Qatar's embassy in the US celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The ceremony was attended by a number of ministers, senior officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
Qatar's ambassador in Washington, HE Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad al-Thani, said in his official speech at the ceremony, when the diplomatic relations were established neither of the two countries could have imagined such a wonderful partnership that could develop.
He stressed that Qatar and America are linked by deep and permanent ties in all fields.
HE Sheikh Meshal added that investments in education and social reform have led to the creation of an inclusive and diversified society, where all people have the opportunity to thrive, and strategic investments have created a vibrant economy with the creation of many new industries, from tourism to sports to agriculture.
Qatar's ambassador in Washington, HE Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad al-Thani, said in his official speech at the ceremony, when the diplomatic relations were established neither of the two countries could have imagined such a wonderful partnership that could develop.
He stressed that Qatar and America are linked by deep and permanent ties in all fields.
HE Sheikh Meshal added that investments in education and social reform have led to the creation of an inclusive and diversified society, where all people have the opportunity to thrive, and strategic investments have created a vibrant economy with the creation of many new industries, from tourism to sports to agriculture.
He said that this growth has allowed the two countries to expand their long-standing commitment to peace and stability, as Qatar today works to mediate conflicts, support development and improve security throughout the Middle East region, and beyond.
The ambassador stressed that Qatar will redouble its efforts to promote global peace and prosperity, and provide millions of others around the world with access to necessities such as food, energy, and safe, equitable and high-quality education.
He praised Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, and her role in strengthening the partnership between the two countries, and the remarkable success that it achieved today.
For her part, Pelosi expressed her happiness to attend the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations and said that for five decades, the two countries have been partners in common mission to ensure a safer, more secure and more prosperous future.
She added that she was personally honoured to work closely with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
Over the course of 50 years, Pelosi said, the two countries' strong partnership has been essential to protecting mutual security and ensuring regional stability...and these ties have grown closer, as US President Joe Biden announced this year the designation of Qatar as a major US ally from outside the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), and this an important matter.
She stressed that Qatar is a major partner in the energy field. She said the two countries have also engaged in a rich exchange of culture and ideas, as technology leaders of the two countries co-operate in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
Pelosi noted, in this context, that the library of Congress' World Digital Library showcases the beauty of Arab culture and art thanks to the work and leadership role of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chair of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and HE the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, in all the work that has been done, adding that the institutions of higher education are building bridges for the next generation.
She added that she had the honour of participating and delivering a speech at the graduation ceremony at Georgetown University in Qatar, and she was closely acquainted with the work progress and achievements of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser in this regard."
She pointed out that in addition to the thousands of Qataris studying all over America, branches of six American universities hosted by Doha have been established in Education City.
Pelosi concluded her speech by saying that she looks forward to another 50 years, adding that the two countries will continue to work together to support the fight against the coronavirus in the world, address the climate crisis, and build a brighter future.
For his part, the former commander of the US Central Command, General Kenneth McKenzie, praised the role played by Qatar in evacuating thousands of people from Afghanistan last year.
He said that there are several countries that have expressed their willingness to help, but no one in the world was ready as Qatar did, and what it has done has been a tremendous and wonderful job.
He added that the two countries are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations and they will have another 50 years to move forward in the future.
On his part, Senator Lindsey Graham, a member of the Senate, thanked Qatar for all it has done to strengthen relations between the two countries.
He pointed out that what Qatar had done in Afghanistan saved the lives of thousands of people.
Rex Tillerson, former US Secretary of State, also stressed the importance of the strong and long-standing friendship between the US and Qatar, and wished for further progress in the interests of the two countries and strengthening the relationship between them.
The former US ambassador to Qatar, Patrick Theros, praised the steps that have been taken in raising the status of Qatar in all fields.
During the ceremony, a documentary film was displayed on the history of relations between Qatar and the US, and the development they witnessed in all sectors, especially in the political, military, economic, investment, education and cultural exchange fields.
