CATHERINE W GICHUKI
DOHA
As Qatar and the United States (US) celebrate 50 Years of diplomatic ties, the US Ambassador to Qatar HE Timmy T Davis has affirmed that the relationship between the two countriesis continuing to grow. The US envoy hoped that the US-Qatar relationship would be a model not only for the region but also for the entire world.
Speaking at a media roundtable on Monday, the US ambassador said that the relationship between Qatar and United States has been growing in recent years owing directly to the strength of Qatar’s stability, their role as leader in the region, as seen through US designation of Qatar as a major non –NATO ally.
"The relationship is growing and has room for growth. Our security relationship with Qatar has always been strong.”
He said the relationship with Qatar is based on a number of pillars, including education and commerce where there are a number of US companies doing business in Qatar and with Qatari companies.
"I would like to commend Qatar for being one of our best security partners in the world and not just in the region. The Al-Udeid Air Base is here. It has hosted thousands of US personnel over the years.”
The US ambassador said that Qatar has provided humanitarian assistance in the world and is always looking for ways to support where there is a need.
"We have a strategic dialogue with the government of Qatar and it ranges from security, humanitarian assistance, labour and human rights and we do this every year with the government of Qatar to make sure that we are speaking to each other clearly and plainly and finding ways where we can cooperate for the betterment of our relationship and the world.”
Davis said that the US finds Qatar as a reliable friend in the region as well as a partner on small and big issues.
The US envoy said that Qatar has been partnering with the US on many of the major issues that are faced in the region, most importantly the relocation of people in need from Afghanistan.
"Qatar was a leader not just in ensuring that those that have been relocated from Afghanistan had a place to go. They were also a leader in ensuring that those people including women, children, and people in danger of being trafficked were given shelter here in Qatar. I express the gratitude of the United States for all Qatar has done and all that it is doing.”
The Ambassador added that it was important for Qataris to have the opportunity to travel to the US, in particular Qatari students.
"We have hosted Qataris through exchange programmes for many years. We did it again this year and we hope to continue to do that with Education City here in Doha, with six American universities working here and showing the value of an education at an American university. We have thousands of American universities and we want to make sure that Qataris are able to go there and study, experience culture and then fulfill their dreams whether it will be in Qatar or anywhere in the world,” he said.
When it comes to trade, the ambassador said that there are opportunities for Qataris to invest in 50 states in the US.