Qatar's ambassador to the US HE Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad al-Thani affirmed that President Donald Trump's visit to Doha is a significant step in strengthening both countries' long-standing ties, spanning over five decades. He added that this visit reflects the US administration's appreciation of Qatar's active role in supporting the stability and prosperity of the region.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the ambassador said that this visit is clear proof of the depth and strength of Qatari-US relations on all levels, the mutual trust and respect shared by both countries' officials, in addition to the United States' recognition of Qatar's significant efforts, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, in promoting security and stability in the region.
HE Sheikh Meshal added that the anticipated meeting between the Amir and President Trump will be an opportunity to exchange views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the developments in Palestine, the Iranian nuclear deal, and the situations in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, along with addressing energy supplies' security in addition to ways to maintain the security and stability of the Gulf region and the Middle East.
He pointed out that this visit will provide a unique opportunity for the leaders of both countries to discuss ways to end the war in the Gaza Strip, rebuild the Strip, and advance efforts to revive the peace process based on international legitimacy resolutions and the two-state solution, ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967, borders.
Regarding the significance of the visit, the ambassador said that Qatar being one of the few stops on President Trump's regional tour carries great political significance, reflecting the US administration's recognition of the State of Qatar as a vital partner in foreign policy and the unprecedented level of trust between the two countries.
He added that this visit reaffirms Qatar's distinguished position in the international arena, thanks to its wise policy in place for more than two decades, which makes strengthening relations with the US a core focus, alongside Qatar's prominent role in conflict mediation.
He went over three indicators of the depth of Qatari-American relations: the uninterrupted Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue since its launch in 2018, Qatar's role as the US's diplomatic representative in Afghanistan, a historic step reflecting mutual trust, and Qatar's designation as a major non-Nato ally, a status that highlights the US's appreciation of Qatar's growing international role.
In the same context, HE Sheikh Meshal said that President Trump's visit to Doha will contribute to enhancing joint mediation efforts between Qatar, the US, and Egypt to end the war in Gaza, adding that over the past 15 years, Qatar has played a pivotal role in de-escalating tensions caused by Israeli attacks in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially in Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West Bank.
The ambassador noted that successive US administrations have highly appreciated Qatar's mediation efforts and have consistently supported the continuation of this active role. He pointed out that Doha has intensified its diplomatic efforts since Oct 7 to halt the Israeli aggression and alleviate the suffering of civilians, successfully brokering ceasefires in November 2023 and January 2024, which led to the release of several detainees from both sides.
He added that President Trump's visit would enhance co-ordination between Doha and Washington to support the Qatari-Egyptian mediation, in order to contribute to the final resolution of the war.
He highlighted that Qatar's foreign policy regarding international issues is set apart by its commitment to promoting peace and stability through peaceful mediation, turning Doha into a preferred destination for international mediation. He noted that this approach has received widespread US support, particularly on issues such as Afghanistan, Palestine, and the release of American hostages.
He added that Qatari-US co-operation on the Afghan issue has ranged from hosting negotiations to supporting evacuation efforts after the collapse of the Afghan government. Qatar played a pivotal role in the success of the largest evacuation operation in history, leaving a significant positive impact on both US officials and media circles.
HE Sheikh Meshal emphasised that the Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue was an important milestone in institutionalising bilateral relations, adding that the annual meetings provide a platform to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in various areas, including trade, security, climate change, energy, and investment.
He also expressed his anticipation for the upcoming session of the Strategic Dialogue to build on the positive momentum in bilateral relations and further strengthen the multifaceted partnerships between the two countries.
Qatar's ambassador to the US HE Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad al-Thani
