Newspapers Note 50th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between Qatar and the US

Doha, March 19 (QNA) - Today's newspapers sheds light on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America. In its editorial, the newspapers considered March,19 a historic day for the partnership between the two countries, noting that the celebration of the 50th anniversary of that partnership coincides with a qualitative leap in relations, cooperation, alliance and effective partnership between the two countries. In its editorial, Al-Raya said that today marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America on March 19, 1972. Al-Raya added, that year after year, the strategic partnership between the State of Qatar and the United States proves its effectiveness and efficiency to achieve the common interests of the peoples of the two countries and maintain security and peace for the peoples of the world. The newspaper pointed out that in conjunction with the celebration of 50 years of Qatari-American relations, and in their discussions at the White House last January the leaders of the two countries showed interest in critical issues such as enhancing security and prosperity in the Gulf region and the Middle East, ensuring the stability of global energy supplies, supporting the Afghan people, enhancing trade and investment cooperation, as well as securing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Al-Raya noted that the Qatari-US relations jumped from cooperative relations to the established alliance and partnership with the launch of the first strategic dialogue between Doha and Washington in January 2018. Al-Raya highlighted that the regular dialogue between Doha and Washington affirms a firm Qatari-US commitment to strengthening cooperation and keenness to follow up on the implementation of what has been agreed upon, discuss and build on the achievements made, as well as coordinate and consult on regional and global challenges, security, law enforcement, and combating terrorism. The newspaper demonstrated the dynamics of Qatari-American relations, with US President Joe Biden designating Qatar as an ally of the United States from outside NATO, in an important appreciation of the strategic partnership between the two countries, after it demonstrated its effectiveness in many critical and decisive situations, especially in the Afghan issue, preserving Gaza's stability and putting pressure on ISIS, and the support for diplomacy to resolve the Ukrainian crisis. The newspaper pointed to a number of important figures, saying that economic relations witnessed a quantum leap in the past few years by raising the level of trade exchange between the two countries and exchanging visits at the highest levels, in addition to strengthening military, economic, security and cultural relations. The value of the Qatari-US economic partnership amounted to USD 200 billion. The total Qatari direct investment flows for the year 2020 in the United States amounted to USD 3.9 billion, while the volume of US direct investment in Qatar amounted to USD 14.2 billion in 2019, and the volume of trade exchange reached USD 8.1 billion in the same year with Qatari investment plans in America worth USD 45 billion. Al-Raya concluded its editorial by emphasizing that the United States remains the largest foreign investor in Qatar, with more than 120 American companies operating in Qatar, while Qatar Airways concluded the largest deal in Boeing history to purchase 50 cargo planes, worth USD 20 billion, providing more than 35,000 jobs in the United States, while enhancing the efficiency and modernization of the Qatari fleet, to maintain its leadership in the global aviation markets, so that the Qatari-American partnership remains effective and decisive for the good of the peoples of the two countries and the peoples of the world. Al-Sharq newspaper started its editorial by emphasizing the development of relations between Qatar and the United States, and said that Qatar and the United States of America celebrate the 50th anniversary of the developed diplomatic relations between the two countries, which is an extended process of political, economic, technical and educational cooperation in the interest of the Qatari and American peoples. The newspaper added that it was natural for these relations to evolve to the level of strategic partnership because they are based on transparency, clarity, and joint pursuit to achieve strategic goals that benefit the two countries in the political, economic and social fields, noting that the Qatari diplomacy has been seeking to strengthen relations with all countries of the world, especially the United States of America because of its remarkable political, economic and technological influence in today's world. The newspaper noted that these relations contributed to the development of industrial, technological and educational cooperation, and this led to many successes in these areas affecting development in the country. Al-Sharq referred to the statement of HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani who has said that the State of Qatars obtaining the designation of a major non-NATO ally of the US is a very important event. Al-Sharq referred also to the statement of HE Charge dAffaires at the US Embassy in Doha, Natalie Baker who said that the cooperation between Qatar and the United States on several areas has broadened and deepened significantly in recent years, adding that the strong ties between Qatar and the US in areas such as trade, humanitarian assistance, security collaboration, trade, culture, education and several others will continue to deepen in the years ahead. Al Sharq concluded its editorial by saying, that in view of these positive developments in the areas of joint cooperation, it was natural for Qatar Airways to reach an agreement with Boeing International, and it is a very important agreement for the two countries expected to push the successes achieved by Qatar Airways to further growth and development. In its editorial, Al-Watan newspaper reviewed the celebration of Qatar and the United States of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which at the outset stressed that it is a strong and growing strategic partnership in all fields based on deep trust, mutual respect and common benefits, serving the interests of the two countries and the region, as well as the global and regional peace and stability. Al-Watan indicated that the relations officially began in 1972, but their historical roots go back to the thirties of the last century with the beginnings of the emergence of oil in the Arab Gulf region, and witnessed very important developments, as it rose to a strategic partnership, and became stronger than ever, thanks to mutual keenness to support and develop these relations in all areas and sectors of common interest. The newspaper stressed that the United States of America designating Qatar as a major non-NATO ally was not a coincidence, rather, it came as the culmination of fifty years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which were further strengthened with the continuation of mutual visits between the two countries at the highest levels. The two countries succeeded in laying a solid base for distinguished regional and international political relations, understandings, agreements and partnership in various fields. Al-Watan said that the working visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to Washington at the end of last January, and the discussions that took place in its framework with HE the US President Joe Biden, and a number of senior officials of the US administration, was a distinguished station in the course of relations between the two countries, as it moved the strategic partnership between them to a new stage, and opened wide horizons for the development of bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the two countries and their friendly peoples, consolidating regional security and stability, preserving global peace, and contributing to solving the issues of the region, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause. The newspaper concluded its editorial by noting that the exchange of visits between senior officials and personalities from both sides takes place on a regular basis, to follow up prospects for bilateral cooperation at all levels, in order to achieve everything that would expand partnership and understanding between our two countries, in the service of common interests and for international peace and security. For its part, The Peninsula said that Qatar and the United States are celebrating 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. The relations of the two friendly countries have grown to the level of strategic partnership in the last five decades and they are strengthening further with the passage of time. These bilateral ties are deep, strategic, time-tested and cover almost all areas from culture to defense cooperation. In recent years, Qatar and the US have developed a strong alliance that is working to establish peace and stability in the region and beyond through countering various challenges. The newspaper added that recently the US designated Qatar as a major non-NATO ally which reflects the depth and strength of ties between the countries. The Peninsula referred to HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani who has said that the State of Qatars obtaining the designation of a major non-NATO ally of the US is a very important event. His Excellency said that relations between Qatar and the United States have reached an advanced and unprecedented stage of development, in addition to the existing military and security cooperation between the two countries and the presence of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which plays a pivotal role in the American policy aimed at preserving the stability of the Middle East, its strategic balances, its interests and the interests of its allies. The newspaper added that the size of the economic partnership between the two countries also exceeds USD 200bn, and Qatar has invested hundreds of billions of dollars in the American economy, which provides tens of thousands of jobs throughout the US, and more than 120 companies wholly owned by the American side operate in the Qatari market, along with 640 companies established in partnership between the Qatari and American sides. The Peninsula concluded its editorial by referring to the statements of HE Charge dAffaires at the US Embassy in Doha, Natalie Baker who said that the cooperation between Qatar and the United States on several areas has broadened and deepened significantly in recent years, adding that the strong ties between Qatar and the US in areas such as trade, humanitarian assistance, security collaboration, trade, culture, education and several others will continue to deepen in the years ahead. (QNA)