HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has underlined that the results of the recent strategic dialogue between Qatar and the United States presented a strong response to the allegations of the siege countries that Qatar supported terrorism.
Referring to the formation of the political working groups between the two countries to follow up on regional issues, mutual cooperation and exchange of views, the deputy premier and foreign minister said Qatar has realised many strategic achievements in various fields.
In an interview with Al Jazeera Channel, he said at the military level, there was a declaration of joint defence, which also addresses the US base and the presence of US forces on Qatari soil, as well as the joint military exercises and military procurement. Talks were also held between the parties in the field of combating terrorism and the memorandum of understanding signed by Qatar, which defines the relationship between Qatar and the United States in the fight against terrorism through the exchange of information and capacity building.
"Qatar believes that what have been achieved in this dialogue in general in the areas of security, defence and political fields is a clear statement and a clear position from the United States that Qatar is a strong partner in the fight against terrorism and a strong economic partner," he said. "This represents a strong response to all claims of the siege countries that Qatar supports terrorism . This is a clear testimony from the US , which is well aware of the Qatari efforts and regards Qatar as a key partner in its fight against terrorism."
Sheikh Mohamed said Qatar believes its future partnership with the US as promising, and there are many opportunities to achieve this partnership.
On the US position towards the Gulf crisis, the foreign minister said: "Washington's position has been clear since the beginning of the crisis, which is still in place." He explained that the US wanted to see a unified cooperation council and appreciated its relationship with Qatar. On the announcement of the US Secretary of State on his country's commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar, the minister pointed out to the existence of a clear and strong partnership between the two countries, adding that America was aware that the accusations against Qatar were false and not based on any evidence.
As for Qatar's assessment of the US administration's perception of the complexities of the Gulf crisis , he said the propaganda machine unleashed by the siege countries in the US had an impact in the beginning of the crisis. Also the siege countries exploited legal methods in the United States to serve their purpose of demonising Qatar. Some centers and newspapers in the US were provided with false information but with the success of Qatar's efforts to clarify the picture, all have come to distinguish between what is true and what is false, he said.
About hosting Qatari officials at American institutes known for their right-wing tendencies, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister said Qatar is open to all institutions in the United States.
On the siege countries disseminating false information about Qatar, the minister said a company registered with the US Department of Justice was contracted by the UAE to spread news on the social media that Qatar supported terrorism.
On the GCC crisis, he said Qatar has always been calling for a dialogue with the siege countries to discuss a solution based on clear principles and foundations.
"We see that everyone is a loser in this crisis. We see that we have lost so much in the GCC, which was built by our fathers and founded in 1981. It was in the direction of moving from the stage of cooperation to the union phase. All of this we have lost because of reckless acts."
The deputy prime minister and foreign minister praised the Qatari people, saying "the people of Qatar stood together in front of all the forces that are trying to attack them and their sovereignty". He added that the leadership of Qatar took a position from the first day, which was to stand firm and move forward.
The minister said the crisis has stopped all forms of cooperation between the GCC countries. He said Qatar has explained to the US that the reckless policies adopted by some countries, whether against Qatar or Lebanon or Yemen, Somalia or Syria would have serious consequences. "We believe that the region, in general, lacks a clear and wise policy."
Sheikh Mohamed said Qatar believes its future partnership with the US as promising, and there are many opportunities to achieve this partnership.
*US acknowledges Qatar as a strong partner in the fight against terrorism and a strong economic partner: FM
