The year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between
the United States and the State of Qatar. This milestone signifies the longevity and strength of
the bilateral ties between the two countries. The US and Qatar have established a solid base for distinguished regional and international political relations, in addition to deep commercial, security, and cultural partnerships.
Coinciding with this occasion, Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani made an official state visit to Washington, DC and became the first Gulf leader to visit during President Joe
Biden’s presidency. The meeting emphasized the importance of the US-Qatar relationship including their cooperation in promoting international and regional security and prosperity, their substantial economic engagements and their deep security and defense partnership.
Major Non-NATO Ally
During the official visit marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the US
and Qatar, President Joe Biden designated Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally, in accordance with section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. This acclaim was “long overdue,” according to President Biden.
This prestigious nomination was granted due to the integral role played by Qatar in promoting vital US interests in the Middle East. President Biden praised Qatar for its immense support in acting as a meditator in as a mediator in the Afghanistan negotiations, relocating thousands of Afghan refugees, providing assistance in maintaining stability in Gaza, aiding in counter-terrorism efforts, and blocking threats across the Middle East. The US has also entrusted Qatar with hosting the Al-Udeid air base which is the largest US military base in the Middle East and hosts over 10,000 US soldiers.
US-Qatar Trade Relationship
The US and Qatar’s commercial relationship has continued to flourish over the years with the total economic relationship between the two countries exceeding $200 billion as of 2019. The United States is Qatar’s single-largest foreign investor with 850+ US companies operating in Qatar and is also the country’s largest trading partner. The sectors of two-way investment vary greatly and while many areas represent attractive investment opportunities, some of the high-priority areas include education & research, smart cities, financial technology, sports, agriculture, construction &
engineering, and oil & gas.
The United States and Qatar have continuously consolidated and enhanced their relationship over the past five decades by coordinating their economic, political, and security spheres. Their collaborations have resulted in deeper security ties, close partnership, and a prosperous commercial landscape.
Learn More with the USQBC Publication
To read USQBC's Publication on the 50 Years of Partnership - The State of Qatar and the United States of America, click the link below.
