QNA
Doha
The fifth annual strategic dialogue between Qatar and the US will kick off in Doha on Tuesday. The meeting will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The dialogue is expected to address 12 major issues within the framework of the bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, culture, education, energy, health, mediation and combating terrorism. The issues are: regional stability, defense cooperation, public health, counterterrorism, combating human trafficking, human rights, climate change, energy efficiency and independence, humanitarian assistance, strategic investments, economic cooperation, and cultural and educational exchanges.
The session is expected to result in announcement of a number of partnerships, in addition to signing of a number of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and letters of intent.
The strategic dialogue aims to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields and to develop exceptional bilateral relations that depend on common interests and mutual respect.
The session will witness an exchange of views on regional issues. In this context, Qatar will affirm its position on the need for a political solution to regional issues and respect for people’s aspirations. It will also stress the need to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.
In that context, Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari stressed that strategic dialogues are a milestone in the relations between both countries and reflect the well-established and advanced level of partnership in all fields.
He also noted that the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the classification of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally of the United States, and the continuous close cooperation between the two countries in bilateral, regional and international fields serve as evidence of a shared commitment to enhance those relations.
Dr Al Ansari mentioned that these dialogues also demonstrate the concept of joint coordination on regional and global issues, and enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of health, humanitarian assistance, international development, human rights, regional cooperation and climate change, as well as trade, investment, culture and education.
He also expressed his full confidence that the outcomes of the fifth session of the strategic dialogue will contribute to reinforcing long-term cooperation, including continuous coordination to bring peace and stability to the region.
Dr Al Ansari also noted the coincidence of the strategic dialogue with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, praising the close cooperation between Qatar and the US to ensure a safe and successful tournament.
He added that the two sides recently had in-depth discussions on cybersecurity, law enforcement training, public relations, and human rights.
Al Ansari stressed that Qatar and the US share a common interest in combating human trafficking and promoting labour rights, pointing to the US Department of States recognition of Assistant Undersecretary of Labor Mohammed Al Obaidly as a Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Hero as evidence of the progress made by the State of Qatar on this issue.
Dr Al Ansari also complimented the strong security partnership between the two countries, including cooperation in law enforcement, aviation, border security, countering violent extremism, countering terrorism, and countering financing of terrorism. He reaffirmed the commitment of the State of Qatar to provide $75 million over five years and implement efforts to support the work of the United Nations Office on countering terrorism.
Al Ansari also indicated that relations between Qatar and the US have been established through various institutions throughout different periods of time, stressing that the distinguished partnership shown by the two countries in dealing with the Afghanistan issue, especially on relocation efforts, clearly reflects the high level of these well-established relations.
Al Ansari also said that Qatar operates in an environment of international, bilateral, and multilateral alliances, and considers the US its strongest ally and its most important partner in many fields. He expressed his confidence that the close strategic cooperation will continue between the two countries on various issues.
