HH the Amir’s meeting with President Biden underscores strength of 50-year bilateral relationship

By A Robin - February 03, 2022

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with Joe Biden

At the head-of-state visit on 31 January 2022, the State of Qatar and the United States emphasised the success and longevity of their relationship and discussed a number of topics concerning the Qatar-US partnership.

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with US President Joe Biden to discuss a number of issues of mutual concern, including security in the Gulf and the Middle East, ensuring the stability of global energy supplies, continuing to work together to support the people of Afghanistan and strengthening commercial and investment cooperation between the two countries.

At the beginning of the meeting, President Biden and His Highness the Amir commemorated the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Qatar and the US and underscored the strength of the relationship between the two countries.

“This past year, our partnership with Qatar has been central to many of our most vital interests: relocating tens of thousands of Afghans; maintaining stability in Gaza and providing lifesaving assistance to the Palestinians; keeping pressure on ISIS and deterring threats across the Middle East; and a lot more,” said President Biden.

“2022 is a very important year – it marks the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between Qatar and the United States,” added His Highness the Amir. “We’re very happy and proud of this great relationship and we’re going to continue working together to find ways and means to bring peace in our region.”

President Biden also thanked the State of Qatar for being “a good friend, and a reliable and capable partner,” and announced that he would formally designate Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally to reflect the importance of the two countries’ relationship.

Additionally, the State of Qatar announced a $20 billion deal between Boeing and Qatar Airways Group, further strengthening economic and aviation relations between these two nations.

While in Washington, His Highness the Amir also met with the US Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Homeland Security and members of Congress.

This visit underscores the important bilateral relationship between Qatar and the US, built on close coordination and mutual support.