The Fourth Annual Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue confirms that the Qatar-US relationship has never been stronger
During the fourth annual Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue on 12 November 2021, the United States emphasised the strength of its relationship with Qatar, signing two new agreements that established Qatar as the United States’ “protecting power” in Afghanistan and formalised Qatar’s partnership with the US to facilitate the travel of Afghans with US Special Immigrant Visas.
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss Qatar-US cooperation in Afghanistan and other issues of mutual concern.
US Secretary of State Blinken announced two new agreements between the United States and the State of Qatar, reflecting the strong history of the bilateral partnership and deepening collaboration between the two countries.
“Qatar will establish a US interests section within its embassy in Afghanistan to provide certain consular services and monitor the condition and security of US diplomatic facilities in Afghanistan,” said Blinken, outlining the first agreement. “The second agreement formalises our partnership with Qatar to facilitate the travel of Afghans with US Special Immigrant Visas – a role that it’s already been playing in many instances – and serve as a transit point for eligible Afghans as they complete their application process.”
HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister highlighted that Qatar and the US have worked closely with international partners around the clock to evacuate more than 60,000 individuals from Afghanistan, including American citizens, female students, Afghan employees and their families, and journalists from around the world. Blinken further stressed Qatar’s leading humanitarian role in the region.
“Qatar’s support for operations at the airport in Kabul have allowed humanitarian assistance from the international community to flow into Afghanistan, including several flights from the World Health Organization carrying lifesaving medical supplies for over 2 million Afghans,” Blinken said.
HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister spoke of the honour bestowed on Qatar to be trusted with the safety and wellbeing of so many people, and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to be an instrument of peace and stability in the region.
During the Strategic Dialogue, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also stressed the importance of the commercial partnership between the US and Qatar, highlighting the hundreds of billions of dollars Qatar has invested in the US economy which has translated into tens of thousands of jobs across the US.
Blinken emphasised that “the Qatar-US relationship has never been stronger, and we believe it will only grow deeper and more diverse to the benefit of our people and so many others.”
HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister echoed Blinken and said that he believes the upcoming year will be a special one as it marks the 50th anniversary of the alliance between the US and Qatar.