Qatar's Ambassador to the US stresses importance of strategic relations with the United States

Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States of America Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, considered that the State of Qatar's obtaining the designation of the United States of America as a major non-NATO ally is a very important event, especially as it coincides with the celebration of the State of Qatar and the United States of America of the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Qatari-American diplomatic relations, HE the Ambassador said that designating of Qatar as a major ally of the United States outside NATO provides it with the opportunity to strengthen its military, political and security relations in a way that was not available in the past. It will also help Qatar obtain more political support from the United States, and will help the two countries to intensify communication and work together to enhance international efforts to resolve crises or reduce their severity.

HE Sheikh Meshal pointed out that the decision of HE President of the United States of America Joe Biden, to designate the State of Qatar as a major ally outside NATO indicates the position that the State of Qatar has enjoyed under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and thanks to the rational policy that Qatar has been pursuing for more than two decades, which has worked to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States of America and raise them to the highest levels, to become the most important pillars of Qatar's foreign policy.

He added that as a result of this trend, relations have witnessed a qualitative leap during the past few years, and this was demonstrated by raising the level of trade exchange between the two countries, exchanging visits at the highest levels, and strengthening military, economic, security and cultural relations.

HE the Ambassador explained that this trend did not come out of nowhere, but rather came as a result of a long-term strategic vision that believes that it is in the interest of the State of Qatar to strengthen its relations with the United States and its institution.

He considered that the regular holding of the strategic dialogue between Qatar and the United States four years ago is an indication of the sincere intention of officials in the two countries to advance relations and make it a locomotive to accomplish the aspirations of the Qatari and American peoples to achieve prosperity, security and stability.

His Excellency said that relations between the State of Qatar and the United States have reached an advanced and unprecedented stage of development, in addition to the existing military and security cooperation between the two countries and the presence of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which plays a pivotal role in the American policy aimed at preserving the stability of the Middle East, its strategic balances, its interests and the interests of its allies. He pointed out to the existing cooperation between the two countries in the field of combating terrorism and violent extremism, and the greatest indication of the maturity and strength that relations between the two countries have reached is the close cooperation in the Afghan file for several years.

HE Sheikh Meshal stressed the role played by the State of Qatar to help the United States of America withdraw from Afghanistan, in addition to the United States' reliance on Qatari mediation and the acumen that Qatar has acquired in this field to resolve many intractable international issues.

He stressed that there is great harmony between the two countries in many current international issues, which helps them to work together in order to reach effective solutions to these issues. (QNA)