QNA
Doha
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has stressed that Qatar looks to its relations with the United State of America as one of its major strategic partnerships, which extends to political, security, defence, economic and developmental fields.
In a joint press conference with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the fifth US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, currently being held in Doha, the FM felt this round of the dialogue as an important platform in strengthening the relations that enjoy stable and solid foundations as well as multifaceted partnership.
The Deputy Prime Minister and the US Secretary of State participated in launching the fifth US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue.
The FM said that the US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue represented an opportunity to address several regional andglobal challenges. It would discuss the latest developments concerning the nuclear deal, the developments in Iraq, Lebanon, and Libya, and the Palestinian cause that Qatar sees as its central cause, in addition to joint efforts in Afghanistan.
He pointed out that this round of dialogue discussed joint cooperation in responding to global challenges, especially energy, food security, and other developmental issuesthat the world faces today.
Sheikh Mohammed added that Qatar and the US share the same point of view on these issues, and they look forward to working together and involving the concerned institutions in both countries.
The FM added that Qatar looks forward to strengthening its cooperation with the US, and have an open dialogue and a relationship based on transparency and mutual trust between the two countries.
He laudedthe cooperation shown by the US with its various institutions in support of hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The FM extended his thanks for all the efforts, especially those of the US security and cybersecurity institutions, for the support they provided to Qatar in thehosting of the World Cup, pointing out that this is seen as a part of the cooperation that extends beyond the multiple partnerships between the two countries.
In his response to the media attack on Qatar, the FM noted that Qatar, when it was awarded the honor to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, was determined to have multi-faceted tasks to organise the tournamentthat impressed the entire world.
He said that many people think that the World Cup was the main reason behind the reforms that have been made in the recent years. However, Qatar sees the World Cup as merely a catalyst in that process.
He stressed that change is an ongoing process, unconnected to a specific event or stage, noting in this regard that the vision of His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is transformational for Qatar in terms of keeping pace with developments taking place around the world.
The FM confirmed that the human rights issue in Qatar is the state’s responsibility toward the Qatari people and everyone who lives on the land of Qatar, stressing that the State of Qatar has been decisive on this matter. He pointed out that the reforms adopted are intended to serve this objective.
The FM said that some media institutions did not take the reforms that have been made by the State of Qatar into consideration, but they came out with a prejudgment even without visiting Qatar or engaging in a conversation with the state’s officials, even though Qatar always opens its doors to everyone and has been engaging in dialogue since the start of these attacks.
He added that Qatar cannot alter the opinions of those who want to compromise its reputation to attain their goals or other intentions, adding that such goals have nothing to do with the State of Qatar, however, the vast majority of people and football masses when they came to Doha were surprised by the success of the preparations. His Excellency also pointed out that the State of Qatar and the Qatari people are always generous and welcome all people.
The FM pointed to the joy in the eyes of people by hosting this event, including the happiness of the masses and the joy at their participation and their enjoyment of trying something new that has not been tried before.
He noted the existence of a work programme through which Qatar and the US have teamed up to build the capacities among the various institutions and the law enforcement agencies, in addition to learning and utilizing the expertise available in the US, pointing out that there are points of agreement and points of disagreement, because such matters are usually appropriate in the society in which they are applied.
He conveyed a message to the media and public opinion that Qatar welcomes all people and its doors remain open, calling for the importance of focusing on football and everything that happens on the pitch, adding that those who would like to launch prejudgments solely for achieving other goals, will only have a temporary impact, but ultimately the reality on the ground will prevail to talk about itself.
He looked forward to making the tournament in Qatar a station for the convergence of peoples, cultures and all civilizations to enjoy the atmospheres provided by Qatar in Doha, as well as the hospitality experience of the Qatari people and the residents on the land of Qatar.
For his part, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Qatar has outdone the United States in hosting this amazing and detailed dialogue, just like it did in terms of entertainment.
He added that bilateral relations are at the peak point of the 50-year diplomatic relations and that cooperation is now stronger than ever before, the result of which is that the US and Qatari peoples are now in a better situation.
He also said that the security relationship with Qatar is the most powerful one, highlighted by the fact that Qatar hosts one of the largest US military bases in the region, noting that it serves as an anchor for regional security and stability.
He pointed out that the US president Joe Biden designated Qatar as a major non-NATO Ally last March. He also said that this was followed several months later by delivering F-15 aircraft to Qatar Amiri Air Force to augment its defensive capabilities and made the armies amenable to interoperability.
Blinken affirmed that the United Sates and Qatar are engaging in the region and outside the region to bolster stability, defuse tensions and end the conflicts.
He noted that Qatar had provided vital economic aid to the Palestinian people, helped pay the salaries of the security forces in Lebanon and has been a mediator in the peace agreement between the Chadian transitional government and the opposition groups, adding that Qatar is constantly working to heal the regional rifts which is essential in addressing the common challenges facing the US and its partners.
