Fifth Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue begins in Doha today
The 5th Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, will kick off in Doha today.
The dialogue is expected to address 12 major issues within the framework of the bilateral co-operation in politics, economy, culture, education, energy, health, mediation and combating terrorism.
Main topics for discussion are: regional stability, defence co-operation, 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.
At the end of the session, a number of partnerships, in addition to signing a number of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and letters of intent, are expected to be announced.
The strategic dialogue aims to discuss ways to enhance co-operation between the two countries in various fields, based on common interests and mutual respect.
On regional issues, Qatar will affirm its position on the need for a political solution and respect for people’s aspirations. It will also stress the need to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.
Qatar and the US have a strong economic partnership. The volume of trade exchange between the two countries in 2021 amounted to about QR18.4bn.
The fifth annual strategic dialogue between Qatar and the United States will kick-off today in Doha and will be chaired by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The dialogue addresses several issues of mutual interest, including regional stability, defence cooperation, public health, counterterrorism, combating human trafficking, human rights, climate change, energy efficiency and independence, humanitarian assistance, strategic investments, economic co-operation, and cultural and educational exchanges.
Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed bin Mohamed al-Ansari stressed that strategic dialogues are a milestone in the relations between the two countries and reflect the well-established and advanced level of partnership in all fields.
He also noted that the celebration of the two partners of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the classification of Qatar as a major non-Nato ally of the US, and the continuous close co-operation between the two countries in bilateral, regional and international fields all serve as evidence of a shared commitment to enhance those relations.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr al-Ansari said that these dialogues also demonstrate the concept of co-ordination on regional and global issues, and enhance bilateral co-operation 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 co-ordination 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 co-operation between Qatar and the US to ensure a safe and successful tournament.
He added that the two sides recently have had in-depth discussions on cybersecurity, law enforcement training, public relations, and human rights. He also 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 Labour Mohamed alObaidly as a Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Hero as evidence of the progress made by Qatar on this issue.
Dr al-Ansari also complimented the strong security partnership between the two countries, including co-operation in law enforcement, aviation, border security, countering violent extremism, countering terrorism, and countering financing of terrorism. He reaffirmed the commitment of Qatar to provide $75mn over five years and implement efforts to support the work of the UN Office on countering terrorism.
Al-Ansari also indicated that relations between Qatar and the United States 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 wellestablished relations. Al-Ansari also said that Qatar operates in an environment of international, bilateral, and multilateral alliances, and considers the United States its strongest ally and its most important partner in many fields.