By Peter TownsonUS Ambassador Joseph LeBaron bid farewell to members of the local and US business communities yesterday, where he described the “extraordinarily profound relationship” between America and Qatar as one of the most important in the world.At an event organised by the American Chamber of Commerce to pay tribute to his efforts in promoting the commercial relationship between the US and Qatar, LeBaron expressed his pride at helping to foster its growth during his tenure.Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce, Robert Hager paid tribute to LeBaron’s work over the past three years in Qatar, and throughout his 31-year career in the US foreign service.The event was attended by a number of local officials, including chairman of the Qatar National Food Security Programme, Fahad bin Mohamed al-Attiya, who has been working closely with LeBaron on a number of food security initiatives established in recent years.
Food security is one area in which the relationship between US and Qatar has grown, but ties have also been strengthened in education, culture, science and technology.LeBaron was keen to emphasise the efforts of the whole embassy team in promoting bilateral relations, and helping to “turn the corner” from the Bush administration to the Obama era.“It was an honour to serve both presidents,” he said, while admitting that the political relationship has certainly warmed with the new administration.He spoke about the significance of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani’s visit to the US in April, explaining that the discussions between the Emir and Obama had revealed a similarity in vision for the region that had brought the nations together.The current situation in the region means that this solidarity is an essential aspect of future development, and LeBaron argued that the push for democracy throughout the Middle East will result in stronger economic growth and better quality of life as well as improved governance.The career diplomat also gave an interesting insight into the development of Qatar’s relationship with the US, pointing out some of the differences between when he arrived here some 30 years ago and the situation today.While the US community comprised around 200 people in 1981, there are now around 20,000 US citizens and military personnel based here.
Two-way trade stood at around $100mn, whereas it is now closer to $3.5bn, and LeBaron said that this was an indication of how the relationship can develop into the future.“I am proud,” he said of his tenure in Qatar, adding “but this is rooted in the reality of what I have seen.”LeBaron will leave government when he leaves Qatar on July 29, but he will be back later this year as he begins his life as a businessman in the country where he launched and ended his diplomatic career.“I want to continue to contribute in any way I can to what I feel is one of the world’s most important relationships,” he added.