Charleston, SC & Doha, Qatar Sign Declaration of Understanding

Doha and the city of Charleston, South Carolina, have signed of a declaration of understanding under which the two cities will promote economic and cultural relations.

The signing of the agreement took place during the official visit of Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani to Charleston in South Carolina. The aim of the visit was to enhance co-operation and common interests.

The agreement aims to explore new areas of economic development and new trade opportunities in both the public and private sectors, and support the exchange of experiences in planning, construction, health, education and environmental issues such as waste recycling and co-operation in greening and beautification as well as projects between the two cities, in addition to supporting exchanges of visits between officials and citizens to explore new areas of interest.

The declaration was signed by Qatar's Ambassador to the US Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad al-Thani and the Mayor of Charleston Mr. John Tecklenburg.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said this week witnessed the launch of a historic strategic dialogue between the US and Qatar aimed at highlighting opportunities that benefit the people of both countries, which are at the heart of the long and solid relationship.

"Despite the thousands of miles between us, South Carolina shares many similarities with the State of Qatar, but more importantly, we invest in human capital and create jobs that will benefit the American and Qatari people, and this is what pushes the political and economical commitment that I am happy that I'm involved in strengthening it."

"As one of the oldest and most important ports on the east coast of the United States, Charleston has long cherished its international relations," said Tecklenburg. "With this declaration, we announce our intention to forge deeper and stronger relationships with the people of Doha-Qatar and we look forward to the future which our two cities will share," he added.

The Governor of South Carolina, Henry McMaster, hosted a dinner in honor of the delegation of the State of Qatar attended by a number of business and community leaders. Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani held a roundtable with a number of senior politicians and business leaders from the state to discuss ways to enhance co-operation.

The Minister also toured Boeing's facility in Charleston. During the tour, he was accompanied by CEO of Qatar Airways Group, Akbar al-Baker, and the CEO of Qatar Investment Authority Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed bin Saud al-Thani.

Prior to the visit, the State of Qatar and the United States of America held the Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue.