HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have hailed the strength of ties between the US and Qatar, expressing their confidence that they are set to grow further over the coming years.
On the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the United States and Qatar Saturday, both of them said they recognised the strength and endurance of "our important and close partnership".
In a statement to mark the occasion, Blinken said: "Fifty years ago, United States Ambassador William Stoltzfus presented his credentials to the government of Qatar, initiating the diplomatic relationship between our two countries. In the time since, that relationship has steadily grown stronger, spanning shared security and economic interests, cooperation on regional challenges, and deepening ties between our people.
US Secretary of State highlights  strength of
Qatari-American ties

 
* Qatar-US relationship has made the lives of Qataris and Americans –
and so many others – safer,
more secure, more prosperous.

"Qatar has generously hosted US forces at Al Udeid Air Base since 1996, where Qataris and Americans continue to train together; provided aid to Americans after hurricanes Katrina and Harvey, and so much more."
He highlighted the strong economic ties the two sides enjoy, which exceeds $200bn in trade and investments, in addition to strong educational ties with six American universities opening campuses in Qatar's Education City.
"Today, our countries work side by side on regional challenges like countering ISIS and working to improve the lives of the Palestinian people; and global challenges, like tackling Covid-19 and the climate crisis," he said.
The US Secretary of State highlighted how the events in Afghanistan have played a major role in reinforcing the two countries' partnership.
 Qatar-US ties a model for
close strategic cooperation: FM


* Qatar-US relations are now stronger than ever
* Qatar-US strategic dialogue another milestone in bilateral relations

"Qatar played an indispensable role in the transit of more than 70,000 Americans, legal permanent residents, and Afghans to the United States," he said.
Blinken also said that the two sides continue to work together to address the humanitarian needs of the people in Afghanistan.
We were pleased to recognise this exemplary cooperation – and deepen it – by designating Qatar as a Major Non- NATO Ally earlier this year.
"As President Biden said, it was a step that was long overdue. Over the past 50 years, the relationship between our countries has made the lives of Qataris and Americans – and so many others – safer, more secure, more prosperous.
"I have no doubt that the relationship will only grow stronger in the years ahead. Thank you for you partnership. Thank you for your friendship,” he concluded.
" Making a statement on the occasion, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said it is a special occasion for the two friendly countries who have set a model for close strategic cooperation as well as an opportunity for future partnerships at which Qatar looked with great optimism.
"We are also so proud of the high-level historical relations between Qatar and the United States over the past 50 years, thanks to strong political will and common desire of the two friendly countries.
He said these relations have been established by institutions at different times, faced by challenges, and that is why they are now stronger than ever.
"The flourishing relations between Qatar and the US, which have been consolidated by mutual commitments of the leaderships of the two countries are not only evident in the scope of our cooperation in the various political , security and economic fields but also in the deep friendship and close partnership between our two countries.
"The strategic dialogue between the US and Qatar have constituted another milestone in the relations between the US and Qatar, reflecting the concept of strong partnership, ensuring joint coordination on regional and global issues and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of health, humanitarian assistance and international development; this is in addition to human rights, climate change as well as trade , investment , culture and education.
"We look forward to working together to continue holding these important dialogues in order to enhance our long-term cooperation," he said.
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