward to building on the existing infrastructure of our historic and strategic relationship through exploring a way in which we are able to expand our bilateral co-ordination and further our efforts to realising our shared objective of peace, security and prosperity for our nation and beyond,” the minister noted.
Qatar never waived its commitment to stand with friends and allies, “especially when they needed us the most”, he said. “The Al Udeid Air Base, which currently hosts 11,000 of your brave men and women, has been at the epicentre of the global fight against terrorism. Qatar has spared no effort in increasing the readiness and efficiency of Al Udeid operations by investing billions of dollars in the direct infrastructure and maintenance of the strategic air base.”
“We are looking toward the future of our military partnership with the United States as we plan for the year ahead. Qatar and its trusted ally have reaffirmed their commitment towards the stability and prosperity of both nations. The recent purchase of F-15s fighter jets signals a new era of co-operation. This strategic bird will assure our readiness to protect our own border and aid our allies further in our collective fight towards peace and stability,” he continued, stressing the creation of “tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs”.
He also referred to the 2040 vision for military co-operation and plans to expand the Al Udeid base.
Referring to the Gulf crisis, he said: “To protect the sovereignty and fight for its independence, the brave people of Qatar stood firmly with their leader in face of mounting hostility directed towards their country. They refused to be manipulated or used as a pawn in an arbitrary and pointless conflict. We are here today to work for these men and women, and for the men and women of your great country, to explore economic, social, military and social opportunities that would take our efforts toward prosperity and stability.”