The third annual Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue began today in Washington DC and demonstrated both countries' commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations across all areas. Representatives from Qatar and the US are meeting today and tomorrow to discuss the current state of Qatar-USA relations and explore new ways to expand cooperation in the areas of defence, counterterrorism, trade, business and health.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency (H.E.) Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Minister of Finance H.E. Ali Sharif Al-Emadi, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin were part of the meeting today.
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Mike Pompeo opened the Dialogue by highlighting the strength of the Qatar-USA bilateral relationship and taking a look at the future of their partnership.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the convening of the third round of the Qatari-American strategic dialogue reflects the flourishing relations between the two countries, which have flourished as a result of the joint commitment of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and the President of the United States Donald Trump, which confirms the expansion of cooperation areas between the two countries.
During the opening of the activities of the third Qatari-American strategic dialogue, held at the headquarters of the US State Department, the two US ministers stressed that Washington’s relationship with Doha is strategic and important and goes beyond defence and economic issues.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Qatar played an important role in stabilising the region and reducing tension in Syria and Lebanon.
"The relationship with Doha will go beyond defence and economic issues, and include friendship between the two peoples," he added.
He indicated that the United States was looking forward to discussions with Qatar on trade, investment, combating terrorism and military cooperation, and stressed that the administration of US President Donald Trump will try to resolve the Gulf dispute.
.@SecPompeo delivers opening remarks at the U.S.-Qatar Strategic Dialogue. pic.twitter.com/taeFjvvOWq
— Department of State (@StateDept) September 14, 2020
For his part, US Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin stressed the importance of relations between Doha and Washington, and said that "relations with Qatar are strategic and important."
He revealed that the volume of Qatari investments in the United States exceeds $ 30 billion, and at the same time, President Trump's administration is committed to making Qatar one of the best places in the world to attract international investment.
In terms of combating terrorism, Mnuchin said that Qatar and America are more united in efforts to combat terrorism around the world and cut off funding for terrorists, not to mention that Doha has increased its efforts to ensure that terrorist financiers do not operate within its borders.
Mnuchin thanked Qatar for its contributions in combatting the emerging coronavirus (COVID-19).
The trade partnership between Qatar and the United States is stronger than ever before. Qatar has invested more than $200 billion in the American economy, and the US was a major investor in Qatar's development.
During the opening remarks of the 3rd annual US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue Mnuchin and H.E Ali Sharif Al-Emadi highlighted the strength of the Qatar-USA fiscal partnership, and signed the 2021 Investment Forum Announcement of Intent.
.@SecPompeo and Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, sign the U.S.-Qatar statement of intent, establishing the 2021 Year of Culture. pic.twitter.com/4HXM42Jh2f
— Department of State (@StateDept) September 14, 2020
Qatar signed an agreement with the US to mark 2021 as the Qatar-US Year of Culture. The agreement was signed by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to deepen the art and cultural ties between the two nations in 2021 and beyond.
Qatar and the United States are partners in international anti-terrorism coalitions and will continue to strengthen coordination and enhance cooperation in a way that reflects all their common values derived from international law and considered security standards.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed Qatar's praise for the firm commitment of the United States to peace in the region, and his Excellency thanked the United States for its support for the Kuwaiti mediation to lift the blockade on the basis of respecting the sovereignty and independence of Qatar.
He also said:
"Our efforts contribute to respecting mutual guarantees and working to neutralise terrorism, and there is no clear evidence of this matter more than the progress made for peace in Afghanistan and the start of talks towards reconciliation (hosted by Qatar) represents a historic achievement."
Cover image credit: Meshal Hamad Al-Thani
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