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Doha, Qatar – On May 17th, 2022, the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC), Qatar Museums, and the U.S. Embassy in Qatar partnered to host a private networking event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States.
The event was held at the newly opened 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum and was attended by USQBC members and partners, representatives from Qatar Museums and the U.S. Embassy in Qatar, as well as members of the wider business community. The U.S. Air Forces Central Band (AFCENT) performed during the event.
In her welcoming remarks, Sheikha Mayes bint Hamad Al-Thani, Managing Director of USQBC Doha Office, said, “Today, our two countries are more than just partners, we are strategic allies with a relationship founded upon trust, mutual interest, and similar values. We stand side by side with one another on a range of important areas such as security, commerce, and sustainability.”
In his opening remarks, Qatar Museums CEO Ahmad Al Namla said, “Our two countries have long enjoyed a close partnership. Our aspiration for the Qatar-U.S. 2021 Year of Culture was to further strengthen our existing ties by enabling personal encounters between new generations of both countries. We sought to foster collaboration and spur creativity and curiosity so that the people of Qatar and the U.S. explore powerful new partnerships and inspire others.”
Director of Cultural Diplomacy at Qatar Museums Aisha Ghanem Al Attiyah, said, “The Qatar-U.S. 2021 Year of Culture was a testament to the trust and collaboration that exemplifies the long-term partnership between Qatar and the U.S. In a year challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, the shared spirit of ingenuity helped our American partners and us shape a diverse program of exhibitions, musical performances, and cultural exchanges.”
Chargé d'Affaires Ian McCary said, “Today we celebrate decades of collaboration and the business ties that have developed and grown over the last fifty years, and we look forward to the ties that will deepen over the next fifty years.”
Following the remarks, USQBC displayed an informational video on the newly launched USQBC Business Portal, a one-of-a-kind platform that seeks to advance trade and investment between the United States and Qatar and covers every single state in the U.S. and the Qatar market all under one comprehensive umbrella. Qatar Museums then played a video sharing some of the important cultural exchanges, which occurred during the Qatar-USA Year of Culture in 2021.
The year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the State of Qatar. This milestone signifies the longevity and strength of the bilateral ties between the two countries. The United States and Qatar have established a solid base for distinguished regional and international political relations, in addition to deep commercial, security, and cultural partnerships. In recognition of this special partnership, following the January 31 visit by Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the White House, President Joe Biden designated Qatar as a “Major Non-NATO Ally” to the United States.
This event follows a recent MoU signed between USQBC and Qatar Museums in support of the Business Pillar of the Years of Culture initiative. Under the agreement, USQBC and Qatar Museums will work together to develop programs to engage the Qatari and American business community. The collaboration includes the exchange of materials and publications, the planning of events and activities, the engagement of local and American companies, and the co-organization of conferences, seminars, and specialized workshops. USQBC is also a long-standing partner of the U.S. Embassy in Qatar.