Q Life Magazine Qatar Moving Forward | Page 38

Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue In January 2018, a high-level Qatari delegation met with members of the US government, key stakeholders, and media, announcing several new deals and initiatives with the US throughout several high-profile media engagements. The delegation was led by His Excellency Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, and His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. During the Strategic Dialogue, which took place on 30 January, several important defence and security agreements were made, including the signing of a joint declaration outlining cooperation on matters of shared 38 regional and security interests, a framework to combat human trafficking, and the expansion of Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Affairs stated: “Qatar has spared no efforts in increasing the readiness and efficiency of Al Udaid operations by investing billions of dollars in direct infrastructure and maintenance of the strategic air base.” HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that Qatar looks forward to working with the US on regional security. He further stressed that the ongoing blockade “disrupts the joint efforts in providing stability for the region”.