Qatar-US ties to grow stronger in the years ahead

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 countriestarget="_blank"'>