March 20, 2014 - The US-Qatar Business Council welcomed His Excellency Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari, who presented his credentials to President Barack Obama as Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States of America last Monday, at a reception and dinner in his honor on Thursday. Council Members ExxonMobil, AECOM, Boeing, ConocoPhillips, Lockheed Martin, Occidental Petroleum, Raytheon, Qatar Airways, and Doha Bank sponsored the event.
The well-attended event was held at the luxury St. Regis Hotel in Washington, DC, another member of the Council. Attendees included Council members, representatives of other international organizations, foreign dignitaries and US government officials.
US-Qatar Business Council President, Ambassador Patrick N. Theros, opened the event, welcoming Ambassador Al-Kuwari and citing the Council’s long-standing cooperative relationship with the Embassy, Government and business community of Qatar. Ambassador Theros lauded Qatar as a leader in the region and discussed the country’s recent economic, political and social growth as well as its role as America’s closest ally in the Gulf.
Mr. Neil Goins, Vice President of ExxonMobil, introduced Ambassador Al-Kuwari speaking to Ambassador Al-Kuwari’s impressive career in Qatar and abroad. Mr. Goins congratulated Ambassador Al-Kuwari on his appointment and noted that ExxonMobil was looking forward to working with him.
Ambassador Al-Kuwari spoke to invited guests discussing the incredible growth happening in Qatar as it diversifies its economy beyond the oil and gas industry. Ambassador Al-Kuwari also commented on the US and Qatar’s close relationship, noting that Qatar looks to American companies and institutions for experience and knowledge. Mentioning recent investments made by Qatar into the US, including Washington DC’s own CityCenter, Ambassador Al-Kuwari spoke to the increased interest in US investments which will only serve to strengthen the relationship between the two countries for years to come.
Mr. Gary Sykes, President of ConocoPhillips Qatar concluded the evening, noting the long-standing relationship between ConocoPhillips and Qatar and once again welcoming Ambassador Al-Kuwari to Washington, DC.
The Council would like to thank Ambassador Al-Kuwari, the event’s sponsors, and all who attended for contributing to a successful gathering. The Council looks forward to working closely with Ambassador Al-Kuwari as Qatar continues to invest in its future.
