Doha / Information Office / February 04  

The first strategic dialogue held by the governments of the State of Qatar and the United States of America in Washington, DC, on January 30 has revealed increased the convergence in the strategic visions between the two countries and stressed need to remain close allies and friends both at the level of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The strategic dialogue aimed at enhancing the strengthening bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the United States, and highlighted the common beneficial opportunities for the peoples of the two countries.

The strategic dialogue strengthens the partnership between the State of Qatar and the United States of America and enhances it in the face of challenges in areas of regional security, defense, counter-terrorism, energy, trade and economic cooperation.

On the sidelines of the dialogue, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani held several meetings with US, and international officials.

His Excellency attended a ceremony hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in the presence of senior Qatari and American officials participating in the dialogue.

"This year, we are celebrating the 45th anniversary of the beginning of Qatari-US relations," HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said in a speech during the ceremony. He pointed out that the holding of the strategic dialogue between the two countries for the first time illustrates the depth of bilateral relations.

"We are not only talking about a security and defense partnership but we believe that the business sector is an important element in this partnership," he said.

His Excellency expressed the hope that in the next round of strategic dialogue, the two countries would celebrate the progress of the partnership during the current year. He also noted the mutual trust that the US-Qatari partnership has strengthened over the past years.

In this context, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs signed a number of agreements on the sidelines of the strategic dialogue including the Joint Declaration for the Establishment of Strategic Dialogue, the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in combating human trafficking.

His Excellency also participated in a number of the dialogue's sessions including the signing ceremony of the agreements in the presence of HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah, HE US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and HE US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis .

On the sidelines of the strategic dialogue, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister held meetings with a number of senators, the House of Representatives and representatives of various committees in the US Congress.

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani delivered a lecture at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, in which he expressed the hope that the international community would join in calling for an immediate regional strategic dialogue to agree on common security principles that may be the basis for recovery and ending the existing conflicts of prosperity for the region.

His Excellency also held two television interviews with the CNN and Al Jazeera channels, highlighting the Qatari-US strategic dialogue and its importance in enhancing relations between the two countries.

He also stressed that the State of Qatar is still committed to the need to resolve the Gulf crisis through dialogue.

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs paid an official visit to the city of Charleston on February 1 in order to enhance cooperation and common interests.

During the visit, he witnessed the signing of a Declaration of Understanding between Charleston and Doha City, which obliges the two cities to promote joint ties in the fields of economic development and culture.

"This week marked the beginning of a historic strategic dialogue between the United States and the State of Qatar, which aims to highlight the opportunities that benefit the people of both countries, which is at the heart of our long and solid relationship," His Excellency said.

"Despite the thousands of miles between us, South Carolina shares many similarities with Qatar, but more importantly, we invest in human capital and create jobs that will benefit the American and Qatari people," he said. which drives the political and economic commitment that I am happy to join in strengthening. ", His Excellency added.

HE the Governor of South Carolina, Henry McMaster, hosted a dinner in honor of the delegation of the State of Qatar. The banquet was attended by a number of businessmen and community leaders in the state. HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al -Thani held a round table with senior politicians and business leaders from the State to discuss ways to enhance the joint cooperation.

He also toured the headquarters of Boeing, accompanied by Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, and HE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al -Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA).

Following the visit, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs visited New York, where he met with HE Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, HE Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations Nikki Haley, HE Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya, HE Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Ma Zhaoxu, HE Ambassador Francois Delattre, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, and HE Ambassador Jonathan Allen, Charge d' Affaires of the United Kingdom to the United Nations.

The meetings discussed means of enhancing joint cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United Nations in areas of common concern, as well as the latest developments on the regional and international arenas.

His Excellency also briefed them on all illegal measures taken against the State of Qatar and its grave consequences for regional and international security and peace, and their impact on human rights.

His Excellency also reviewed the messages of the State of Qatar, for the Security Council and the Secretary-General of the United Nations on violations of Qatar's airspace by the United Arab Emirates.