Washington: Qatari Ambassador to the US, Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari, stressed that relations between both countries are based on strong foundations that stem from mutual trust.
He was speaking at a meeting with a World Affairs Council delegation, including Tony Culley-Foster, Vice-Chairman, executive committee; James Moran, former congressman; David Trulio, Global Communications Chair; and Stephanie Fassler, Director, International Affairs.
Al Kuwari said Qatari-US ties have reached an advanced stage because they followed the right path based on mutual respect, taking peculiarities into account and understanding priorities, which created foundations for relations in a way that ensure their continuity and growth.
He stressed Qatar’s keenness to preserve the independence of its decisionmaking and said interests meet without necessarily being identical and consensus that does not eliminate differentiation ensures the protection of those interests and promotes convergence in the longer term.
Al Kuwari said bilateral relations took an upward curve with expanding interests between both countries, embodied in agreements, particularly the trade and investment deal.
He said US firms expanded their businesses across economic facilities in the health, tourism, technology and infrastructure sectors in Qatar. He said Qatari investments in the US have doubled, and referred to Qatar Investment Authority’s announcement to invest $35bn in US sectors and Qatari Diar’s investment in City Center DC project in Wastington.
Al Kuwari said Qatar doesn’t invest only for returns, but out of its commitment to communicate with societies and cultures. Qatar is keen to invest in university education by seeking help of the most prestigious universities in the world. This was achieved through two means — by hosting six American universities in Education City in Doha, or by sending Qataris to study in the US. He said progress in bilateral relations was a result of their joint strategic goal. The US military presence in Qatar reflects the strength of security cooperation in the commitment to regional peace and stability. He said a balanced relationship between a small country and a superpower is possible.
QNA
