Qatari envoy to US sees ties ‘growing stronger’

Qatar’s Ambassador to the US Mohamed bin Abdulla al-Rumaihi speaking at a reception arranged in his honour by US-Qatar Business Council at the St. Regis in Washington, DC

Qatar’s recently appointed Ambassador to the US, Mohamed bin Abdulla al-Rumaihi, has expressed the hope that the “close relationship” between the two countries will become “even stronger” in the years to come.He was speaking at a reception arranged in his honour by the US-Qatar Business Council at the St. Regis in Washington, DC recently.The event was co-hosted by ExxonMobil and sponsored by Fluor Corporation and Raytheon Company.The well-attended event at the St. Regis in Washington, DC, which recently became a partner of the US-Qatar Business Council included members, representatives of other international organisations, foreign dignitaries and US government officials. US-Qatar Business Council president, Patrick N. Theros, in his opening remarks, cited the council’s long-standing co-operation with the government of Qatar and the country’s embassy in Washington, DC. Theros lauded Qatar as a leader in the region and discussed the country’s recent economic, political and social growth as well as its role as America’s closest ally in the Gulf.Raytheon vice-president, Thomas Kennedy, spoke after the ambassador and mentioned Qatar’s exciting plans for the World Cup in 2022. He was followed by Richard Kruger, president of ExxonMobil Production Company.  Kruger introduced al-Rumaihi and mentioned the Ambassador’s extensive and impressive background in both the Qatari military and the Qatari diplomatic service. In addition, Kruger cited his company’s historic involvement within Qatar and the notable projects and investments Exxon has made since beginning work there.Al-Rumaihi expressed his eagerness to assume the post and work with the US-Qatar Business Council and its members. Steven Dobbs, senior group president Fluor, Jonathan Elkind, principal deputy assistant secretary, US Department of Energy, Bart Vos, president (Americas), Qatar Airways, Diana Sedney, International Government Relations (Chevron) and Kay Larcom, Federal Affairs (ConocoPhillips) were among the dignitaries present.