US-Qatar commit to enhance bilateral ties

Washington: The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and US President Donald Trump committed to boosting the strong relationship between both countries in a joint statement released on Wednesday.

The statement, released by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reads in part,"Today, as leaders of the United States and Qatar, we committed to further advancing the high-level strategic cooperation between our two countries. The United States and Qatar share a history of friendship based on common efforts and mutual respect.

"For decades, the bonds between our great nations have strengthened, reinforcing an increasingly close strategic and defence relationship focused on countering threats to our security, peace, and prosperity."

The two leaders witnessed a number of signings, including an agreement by Qatar Airways to purchase five Boeing 777 cargo planes.

The joint statement was released following remarks in front of the press at the Oval Office ahead of a bilateral meeting between the two heads of government.

Trump hailed his country's relationship with Qatar.

Speaking alongside Qatar's leader, Trump said, "They’re investing very heavily in our country. They’re creating a lot of jobs. They’re buying tremendous amounts of military equipment, including planes. And they’re buying commercial planes, as you know — very large numbers of commercial planes from Boeing. And we very much appreciate it.

"They built one of the great military bases, I would say, anywhere in the world. And it’s just been expanded, with runways and everything else. It’s been really a great honor to work with my friend. Thank you very much for being here."

"We’re doing a lot together," Qatar's ruler said in front of members of the press, "And our economic partnership has been more than $185 billion, and we’re planning to double this number. We have a lot of investments in the U.S. We trust the economy here. We do a lot in the infrastructure, and we’re planning to do more investments."

According to Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Tamim invited Trump to visit his country and the Al Udeid Air Base.