Strategic dialogue underlines Qatar-US commitment to long-term co-operation
The governments of the United States and Qatar held the Third US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue September 14-15, 2020 in Washington, DC. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo co-chaired the opening session with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, US Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, Qatari Minister of Finance Ali Sherif al-Emadi, and Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari also delivered opening remarks.
“The Third US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue showcased the many areas in which the United States and Qatar partner,” US Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Greta Holtz commented.
“The productive discussions among experts and leaders from our two countries over the past days truly demonstrate the depth and breadth of our strategic bilateral relationship. We look forward to building on these relationships and further strengthening ties between the people of the United States and Qatar.”
The annual strategic dialogue process underlines the commitment of Qatar and the United States to long-term co-operation on consolidating state-of-the-art defence facilities; countering terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms; promoting regional peace and security; engaging in military, commercial, and aviation co-operation; providing humanitarian assistance; promoting law enforcement collaboration; combating the financing of terrorism; expanding trade and investment relationships; supporting labour reform; increasing public health partnerships, especially in the global fight against Covid-19; and enhancing educational and cultural cooperation.
During the strategic dialogue, Secretary Pompeo and Minister HE Sheikh Mohamed al-Thani signed an agreement designating 2021 the US-Qatar Year of Culture. In addition, the two sides also:
Announced an agreement between Nasa and Hamad bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Energy and Environment Research Institute (QEERI) to formulate a study to detect underground water aquifers;
Announced HBKU’s acceptance of two US Fulbright scholars to conduct research on hydrology and Alzheimer’s disease next semester;
Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Qatar Foundation, Qatar Museums, and the Smithsonian Institution on educational, cultural, and sports collaboration;
Announced an upcoming MoU between the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and USAID on international development and humanitarian assistance; and
Made an Announcement of Intent for Qatar to host an investment forum in the United States in 2021.
Qatar and the United States look forward to reviewing progress in these areas at the next strategic dialogue in Doha in 2021.