WASHINGTON: The Qatar and US governments have expressed concern over the detrimental security, economic and social impacts of the Gulf crisis on the region.
The two countries affirmed their continued support for a strong and united GCC, focussed on promoting a peaceful and prosperous future for all in the region and on countering regional threats, according to a joint statement issued after the Third Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue, held on 14 and 15 September.
Qatar thanked the US for supporting Kuwaiti mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing Gulf crisis on the basis of respect for Qatar’s sovereignty and independence.
The US and Qatar signed an MoU on education, culture and sports in addition to signing a Statement of Intent designating 2021 as the US-Qatar Year of Culture and an Announcement of Intent for Qatar to host an investment forum in the US in 2021.
Active leadership and mediation
The US recognised Qatar’s active leadership and mediation to promote peace and reconciliation among all parties in Somalia and Sudan.
The US shares Qatar’s concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for tangible steps to improve living and economic conditions.
The US thanked Qatar for its role in bringing Taliban representatives to the negotiation table and for hosting the signing of the historic US-Taliban Agreement in February and the start of the Afghanistan Peace Negotiations this month.
Health cooperation
On health cooperation, the US and Qatar stand together in support of global health security and a world safe and secure from infectious disease threats, such as Covid-19, that pose a threat to the security and prosperity of both countries.
The two countries will redouble their bilateral and global commitments to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases, a worldwide threat that knows no borders. Qatar noted its commitment of $88mn to support the coronavirus pandemic response to over 80 countries worldwide.
Labour issues
On labour issues and partnerships, both sides acknowledged recent progress and commitments made by Qatar on combatting human trafficking and advancing labour rights.
Under the framework of the US-Qatar Anti-Trafficking MoU signed in 2018 and the US-Qatar Labuor MoU signed during the 2019 Strategic Dialogue, Qatar and the US implemented joint initiatives to build capacity, raise awareness, and promote labour rights.
The US recognised the significant progress Qatar has made toward enacting labour reforms and efforts to combat human trafficking, including abolishing exit permits for workers.
In addition, the US praised Qatar for issuing legislation mandating a minimum wage law and abolishing the `No Objection Certificate’law. The two sides plan t implement MoUs with a focus on strengthening Qatar’s recent reforms.
Bilateral trade
The two governments highlighted the marked increase in bilateral trade, which grew by 30.7 per cent between 2018 and 2019. US exports to Qatar also increased by 39 per cent over the same period, accounting for 21 per cent of all imports to Qatar in 2019.
The US remains Qatar’s largest foreign direct investor and trading partner.
The US delegation recognised Qatar’s successful implementation of reforms designed to attract foreign investment into Qatar, including the creation of free zones, the expansion of business ownership rights for non-citizens and the establishment of an Investment Promotion Agency.
Military cooperation
On military cooperation, the two governments reaffirmed their commitment to the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation to promote peace and stability and counter-terrorism.
The US delegation outlined plans to expand the operational capability of Al Udeid Air Base and commended Qatar’s generosity in upgrading critical facilities and infrastructure at the base.
Both governments committed to continuing discussions on the evolution of enduring basing in Qatar.
Together with further changes to align operating procedures with Nato standards, the upgrades at Al Udeid Air Base would increase the capability of US and coalition forces based in Qatar.
Qatar’s Navy and Coast Guard represent the largest maritime contribution to the 33-nation Combined Maritime Force Task Force-152 and continue to be high-value partners.
These missions, together with the strong partnership between Qatari maritime forces and the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, boost regional security by providing a visible presence and deterrent to unlawful maritime activities, the statement said.
Foreign Military Sales programme
The two sides discussed the $26bn Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, which continues to increase the capability and capacity of the Qatar Armed Forces.
The FMS programme forms the cornerstone of security cooperation between US and Qatari forces, and both sides acknowledged the strong and lasting bilateral security partnership.