Washington / Information Office / May 15

The Embassy of the State of Qatar to the United States of America celebrated, in a massive ceremony, the occasion of 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 of the two countries.
HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States of America 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. His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar and America are linked by deep and permanent ties in all fields.
His Excellency 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.
His Excellency continued by saying that this growth has allowed the tow 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.
His Excellency 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.
At the end of his speech, His Excellency praised HE Speaker of the United States 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, HE Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, expressed her happiness to attend the celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the relationship between Qatar and America.
Her Excellency said that for five decades, the two countries have been partners in common mission to ensure a safer, more secure and more prosperous future.
Her Excellency added that she was personally honored to work closely with HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
Over the course of 50 years, Her Excellency 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 the State of Qatar as a major ally of the United States from outside the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and this an important matter.
Her Excellency stressed that Qatar is a major partner in the energy field. Her Excellency said the two countries have also engaged in a rich exchange of culture and ideas, as technology leaders of the two countries cooperate in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
Her Excellency 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 HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chair of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and HE 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.
Her Excellency added that she had the honor 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 HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser in this regard." Her Excellency 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.
Her Excellency concluded her speech by saying that she looks forward to another fifty 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, HE former commander of the US Central Command General Kenneth McKenzie, praised the role played by the State of Qatar in evacuating thousands of people from Afghanistan last year.
His Excellency said that there are several countries that have expressed their willingness to help, but no one in the world was ready as the State of Qatar did, and what the State of Qatar has done has been a tremendous and wonderful job.
His Excellency 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, HE Senator Lindsey Graham, a member of the Senate, thanked the State of Qatar for all it has done to strengthen relations between the two countries.
His Excellency pointed out that what Qatar had done in Afghanistan saved the lives of thousands of people.
HE Rex Tillerson, former US Secretary of State, also stressed the importance of the strong and long-standing friendship between the United States and Qatar, and wished for further progress in the interests of the two countries and strengthening the relationship between them.
In his speech, HE the former US Ambassador to the State of Qatar Patrick Theros, praised the steps that have been made in raising the status of Qatar in all fields.
During the ceremony, a documentary film was displayed on the history of relations between the State of Qatar and the United States, and the development they witnessed in all sectors, especially in the political, military, economic, investment, education and cultural exchange fields.