50th Anniversary of U.S.-Qatar Diplomatic Relations, May 2022

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Qatar, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate both the United States and Qatar on the strong and deep- rooted relationship that has developed since the two countries established diplomatic relations fifty years ago.

The bond between our two countries has never been stronger, thanks to our enduring partnership to address regional and global challenges. Bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Qatar on trade, investment, climate change, education, humanitarian assistance, cultural exchanges and security collaboration have been expanded in recent years.

This was underscored at the White House earlier this year when President Joe Biden hosted His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. In his welcoming remarks on January 31, 2022, President Biden declared: ``Qatar is a good friend, and a reliable and capable partner.''

He reflected on the ``fifty years of partnership.'' Specifically, he said, ``this past year, our partnership with Qatar has been central to many of our most vital interests: relocating tens of thousands of Afghans; maintaining stability in Gaza and providing lifesaving assistance to the Palestinians; keeping pressure on ISIS and deterring threats across the Middle East; and a lot more.''

Our countries worked hand-in-hand on many vital priorities, such as the evacuating vulnerable Afghans under Taliban rule. The Qataris played a role that can never be forgotten, by helping to evacuate and process thousands of Afghans to Al Udeid Air Base. Additionally, in May of last year, the Qataris played a crucial role in negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. We all must acknowledge the critical role Qatar plays in stabilizing the world and saving countless lives.

As a Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I was very encouraged to see both President Biden and the Amir welcome the signing of a $20 billion deal between Boeing and Qatar Airways. This is one of the largest deals that Boeing aircraft has ever had. It will support manufacturing jobs at Boeing, General Electric and hundreds of other suppliers across the U.S. and in Qatar.

The highlight of our partnership is the designation of Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). Since Qatar already is home to the Al Udeid base, which is the largest in the region, and the CENTCOM regional headquarters, the new designation serves to reinforce the existing security partnership between our two countries.

It is important to note that the U.S.-Qatar relationship encompasses far more than strategic cooperation. Our two nations have developed cultural partnerships designed to promote intellectual and intercultural dialogue, and build bridges between our countries.

In addition, there are student exchanges from both nations, so that American students are able to study in Qatar, while Qatari students are welcomed in the United States.

Economic ties between Qatar and the U.S. have flourished over the last 50 years. The U.S. is Qatar's largest foreign direct investor and second largest source of imports while Qatar also has invested billions of dollars in the U.S. leading to the creation of thousands of jobs in this country.

The year marking the fiftieth anniversary of U.S. relations with Qatar began with the meeting between President Biden and Amir al-Thani. It will end on another particularly eventful occasion when Qatar hosts the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It is an incredible accomplishment that an event of such international significance will be held in Qatar.

I am proud to continue working with our Qatari allies in strengthening a lasting relationship that benefits both the America people and our Qatari friends across the world. Congratulations to us both.

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